About this time last year, one of our legal assistants messaged me about the launch of Ragnarok Mobile SEA and it has been a long online journey since then.
One of the main reasons why I played Ragnarok Mobile SEA is for nostalgia. When I was in high school, I played the Ragnarok Online (PC Version) for awhile. It was the first massive multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) that I played. Unfortunately, I quit that game early because I was hacked so I wasn't able to explore it that much. So this time, I am determined to familiarize myself with the game mechanics a bit more.
Since I'm quite philosophical, I play this game with two (2) basic principles:
1. Play f2p like I once did.
Since I play for nostalgia, I play it like it was before. I had absolutely no in-game purchase except for having a multi-class character and saving its attributes which is around 1,000 php. I was quite surprised that a lot of gamers would spend as much as half a million pesos for a game. Game accounts are being sold more than tangible things too. This players support the game development and maintenance and at the same time, they also help in making it viable for f2p players to participate in the collaborative play.
2.Play at your comfort level but don't quit until you have optimized your f2p character.
All my long-time friends who I began playing this game has already quit. My 1st guild who were my playmates from another game has quit within 3 months. My friend who introduced me to my 2nd guild has quit too. I credit my in-game efficiency and discipline to my 2nd guild. I used to think that games are for kids but the game complexity makes it more adequate for players of all ages. My guild mates from my 2nd guild were composed of successful individuals from 6-digit earning managers to National Athletes who are not only efficient in terms of their profession, family (most have kids) but also in progressing in the game. Due to conflict on opinions, I had to leave and fortunately, I was qualified for my third guild - Exodiac Guild.
Exodiac Guild is one of the top Filipino guild in Ragnarok Mobile SEA (Eternal Love Server). What makes it unique is that is led by celebrity / cosplayers Myrtle Sarrosa.
But of course, that is just one of the external aspects of the guild.
Joining the guild paved way to let me know more about the world of gamers.
Recently, I was able to drop by Exodiac Guild's 5th EB at Versus Barcade at the Uptown Parade Mall BGC.
The venue was quite cool because you can play 90s arcade games for free!
I always ran out of coins playing pinball when I was young...
You can practice all you want with this crane machine too! I wonder why I didn't try it though.
The celebration was held on the second floor.
As usual I was the shy type and guildmates seem to already know each other...
so it was wise for guild leader Myrtle initiate the introductions.
It exemplifies that form of governance the guild has which is proactive yet democratic.
The guild leader and the guild council is open for feedback but at the same time enforces policies for the strengthening and sustenance of the guild and its members.
I also appreciate the well-researched guides they make. Making guides like the one I shared before takes time!
But, most of all, I like that there is no discrimination against an f2p player.
The guild activities are open to all especially if you can carry your own weight.
Overall, it was a cool EB experience with...
drinks...
food...
and socials...
that brings guildmates together.