The MMO Language 101

While writing my Eldevin review it crossed my mind that many people reading this blog may not know various gaming or MMO terms which could make understanding my review difficult. In light of this epiphany I have decided to make a short guide to MMO acronyms to better help new gamers and non gamers alike better understand the basics of the MMO language.

I want to begin by saying that these were in no way taken from any website or publication. These definitions are simply my personal interpretation of various MMO acronyms and will be consistent with the way I use them in my upcoming Eldevin review.

MMO (Massively Multiplayer Online) : This is a term used to describe a game in which many users connect to and play simultaneously. One can interact with any of these players and choose to play with them or in some cases against them.

MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game): I have defined the MMO section of this already so lets discuss the RPG part. A role playing game is technically a game in which you assume the role of a character other than yourself to play as. This of course means that almost any game can be considered role playing but as far as RPG's are concerned there are a certain level of systems expected to be available to the gamer. An important one is some kind of choice for how your character works and the way your character fights. Your character must choose a role if you will to determine fighting style. Most RPG's have some kind of class system in which the player picks a certain archetype, for example: Mage, Rogue, Warrior, Gunslinger, Archer or something along these lines which defines the way your character fights enemies and supports allies. The systems within MMORPG's will vary from slightly to greatly but almost all MMORPG's have ways to customize your characters play style. Crafting is also something that is likely to be expected from most MMO's. These systems allow players to make various things in game ranging from purely cosmetic (like dyes for armor) to items that can make your character stronger (better armor, weapons etc.) These are just a couple things most people expect from MMORPG's but they are the only things I am going to talk about in this guide.

DPS (Damage Per Second)(Melee/Ranged): This is an acronym used to talk about how much damage a character does or to talk about the role that a character plays. A DPS character is a character who’s job it is too deal strong consistent damage on monsters to ensure their timely demise. A melee DPS character is a character that deals damage in a close range scenario and will use close range weaponry to deal damage. Close range weapons are something along the lines of any bladed weapon and can even be a close ranged gun like a shotgun for example. A ranged DPS character is a character that deals damage but does not have to get close range to do so. They do this either through using a weapon like a bow or gun, or by casting some sort of longer ranged ability. I like to call these characters “a dime a dozen” because generally speaking there are many more DPS type characters played in MMO's than any other character role. They are needed for most MMO's but they are generally easier to pick up and play than tank or healer roles which explains why most people are more comfortable playing them.

Tank: This is a term used to describe a character role in which the characters main job is to hold the attention of monsters to keep his/her less resilient allies out of danger. Tanks are usually difficult to kill as they have many ways to avoid and mitigate damage from enemies.

Healer: This is a term used to describe a character role that focuses on healing and supporting allies. Healers generally play an essential role in the MMO world because without them to keep people alive many difficult challenges would not be possible.

Respec: In many MMO's it is common to earn various points when you gain a level. Once you spend these points you can usually only get them back through what is called repecing. Respecing has become an essential feature in the MMO world because it allows players to try different ways to play their character. Repecing usually costs some form of in game currency or in some cases (like Eldevin) it can cost real money.

ARPG (Action Role Playing Game): This is a term used to describe a role playing game that focuses mostly on combat and usually only has other very basic systems. ARPG's have a different set of expectations in terms of the way the game plays and feels compared to most modern MMO's.

Meaty: A term used to describe a character that can take more hits than other characters. This is usually used to describe a DPS character that is more resilient than other DPS role characters.

Squishy: The opposite of meaty. Used to describe a character that will die quickly if enemies manage to attack it.

I hope these terms help anyone who may be confused by my incoming review. My Eldevin review is finished and I will be posting it on Monday March, 17th. I want to give everyone a couple of days to look this over and get acquainted with some of the basic MMO terms before I post my review. That being said if you think I forgot anything or have some questions please feel free to ask!

Also if your are antiquated with the MMO scene what is your favorite MMO related acronym?