@srslyyou That's Japan. But you're also over-simplifying things. The influences on Final Fantasy were numerous: Wizardry, Dragon Quest, Ultima and Zelda were all influences. Dragon Quest probably has the most direct influence on FF.
But the influences on Western RPGs is mainly Dungeons and Dragons and Ultima. Japanese titles definitely have some influence, but none moreso than those two.
Even if you exclude MUDs and MUSHs, Meridian 59 still came before UO. And it really bothers me that Rowan didn't check this important fact.
Regardless, Ultima is still very important in the history of RPGs. I often scoff when people tell me Western RPGs owe their existence to Final Fantasy, considering it was actually the Ultima series that popularized the graphical RPG genre.
@jiggypoo Are you kidding me? The 360 is about to turn six years old. Even the SNES will have enjoyed a shorter period of relevance, when you consider the fact that we're probably at least a year away from the next gen of consoles.
FYI, SC2 only put a 9% dent in Blizzard's revenues because Cataclysm was released the same year. If Cataclysm had been released in 2011, that percentage would have been higher. Not much higher, I suspect, but still higher.
An important thing to note is that revenues do not reflect profits. WoW is more expensive to operate than SC2, so WoW likely generates much less of the company's profits in terms of percentage.
Here's my question: Will the conquest point cap still apply for people converting their valor points to conquest points? If so, I guess the ability to convert doesn't matter. But, if not, I'm concerned about the early-season gear differential causing problems for people at the higher ranks.
Blizzard admits to 'grossly underestimating demand' for World of Warcraft in 2004
Feb 14th 2012 8:55AM (Massively)Ultima: Most. Important. Game Series. Ever.
Jan 31st 2012 2:11AM (Joystiq)But the influences on Western RPGs is mainly Dungeons and Dragons and Ultima. Japanese titles definitely have some influence, but none moreso than those two.
Ultima: Most. Important. Game Series. Ever.
Jan 29th 2012 8:14PM (Joystiq)Regardless, Ultima is still very important in the history of RPGs. I often scoff when people tell me Western RPGs owe their existence to Final Fantasy, considering it was actually the Ultima series that popularized the graphical RPG genre.
The Daily Grind: What's the most iconic MMO city?
Oct 31st 2011 10:00PM (Massively)2. Stormwind (WoW)
3. Ascalon (GW)
The Daily Grind: Do you support your favorite MMO by staying subbed, even if you don't play anymore?
Oct 28th 2011 8:56AM (Massively)Epic wants Unreal Engine 4 ready for the next-gen console launch
Oct 27th 2011 10:43AM (Joystiq)Raid Rx: Healing changes and Firelands thoughts
May 13th 2011 5:09PM (WoW)The Lawbringer: Let's read Activision Blizzard's 2010 10-K annual report
Apr 22nd 2011 5:17PM (WoW)An important thing to note is that revenues do not reflect profits. WoW is more expensive to operate than SC2, so WoW likely generates much less of the company's profits in terms of percentage.
Patch 4.1 PTR: New PvE-to-PvP currency conversion
Apr 7th 2011 9:48PM (WoW)WoW Moviewatch: Ragnaros's Cereal Commercial
Feb 25th 2011 5:11PM (WoW)With better catchphrases, I might add.
http://www.fohguild.org/forums/attachments/screenshots/48428d1187769127-funny-strange-random-pics-ragnaroscerealcopy.jpg