Things To Do

The following is a list of things I would probably need to do in order to achieve what I am aiming for.

• Search the internet for game design job ads to find out the skills being asked for.
• List the skills I have / don't have / need, in relation to said jobs, in order to know where to focus my efforts.
• Research if anyone has ever tried replicating an MMORPG atmosphere for testing without coding an actual MMORPG.
• If any ideas are found, I can learn from them before deciding on the 'system' I intend to use.
• Do research into the important steps to create an MMORPG, and take notes of what I think can be useful for designing my game.
• Take a look at common mechanics found in popular MMORPGs, and identify how they could help or hinder this project.
• Do research on progression in games.
• Do research on grinding mechanics.
• Research on meaningful choices in games.
• Research on complexity in games.
• Research level design.
• Design a game that would be suitable for my 'experiment'
• Ask other players to help me test my game in order to record information.
• Iterate through the many flaws that will undoubtedly arise and repeat.

It is probable that I have missed out on something, so I might have to update this list as I go along.

If anyone has any suggestions for any references I should be looking at, please let me know as it would help me in my search.