Age of Conan

Let's get this straight:

zone = a discrete area of the game

instance = a single copy of a zone

therefore:

zoning = partitioning the game world into discrete areas

instancing = using multiple instances of the same zone at the same time

So:

Since AoC uses multiple instances of the same area it is an INSTANCED game. It is not  simply ZONED since all of its areas have multiple copies.

EVE online, for example, is heavily ZONED because each star system is very much separate from the rest but it is not INSTANCED at all since there are no multiple copies of the same area.

WoW uses SOFT ZONING (or tunnel zoning) to create a very convincing illusion of a seamless world but it is still a ZONED game.

To cut the long story short and repeat the obvious: AOC IS A COMPLETELY INSTANCED GAME.

There is no escaping this. While AoC may try to soften the impact by allowing non-grouped players to enter the same instance, it is still an INSTANCED game because there are multiple instances of each and every area in the game.

"Open World" means a non-instanced game world that is the common ground for all the players. EVE online has open world because a star system  XYZ is the same XYZ for everybody who enters it. AoC has none of this - it has XYZ 1, XYZ 2, XYZ 3... Therefore AoC HAS NO OPEN WORLD.

While many will say that it is a small price to pay for such lush graphics and an action-based combat system, for me it doesn't work at all... Sorry.

I'll probably play it if it comes out on XBOX because this approach seems much more appropriate for a console game. IMO, FC made a big mistake by concentrating on PC release rather than console one. It could have been the first real console MMO. Pity.

I heard somewhere that this is only temporary. Same as the sieges, they will start at 48vs48, then expand.

I think this was done to make a softer launch =)

I think everyone knows this already, why create yet another thread on this topic? there are already more than 10 threads discussing the same topic.

Useless thread.

Originally posted by Xtromass

I heard somewhere that this is only temporary. Same as the sieges, they will start at 48vs48, then expand.

I think this was done to make a softer launch =)

They won't increase the number of players per instance.

With time the players will spread around more and you'll see less copies of the same zone but the basic structure will remain the same.

Yes, AoC is zoned.  Not an issue for me because the zones are enormous.  Maybe an issue for others.  Just not an issue for me.  I'd go for content over "seamless world" any day.

Yes, it has the CAPABILITY of having multiple copies (instances) which are created dynamically by the servers should the need arise.  But that is not always required.  E.G dungeons have instances just like EQ2 had.  However, that doesn't mean that each instance is just for one group or one person e.g. like WoW's dungeons.

So think of EQ2 with much bigger outdoor zones (much bigger than Vanguards mini-seamed zones and much bigger that EQ2's) and better graphics, with an in-depth lore driven quest system, fun and engaging combat, and you get the idea.

Although, you'll probably hate it as you love sandbox designs.  I'm not having a pop at you, just stating a fact.

To give the idea of size: 

Imagine Vanguards main 2 continents divided up into 1/2.  That is the sort of size I'm talking about in Connells Valley and Kopshef (both areas are levels 20 - 30)

Originally posted by Electriceye

I think everyone knows this already, why create yet another thread on this topic? there are already more than 10 threads discussing the same topic.

 

Useless thread.

I sense a great deal of confusion from people trying to get some reliable info about this game, particularly regarding the issue of zoning/instancing.

Imo, somebody should finally give them a straight answer:

Q: Is AoC instanced?

A: YES

Q: Whoah! Not like Guildwars!?!

A: No, not like Guild Wars - you can meet random people everywhere like in GW cities but still there is no true open persistent world outside like in WoW or EVE.

No, its not like GW.  AoC is more akin to EQ2 where you find people both in the cities and in the outdoor "zones".

Originally posted by markoraos

 

Originally posted by Electriceye

I think everyone knows this already, why create yet another thread on this topic? there are already more than 10 threads discussing the same topic.

 

Useless thread.

 

I sense a great deal of confusion from people trying to get some reliable info about this game, particularly regarding the issue of zoning/instancing.

Imo, somebody should finally give them a straight answer:

Q: Is AoC instanced?

A: YES

Q: Whoah! Not like Guildwars!?!

A: No, not like Guild Wars - you can meet random people everywhere like in GW cities but still there is no true open persistent  world outside.

Though seriously if after all the previous posts there are still people getting confused, then they won't ever understand.

Ooh, you know so much. I still love it though!

Dog with bone much OP lol.

Still don't understand why this is even an issue for people. (No..please dont tell me why....i have heard all of the issues and i can think more of my own...it still isn't a problem from my very logical eyes)