Ziun3
This Pegabirb
I joined PonyTown in 2018 and left some time later. Some time around 2020, specifically when the pandemic started, I’ve returned and am still active. It’s still a thing, but almost everything changed between the time I joined in and the time I returned and am currently dwelling. The vibe in this game’s playerbase feels like there is a caste system. Please keep in mind that the majority of this information is based on my experience in English 18+ server, but it may apply to English safe server if applicable. I haven’t had any experience in non-English servers at all.
The first part is how players make their avatars. As you can see by simply idling in every crowded area in the game (Such as the spawn site, docks, around the bakery, and around the market), there are lots of variety in how players make their avatars.
Most PonyTown content creators have designated how much effort they put into their avatar designs, but I cut it short into two different design philosophies. Starting from avatars with few uses of color palettes and varieties, which I called simple avatar design, to more use of them, which are called complex avatar design.
This design philosophy has, unconsciously, created a caste system in the game. Those who follow complex design avatars are, as far as I observe, considered celebrities. It is easier for them to gain trust from others who follow this rule. At some point, some of these followers could belittle those who follow a simple design philosophy. I still remember two cases: one is that two players with complex-designed avatars blocked me just because I used a simple-designed avatar while I was talking to my friend behind the bakery, and another is that someone with their complex-designed avatar covered my avatar while I went AFK and sat close to them on the dock area.
Most PonyTown content creators have designated how much effort they put into their avatar designs, but I cut it short into two different design philosophies. Starting from avatars with few uses of color palettes and varieties, which I called simple avatar design, to more use of them, which are called complex avatar design.
This design philosophy has, unconsciously, created a caste system in the game. Those who follow complex design avatars are, as far as I observe, considered celebrities. It is easier for them to gain trust from others who follow this rule. At some point, some of these followers could belittle those who follow a simple design philosophy. I still remember two cases: one is that two players with complex-designed avatars blocked me just because I used a simple-designed avatar while I was talking to my friend behind the bakery, and another is that someone with their complex-designed avatar covered my avatar while I went AFK and sat close to them on the dock area.
The second part is the fandom presence. The playerbase in PonyTown are now serving all kinds of mainstream fandoms, allowing them to talk with one each other in real time. Each of them are located in a specific area of the public map. They also managed to ponify their favorite characters as well. They even demanded human body form to be implemented in PonyTown back in the day (and I’m sure they’re still insist to keep this demand).
How they-those who aren’t into MLP-got into PonyTown mostly came from those who shared their non-MLP PonyTown compilations on various platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, fandom sites, Youtube, and/or were invited by their friends. So, expect nearly half of total playerbase don’t know MLP and/or the Brony fandom.
How they-those who aren’t into MLP-got into PonyTown mostly came from those who shared their non-MLP PonyTown compilations on various platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, fandom sites, Youtube, and/or were invited by their friends. So, expect nearly half of total playerbase don’t know MLP and/or the Brony fandom.
The third part is about social interaction. Talking to other players is more likely to get awkward when you don’t know common interests that don’t touch on their personal info or activities other than talking about fandom stuff, games, roleplay, and the arts. The majority of players in this game already have friends and are unlikely to make new ones. Most players also tend to use unique slangs based on current internet memes and trends. Same as in real life anyway.
The fourth part is roleplay compatibility. PonyTown has a very short text limit, which, as far as I count, can accommodate approximately 12 words and/or 100 characters. This prompts roleplayers with a tendency to write long, detailed texts to only use PonyTown as a roleplay advertising service rather than a medium for roleplaying.
While text limit is an issue for long-text roleplaying, each player has their own interest to take in roleplay. Taken from the second part, if you want to roleplay inside MLP-focused roleplay, you’re limited to roleplay in the designated area for the MLP fandom, which is located at the east of the market. If you insist to roleplay in other parts of the map, you better invest in patience. Same if you have interest to roleplay with fellow MLP OCs, as they are rare to be found.
While text limit is an issue for long-text roleplaying, each player has their own interest to take in roleplay. Taken from the second part, if you want to roleplay inside MLP-focused roleplay, you’re limited to roleplay in the designated area for the MLP fandom, which is located at the east of the market. If you insist to roleplay in other parts of the map, you better invest in patience. Same if you have interest to roleplay with fellow MLP OCs, as they are rare to be found.
And the last part is the game facility. PonyTown has very few instruments to keep the playerbase to stay in the game unless for players who want to acquire the longest active time record, seasonal collectible events such as Easter Egg, Halloween, and Christmas, casual roleplay session, and participating in avatar and/or island design competitions.
I haven’t joined any cults and factions/guilds, so I have no experience from these.
About this bonus NSFW part, just like what ThatAIPony wrote, if that part isn’t deleted.
In conclusion, PonyTown does have opportunities as a site worth finding friends or roleplay partners, as long as you feel you are ready to fit in. Same as in real life, but easier, as showing off an avatar should give you and other players some clues of interests.
If you want more information about the game playerbase, Pony Town wikia does exist.
If you want more information about the game playerbase, Pony Town wikia does exist.