On So-Called Political Elitism: A New Player's Perspective

Day 933, 16:52 • Published in USA USA • by Zeutheir

Hey everyone. This is my first article here. I'm a new player. I let my character die soon after joining the first time and only recently revived my account about a month ago. I've made some good and bad decisions, learned a lot, and met some great people so far.

I decided to start a newspaper and write this article after a well-received response I wrote to a post on the eUS forums. You can find that thread here.

After seeing the thread (ironically) get responses only from a few well-established players, I decided to post my opinion. I've heard the arguments played out from new players on IRC time and time again, and I wanted to write something that could be read by new players coming from one of their own instead of from a more well-established player. I know I would have benefitted from the same.

So I'll paste my response here, and I appreciate any voting, subscribing and constructive criticism in the comments. I'll be writing more along this vein in the future, hopefully targeting a new player's approach to improving the new player's experience.
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I think many new players don't want to post here in the midst of experienced players and get flamed for it. I can understand that.

I'll agree a little bit with both sides, here. I've only been active in this game (as in, actually logging on and participating on IRC) for 5-6 weeks. And I've definitely seen my share of so-called "elitism" in the form of established players who are part of an established power base who want to make sure new players learn at the pace they should. Many new players might think this appears like being shut off, and you could see why, but it comes down to practicality.

I mean, really, what is a new player going to do? If you don't meet the requirements for a unit, you can't join it. If you don't have any connections in-game and aren't well-respected, you aren't going to do well politically. You have to get your start by working your way up, rung by rung, and showing that you have the work ethic to stick around and be worth something later, all while learning the game mechanics and getting socially involved in the game community. I'm sure older players get tired of telling new players that mass messaging and menial party work is the way to get started, and as they repeat it over and over, their message may lack empathy, but that's just the truth. It's reality.

I think someone said it best earlier that those complaining of elitism and being shut off are those who haven't really tried, swallowed the sour grapes and put in the work of establishing themselves as a credible player. It's a slow process in a world where, for new players, the pure game mechanic is very simple (log in, fight, work, train), and it's frustrating for one to not be able to "be important" simply by putting in more hours per day. It's a more complicated social atmosphere than that, and it's in stark contrast to the minimalist game mechanics that new players have to work with in-game. It takes a patience and maturity to navigate that contrast.

Really, just from my observation, which -- yes -- is not incredibly informed, it comes down to 75% putting in time, 20% putting yourself at the right place at the right time, and 5% luck.
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I definitely don't mean to presume that this is any sort of guide for new players. There are plenty out there which are amazing (see this), but I just wanted to give some motivation along with a realistic perspective to the other new players out there who are trying to get a grasp of the game, too.


I just thought I'd throw in my opinion. I don't mean to offend anyone. Hope everyone is well.


My best,



Z