I have had of late, reason to lose some enjoyment with GoG. This is down rather specifically to the bullying and trolling engaged by a handful of players whom are finding “enjoyment” for themselves at the expense of others. I am perhaps more empathic (some might say weak, or a “pussy”) and I often feel bad for others suffering at the hands of another. Let’s just say, I have had first hand experience in my youth of the effects of constant harrasment and bullying.

What I find interesting in these regular occurrences, is the justification the “this is a War game”, as this absolves them of simply being dicks. Rather like the emotionally challenged board game player who up-ends the table because things don’t go their way. Playing by the rules isn’t working for them, so stuff the rules…

Two things about this justification I find inaccurate.

First, it is not a War Game. If it were, then what place does the aspects of unions in alliances, and defending the kingdom, or working together as a kingdom to improve our growth, and even the idea of team work in order to grow, have in a game about war? I’ve played strategy war games and while there are similarities, Command and Conquer, and others of its ilk, are NOT like Guns of Glory.

GoG is an Online Mulitplayer Strategy Game, that combines elements of combat, with team work, collective goals, trading, and other aspects of unity. War is but one element of a much larger strategy structure.

GoG also allows the flexibility for kingdoms to develop their own additional rules, thus introducing a variety of gaming styles.

Second, the word GAME. Even if you are to accept that GoG was just a War Game, it is still a game, and games are about enjoyment for the majority, if not the entirety, of participants. When the enjoyment is reduced to but a small fraction of those ivolved, then it becomes something else entirely. It is no longer a game, it is an exercise in annoyances and frustration, and who wants to hang around for that?

People play these games because they enjoy doing so. Once the enjoyment stops, they stop playing. So if the goal of these trolls and bullies is to ruin the enjoyment of as many other players as possible, they shouldn’t be surprised if some will stand up to them and try to find means to fight back, so that they can return to having fun again. Crying “It’s a War Game” does not change the fact they are playing like dicks.

And that’s my opinion.