The n3rfed blog is breathing again, and Cosmik has a great post from his time abroad poking at the design stereotypes of Western MMOGs. From the piece:

We’re so intent on feeding the bottom line that we resign ourselves to churning out the next clone even when we’ve had our fill. We’re taught to fear chance or change, and dismiss anything that doesn’t fit our mould. We look for validation, not inspiration.

There’s a huge Non-Level Non-Skill Non-Fantasy market out there waiting to be tapped for both monetary and enjoyment value. It’s no rumor of a secret southern counterweight continent (hah, who would believe that?) – it’s true.

We say the Japanese with their stylized arcade and action themed online games are crazy.

Are we not in fact the crazy ones?

Sounds familiar somehow.