Quests come in various types, such as general, career, and story quests, each with potential subdivisions. For example, quests can be either repeatable or non-repeatable. Most of the repeatable ones are general quests, rewarding players with money, items, stat enhancements, or skills. General quests grant abilities common across professions, while career quests, often repeatable, offer profession-specific skills. However, both career and general quests include some that are one-off, providing unique or exceedingly rare items in the game.
Non-repeatable story quests advance the game's narrative once completed by any player, not to forget the perks gained from quests. These particular quests have a significant impact on game progression. The rewards, if exchangeable for real money, can also be valuable.
Story quests are the heart of the game, infusing it with intrigue and drawing players into the narrative.
Games unfurl as narratives, providing a stage for players to immerse themselves in the unfolding tale.
Take "MGC (Midgard Cosmogony) Online," for instance. Its title is a nod to the Norse myths, speaking of an extraordinary ash tree, Yggdrasil, cradling nine realms within its sprawling branches and roots, realms that span from the divine to the mortal and beyond. This lore (sourced from https://sites.google.com/site/phudid47010/theph-cea-nxrs/tn-xik-dra-sil) is the foundation upon which the game's human world, Midgard, is built, offering a canvas for the game creators to craft rich, interactive content.
Perhaps it's the well-worn lore of Viking deities that dulls the sparkle; our familiarity has bred a certain ennui. Consider the surplus of films, all treading a similar path, particularly those casting the thunderous hammer-wielding god. Consequently, five years past, MGC Online scarcely left a mark, engaging a solitary million players.
Yet, a pivotal Martian excursion later, MGC Online shifted its sails. While human realm tales persist, and mythical beings from Yggdrasil's depths—deities, titans, fiends—emerge as dungeon boss or quest-givers, the company's scope grew. Beyond known frontiers, it crafted new quests, vocational storylines unyoked from the main narrative, weaving in earthly cultures to enrich the virtual tapestry. Such innovations heighten player immersion, broadening global appeal, aligning with international initiatives to eschew environmental harm in favor of a vibrant virtual existence.
People find the game accessible and easy to navigate, bringing them in effortlessly. But there's no pressure to dive into any storyline. They're free to simply exist in this digital world, taking on casual tasks for in-game currency that holds value back in the physical world. Yet, what really seals the deal and draws a crowd is how the platform allows individuals, corporations, and physical stores to transplant their traditional operations into this virtual ecosystem.
It's a genuine breakthrough to blur the lines between reality and gaming, effectively merging the two. MGC Online Company pioneered this approach, managing to engage a global audience in the process.
Numerous virtual world platforms exist, yet it's widely acknowledged that MMORPGs lead the pack in technological advancement, offering a rich tapestry of fantasy for users. Even weary employees find respite in these realms, slaying monsters to decompress from the day's demands.
Imagine if our reality mirrored the precariousness of the Nine Realms; the thought alone might deter you from stepping outside. Yet, in gaming, the stakes for the office worker are refreshingly low—a monster's defeat means merely respawning, with only a level reduction and lost gear.
In a society that frowns upon real-world violence and the hunting of animals for sport, games serve as an outlet for thrill-seekers, providing a harmless way to indulge in the drama of combat by taking down beasts, which is found to be compelling.
Shopping evolves in MGC Online, where businesses and retailers innovate with virtual "departments" selling tangible goods—rice cookers and washing machines included. Gamers can browse and buy, spending in-game gold, and enjoy the seamless integration of home delivery services post-purchase.
The land lord system had already thrown its support behind the founding of companies and stores. Be it a player or NPC holding the title of city lord, entities like companies or stores are welcome to establish their presence within the city. And there's no need for concern over damages amidst land lord conflicts—it doesn't come close to the devastation of World War II. Upon a city's fall, companies do collapse, with assets destroyed and pillaged, but remember, within the game, everything in the city is ultimately zeroes and ones, mere computer code. If the city falls, so do cookers, washing machines break down, but rest assured, in the real world, everything remains intact, with companies merely relocating to new cities. However, do note that taxes on silver and gold may vary from those in the original city.
Employees at these companies or stores might actually find their spirits lifted. Watching troops besiege the city, on the brink of the battlefield, can infuse a fresh and thrilling sentiment.
Playing a single game might touch every facet of life, akin to relocating across continents. MGC Online is such a game, designed to fulfill all human desires.
"Master's unique characters, honed over five years, are in fact unique interfaces, unsupported by the game's functions. Playing as usual, the system relegates Master back to the beginner's room, prompting an upgrade to new characters before dispatch to the starting city."
Refreshed from a cleansing shower, a neat shave, and teeth brushed pristine, Phakin felt buoyant from a soak and invigorated by cold milk. Prepared to devour Mina's porridge, processed to perfection, he was enthralled. Poised to immerse in the game, he yearned to survey his own city, with vivid visuals and a blend of sensory delights awaiting.
"I'm eager to witness the city I forged, to gauge its essence. Did my investment in a contemporary Thai cultural blueprint render a sight as stunning as the storied GuHai WuPian or its like? Haha, a mere glimpse of the fragmented scenes affirms our city's grandeur. Yet without the full picture, enjoyment eludes."
"Indeed," Mina replied with confidence. "Master will surely appreciate it." Yet Mina interjected, "However, Master, I suggest the master begin with the quests in the starting city. They're rather simple. Moreover, Master needs to establish a new character. Reports indicate it's a ubiquitous sort of quest—still, rather clandestine. It's familiar to us within the insider; only the affluent are privy to it."
Phakin showed curiosity. "So how came Mina to get of this?"
With a smile gracing her lips, Mina said, "Chandra City stands as a vast network, a hub of information, if you will. What's whispered as confidential, I have some insights into." Cocking her head with a charming smile, she added, "Should Master crave any rumors, I'm the one to consult. I'll retrieve it from the records."
I reckon Mina also has a particular fondness for delving into gossip news. Phakin offered a wry smile in response to Mina's glee and inquired for more information...
In the chamber where players first set up their avatars,
The angel clasped her elegant hands reverently and greeted, "Welcome, Mr. Sagittarius. It is my express duty to greet you." She boasts the title Premium Login Officer, is proficient in twelve languages, and is intimately acquainted with twelve Asian cultures. Her special assignment is to receive the exclusive with grace.
Her usual role is to usher esteemed personal from the real world into the realm of the game for their inaugural visit. Yet, this marks the inaugural occasion she's greeting one whose influence reigns within the game itself.
The angel possesses insight. All the receptionists, immersed in MGC Online, might falter in composure upon a meeting with Sagittarius. Consequently, the management has entrusted her with this finely honed task. She is the chosen one to extend this welcome to him.
She surveyed Phakin effortlessly committing to memory the contours of his faces while respectfully minding their privacy, a skill unique compared to fellow celestials who needed lengthier gazes
His curiosity piqued, Phakin inquired of the winged maiden, "Has the language translation technology truly advanced to flawlessly render Thai translations?" The global tapestry of languages presents a plethora of challenges, among which the intricacies of Thai stand tall with its tonal complexity and rich lexicon. Despite AI's finesse, traces of its translated origin can sometimes be discerned.
MGC Online, too, embraced a translation tool, bridging communicative divides across the globe — a practice initiated half a decade prior, a time before his odyssey to the red sands of Mars.
Indeed, the angel before her was of Japanese origin, yet his Thai was impeccably fluent—surpassing even a native speaker's.
This cheerful, beaming angel graciously explained, "Despite significant technological advancements, we haven't concocted a translation jelly akin to Doraemon's fantastical gadget. My proficiency is the result of diligent Thai language studies."
"That's quite impressive," lauded Phakin. He recalled encountering a Thai receptionist, questioning whether the system should have steered him to her instead, considering the added challenge non-natives face speaking a second language. On his inaugural login five years prior, a Thai official had provided excellent guidance in character setup.
Today, the sight of Sagittarius would likely send a Thai official into ecstatic fits, potentially causing a fainting spell right in the virtual capsule—such is his acclaim, particularly among Thai players.
Mulling over this, the angel maintained her serene composure, a testament to her training. She revealed, "Mr. Sagittarius holds VIP stature within this game. My assignment by MGC Online's high ranks is to extend a special welcome to Mr. Sagittarius."
Ah, indeed? Being the lord of metropolis does afford him certain unique advantages. Phakin began to gain a clearer grasp.
The angel being offered a reply, then proceeded to elucidate. Forthcoming alterations to the avatars Historically, game has implemented multiple revamps to these digital personas, enhancing their lifelike qualities extensively. Irrespective of visual, auditory, or even olfactory aspects, the necessity to reintroduce Phakin into this setting arose. This is in alignment with the company's conventional protocols concerning those participants who have negligently abandoned their ID inactive for upwards of a year in the game's world.
Regarding Phakin, his ID wasn't discarded, yet his presence hasn't graced the game's primary portal in a quintet of years. This predicament results in his avatar being deprived of the periodic refinements usually bestowed upon the consistently engaged players, thus precipitating his inclusion in this particular category.
Phakin responded, asking, "I am just concerned if my status remains the same, that's all." For all the players out there, Phakin would check his own status almost every day. His main profession, a mage, might not have leveled up at all, but his secondary profession, a land lord, is already at level 95. Just 5 more levels and he would reach the capstone level. And he does not want to start all over from the beginning.
The smiling angel maintained her expression and said, "It's definite that there is no change, but regarding the various items when you, Sagittarius, last entered the game using the capsule machine, we might need to inconvenience you a bit. According to the rules for new players, players have to go out in the starting adventure outfit without any weapons, armor, or carried items. We have updated everything for you, including all wearables and items in the dimensional bag, but you must go pick them up at the office in the starting city. As for the money in the dimensional bag—25 gold coins, 32 silver coins, and 15 bronze coins—we have made an exception for you. They are still in the dimensional bag and can be used for purchases immediately after you are teleported into the starting city... Now then, let's set up your character," and she spread her hands toward the left, saying, "Because you, Sagittarius, are a celebrity, our public relations department has also designed a character for you."
And then dozens of three-dimensional figures of characters appeared to the left of the fairy.
The first matter was understandable; this was the beginner's room after all, having just logged in. The system had to force the appearance to default. However, regarding the fairy offering a choice of characters, Phakin simply shook his head. The other side must have wanted to create a good image for the game, especially since the popular players, with the handsome character features he was seeing right now, could also be used in advertisements. But Phakin didn't like it. He waved his hand, "Set the body, face, and voice to the default, please."
"Yes, so choose... What!!??" This time she was completely off the training script. The angel even stopped smiling, her eyes growing wide.
Phakin doesn't really want to be the center of attention. He pointed to several 3D models available for selection, saying, "If it's designed to stand out like this, wherever you go, everyone would know, right? I'm here to play games, not to strut around in them." He likes the kids addicted to gaming. But if he were to venture into a game with such a distinctive look, he would become the center of attention, and it wouldn't be fun to play.
This might be a downside for this premium angel. She only encounters tycoons or big businessmen who care extremely about their appearance. She doesn't realize that there is a group of people who believe that the look of a character is not the first essential thing, but rather the peace and enjoyment found in playing the game itself.
"Ah, the starting city," light emerged, materializing into a form of a man with a default face, default stature, default height, and even a default tone of voice, dressed in an old villager's attire stored at the starting city's center square of the Asia-Oceania server.
The radiance at the center of the city never ceased, second by second, one or two people appeared in this server, signifying new arrivals logging in for the first time or perhaps players returning after many years, consistently reappearing. It could be said that the place was bustling indeed.
Sagittarius swept his gaze around with interest. He still vividly remembered the time he first entered this game. Compared to that time, the starting city still retained its ancient Scandinavian architectural style, referencing the myths of the Norse gods (Asgard), but what differed notably was the astounding attention to detail, so much so that he could see the grass growing at the edge of the central fountain, close by.
Sagittarius explored around and found an alley where a Mina was telling him. He smiled and walked straight into it.
"Got [slash] it without having to be a swordsman, just have to pay a little money, huhu," Sagittarius laughed wickedly in his heart. He walked past various clubs and guilds that were setting up booths to recruit new players who had just logged in around the central square and headed towards that alley.
A female player with a default face like Sagittarius was standing handing out brochure to new players who had just logged in for the first time, as if it was a welcome event for first-year juniors to visit university clubs. She looked at Sagittarius incomprehensibly and asked a friend beside her, "That guy, isn't he going to look at a guild brochure at all?"
Entering the game for the purpose of working for a company with a branch located in MGC Online, but logging out right after finishing work isn't the whole story. After work hours, every company employee goes on adventures in the game. When adventuring, one must rely on guilds or various e-sports clubs for the journey of leveling up, so as not to start completely clueless and struggling alone. Or, looking at it another way, this default-looking guy, belonging to an international conglomerate which offers guides to help with adventures as part of their benefits, should head to the company's guide booth located at a corner of the central square to register there.
This is the evolution of both the game and its players, adopting real-life methods of living.
When MGC Online includes companies opening within the game, it implies that this game is akin to a country of its own.
The login point in this starting city is like this country's airport where passengers who land typically have a few specific objectives.
One is like tourists, or those who come to play the game casually. Taxi stands and both legitimate and shady tour guides are all vying to grab this group of people.
Two come to do business, which can be interpreted in two ways: to adventure in games to make money that can be converted into currency for use in the real world. This group of people, guilds, and clubs like them a lot. If they have some skills, they would even hire them and pay them in real money.
Three come to work, according to the rules of MGC Online, employees from the real world who come to work in MGC Online must use their own ID from their national ID card to register. Employees have no special rights to log in and immediately sit at their company's desk to work. The company will recommend that employees meet with a guide, and the guide will take them to their workplace.
Therefore, the central square is as busy as it is.
"It's not surprising that the female player was skeptical since the fourth group of players, which is actually a solo player group, does not associate or join any guilds or clubs at all, which these days is very rare because guilds and clubs have been involved in this game for so long. Their influence is strong and widespread to every nook and cranny, making it very difficult to play solo.
And this man was the first that she saw walking away on his own.
"What's the matter, Melon-chan?" When her friend turned to her, the female player pointed to the default-faced man she had seen.
It seemed that her friend had been playing the game longer and even knew the inside news. When he saw that man walking straight into a dark alley, she quickly pulled Melon-chan away from the crowd and whispered, "That man must be someone very important for sure."
Melon-chan asked with wide eyes, "Why... even important people need to have a guild, right? Just like what we saw yesterday, the big boss of the Templar Knights guild personally welcomed the Aussie (Australian) billionaire after he logged in himself." she still didn't understand.
However, her friend shook her head and said seriously, "It's not like that. In that alley, there are NPCs that give out skills!"