18.1.20 There seem to be different chat commands in every new MMOG. Do you think that these commands in MMOG's can and/or should be standardized?

The majority of EverQuest commands came from text MUDs.

(mini-quasi-related rant: EverQuest was VERY influenced by MUDs, especially DIKU MUDs, and I'm proud of that, and the commands, feel, and even some of the item names were in homage to, in respect FOR, the great MUDs we played (especially Sojourn/Toril)... I just see the occasional negative post in this regard like it's some secret that was discovered -- 'hey, EverQuest is very DIKU-like! OMG! It's not a totally original never heard of before game idea!' Yep -- and that was on purpose -- BUILD upon what's worked in the past... improve the genre... innovate, but on a solid foundation... that's what it's all about).

Anyway.... yes, there definitely should be standardization, especially with basic text commands. If I start playing a new MMOG, I should immediately have the basic knowledge, assuming I'm already an MMOG player, to start communicating and issuing basic commands... finding oneself in an environment totally unique just for the sake of being different is antagonistic to your potential player base and IMHO not a good idea.

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