My second column for GameSetWatch has gone up, this time with a slightly broader and more esoteric bent. It’s the ‘Random Dialogue’ column from MMORPGDot all over again, and I’m very grateful to Simon for the chance to write it.

With development times measured in years and half-decades instead of quarters, nothing will break your heart as badly as a crappy Massive game. Today I’m going to be talking about the inflated expectations that long MMOG development times can build, why I think Pirates has fulfilled player expectations, and what future titles can do to ensure that high hopes stay grounded in reality.

GameSetWatch – MMOG Nation: The Appeal of the Unseen

I’m making my annual pilgrimage to the mecca of nerdery on Wednesday. If you’ve never been, you can think of GenCon as sort of a pen-and paper E3, only without the cute women or the bathing.

I kid. Mostly.

The MMOG folks are ever-more interested in the con of cons, though, and at least three publishers are going to have a presence there this year.

Turbine’s announced that they’ll be unveiling the Forsaken Lands [Forum post may disappear] at their booth. DDO was a big draw at last year’s con, and I imagine it will be so again with its new info.

Pirates of the Burning Sea is planning a big show for the con, with demos and (probably) some info on the user-created content addition they’re making to the game.

You may have already heard that Guild Wars is holding a massive tournament this weekend. $5,000 in cash to the top 32 winners. Too bad I suck, or I’d be right there.

I can’t see any confirmation, but with Jack Emmert’s past in the tablet-top industry City of Heroes/Villains has usually had a presence at the event. They usually say they’re going, though, so mayhap with Mr. Emmert’s fading into the background they’ll be keeping a lower profile as well. Shame.

I expect to be a little post-light this week, as a result of my busy schedule, but I’m sure I’ll have lots of post fodder ready to put up when I return.