Sorry but I can't get my head around how the MMORPGS work. How can you interact with different players who have done completely different things? Is the world different for each player? Or if one player destroys a village is it destroyed for all? And how would one know whether a character you meet is a pc or npc?

I don't understand the concept of multiple servers, phasing or the mechanics of how MMORPGS work. Can anyone help? I know that I am being clueless and I apologise for this. Any links to an idiots guide would be appreciated.

Thanks. I want to get excited about this game but need to get it first!

Much like Skyrim, monsters will respawn after a period of time although they will respawn at a faster rate as there are many players. For your village example, villages do not stay destroyed although with the use of 'phasing' it can, therefore every player who has destroyed that village (generally via a quest mission) the phasing will show it as such. If your friend or other players are in the same area but have not completed the 'destroy village quest' you will not see them and they will not see or be able to interact with you. You can generally differentiate players from npcs via text over their head (their name). In MMOs you will see text over all characters but can also switch the text off. If it is switched off generally if you hover your mouse over or click on the character it will show you some details about the target, reading the details will give you information to distinguish players from npcs.

Op there is a lot to an mmo, it's features and game mechanics on how they differ form a stand alone game, I would suggest, that you search around the internet, and look for the topics you do not understand, it would take quite a wall of text to explain them properly, plus there are some good youtube videos, with dev interviews from pax east, that might help you understand a bit more. Good luck on your quest for knowledge.

Worlds don't change much in MMOs.

You can't for instance, destroy a village or wipe out all the NPCs. Most NPCs in villages are either unattackable or invincible and areas with enemies tend to have high respawn rates (Usually a few minutes to slightly longer based on the type.

Some games including TESO will -apparently- change your view of the world to reflect stuff you've done. ie: certain NPCs moved to a new location or killed. Occasionally, a major event may also change the status of a location. Though this would only be reflected in your view. Other players will see it as it was before until they've done the requisite quest.

NPCs are generally denoted in most MMOs by their name being a different colour or font or size. Players are usually denoted by larger text, a more noticeable colour, icons on the minimap or radar, titles or the name of their guild.

Player characters can also identified by any of the following. Stupid names, a preference for jumping everywhere or teleporting every few paces due to lag.

http://mmoterms.com/full-mmorpg-terms-glossary

I'd also suggest reading this for some information about MMO terms. I remember my first MMO experience, EQ2 in 2004 and then a little later WoW in 2004, I was bewildered about chat. Sites such as the above will really help[ understand player chat.

There are plenty of no barrier to entry mmo's that you can try and use to cut your teeth on. I recommend hitting those up.

Think of MMOs more like sandbox games, while they usually have some background story, it is usually less developed compared to Single player games.

Not much linearity or definiteness of purpose, just a persistent world with lots of stuff to do, much of the challenge is usually set to levels and progression. That might give the game a little sense of linearity though.

Changes made in a game world are really simple using flagging systems. Ie: Player A saved village = true >>> show happy people cheering, change dialog set to "x-group" etc etc...

For each player the game tracks their achievements and sets the variables accordingly.

You don't need a guide, definitely not one that calls less experienced people "idiots", people new to stuff are not dumb, just go forth and experience some games you like by theme or description/ gameplay videos, etc...

I think this may be fairly useful; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUuaSjxlfBs. (Uses SW:TOR as an example, and she seems cool!).

Also, some light reading; http://www.goozernation.com/video-games/index.php/news/941-the-mmorpg-beginners-guide.

I am sure that once the game is out you will find many people to help you!

My advice: if you enjoy Elder Scrolls, save your money and buy this upcoming game and most importantly...have fun!

There are lots of free to play MMO's. Download one and check it out.

Be carefull though. MMO's have many variations, and gameplay, the communities in general and mechanics may be terrible for you in one game and terrific in another.

MMO's are an aquired taste. If you like the idea of grouping with others to quest, fight monsters, share loot, engage in PVP battle, or are interested in role-play with other actual players in real time.. then MMO's might be for you.

If you hate grouping or are easily annoyed by rudeness, arrogance, or stupidity, then you may want to avoid MMO's all together.

Then, I'm pretty sure you'll hate this game.

Good point with the free MMO download. Try LOTRO, Rift, SWTOR, EQ2 or Aion. All free to play.

I disagree with the "If you hate grouping or are easily annoyed by rudeness, arrogance, or stupidity, then you may want to avoid MMO's all together." I'm not a big fan of grouping and I despise rudeness, arrogance and elitism but I enjoy MMOs. Having said that, grouping with polite, patient and courteous people is great fun and an enjoyable experience - to find that you though will generally have to join a guild of like minded players. The Guild leader and how they handle themselves and others will normally dictate whether its a suitable guild.

I love TES also but never played mmorpgs. So don't worry your not alone.

Just keep an open mind and you'll make the transition just fine. Bring some friends with you.