

Generally in most MMORPGs1 the role of shopkeepers are assigned to pre-
programmed NPCs. However in SAO we see Agil and Lisbeth run their own stores.

Was SAO's community-driven nature (i.e. players assume the roles as
shopkeepers) a part of the original specification, or did this only occur
because Kayaba trapped everyone?

* * *

1: There is one recent MMORPG I am aware of that has a player controlled
economy where players have to find their own jobs within the game (i.e.
farmer, blacksmith, trainer) but I can't remember the name and it is also the
only MMORPG I am aware of that does this.


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2015-12-31T03:48:32.100
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sword-art-online
Was SAO originally designed to be community-driven?


While MMORPGs do usually have shop NPCs, it is important to note that they
usually don't sell the best gear. (Or even good gear)  
The best gear is either from bosses, random drops, or, from crafting. It seems
that in SAO, good gear was made via crafting, as we see when Kirito asks Liz
to make him a sword, and they go hunting for materials.

So it seems like it was intended to be community driven, as you could raise
skills, and craft, and as it is fairly obvious that not everybody wants to
have a high blacksmith skill, as you could always buy it with money you get
otherwise.

And you say Igneel, but I think you mean Agil.


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2015-12-31T09:26:36.397
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