While I would say that community sites, chat and other players represent the "community" aspect of UO, the problem is that there are just so few people around in haven. And although I really really dislike single-player aspects in multiplayer games (IE quests), there really needs to be some sort of structure in place to help a new player get to grips with UO.
From Mythic's point of view, they really cant rely on other people to integrate new players into the game. Im trying not to refer to when I was new, but really, there were a whole bunch of things that existed then that dont know.
- A box with a detailed manual
- Initial tutorial that let me put what id read in the manual into practice
- a newbie-only area (as in, nobody but new players could be there!)
- Companions were the main thing that helped me get some perspective (what is "good" and what is not)
- other new/not-so-experienced players
- A central place that people would "hang out"
Companions no longer exist and argueably are no longer needed with people able to access haven. However, despite help that players give, new players may be confused or intimidated by other players and their gear (EG my girlfriend was confused by all the stuff I had and was using).
I think that seeing someone playing UO now.. just starting out.. reminds me a lot of how UO used to be and reminds me of all the things it seems to lack now.
