Sometimes it's fun to hit a scorpion with a club for 38 seconds

After trying out Blizzard's WoW: Forever beta, the reporter embarked on a combat scenario with a scorpion in Durotar, committing 38 seconds to watching their orc bludgeon the arachnid to death with a club. The reporter believes that MMOs would benefit from rediscovering their appetite for longer play times, as suggested by their recent considerations after playing Star Wars Galaxies.

This meditation on the slower pace of WoW in comparison to the fast-paced nature of modern games has given the reporter a greater appreciation for the game world itself, allowing them to admire the sunrise, wind samples, and soundtrack that might otherwise be overlooked. The 38 seconds spent with the scorpion proved to be a highlight of gaming for the reporter, hinting at a deeper satisfaction in taking time to ponder game options and possibilities.

The popularity of Forever suggests that there is value in slowing down MMOs, offering a reminder of what is lost when the focus is solely on speed and efficiency.