As we all know, several aspects of MMO Games are reliant on people working together in a group to accomplish a goal. However, how and to what intensity you play the game is dependent on your lifestyle and “real life” obligations. Many people make the mistake of picking a play style that doesn’t mesh with their “real life”, causing issues anywhere from “burnout” to being a perpetual “noob.”

Solo Player

You play when you can and if you have a max-level character you do a true pick-up-group (PUG), craft items or run aimlessly around the major cities. If you are in a guild it may be your bank alt’s guild just so you do not have to deal with random invites. You usually only have gear from the mediocre dungeons, making you an asset to pugs but not worthy of high level raids. If you do raid, it is always with a PUG when you see one in a public chat channel, considering your time online is often sporadic.

Family Guild

This option lets you be more social and allow you to run PUGs with friends and possibly even embark on some half-way organized raids. The advantage is you will have more opportunities to raid with out the pressure of having to commit to a certain day or amount of time. A family style guild also is a lot more understanding on last minute drop outs and contingencies.

Casual Guild

This option requires time commitments but is usually flexible with your schedule as long as you post on the guild site or tell an officer/raid leader ahead of time. This option works well if you know or can arrange a few hours all together to play one to two days a week and is flexible enough that if you need to cancel you can. These guilds usually use a non-DKP point system to make sure loot is spread out to help all guildies.

Progression Guild

Much like the casual guild this option will have specific raids set up, time commitments, and will allow for cancellations as long as you give ample notice. The difference here and with casual guilds is that you often need to be able to commit to multiple days of raiding, not just a sporadic one or two. This type of guild will also have a minimum gear requirement to ensure you have the potential to perform at a certain level. These guilds usually use a non-DKP point system, but DKP systems are also possible.

Raiding (Hardcore) Guild

This option requires you to arrange your real life happenings around your non-raid days. This guild will have three to five set raiding nights with mandatory attendance. Loot is usually determined with a DKP point system that encourages attendance and allows for adjustments to be made for performance as well. Missing a certain amount of raids or not staying the full duration often comes with a penalty attached. While this option can be worked around, it usually does not match well with a person who does have fairly demanding real life commitments or poor organizational and time management skills.

Honesty is the best policy; take a good look at what you are able to do based on your real life happenings and look for a style and guild that best suits you. Your decision as to how you play the game can be life altering, so take it seriously!

So how do real life commitments affect your playstyle?

About the Author

Bloodragé is a single father of 2, a full time worker and a gamer–not necessarily in that order. He has been playing World of Warcraft since early Burning Crusade but has tried and failed many-a-MMO before that. He recently took a year break from the game, so no comments about his gear . He is sarcastic, witty and has a thing for cleft hoofed females. He is currently in the guild Illuminatus as a guildmate and on the guild council.

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