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June 22, 2005
Level Distribution
Server Sample: RP (High), PvE (Medium), PvE (High)
Sampling Period: 6/13/2005 9:00 am - 6/20/2005 9:00 am
Sampling Resolution: ~14 minutes
Parsing Method: The sample unit is each unique character. Each character was tracked across the server logs. Total playing time, lowest observed level, highest observed level, guild affiliation, and zones seen in were parsed.
Data Filter: None
Sample Size: 76,364 characters
Because level distributions change over time, we wanted to capture the current level distribution as well as present it here on the blog. 14% of observed characters were level 1. 25% were level 5 and below. 12.4% were level 55 and above. 9.8% were level 60.
By plotting only those characters above level 5, the spiking effect at every 10 levels becomes a little more noticeable. There are more characters at every 10 even level than the level preceding it. This is most noticeable for the 39-40. There are about twice as many level 40 characters as there are level 39 characters.
Posted at June 22, 2005 01:54 PM
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Tracked on June 24, 2005 03:51 AM
Comments
The research is intriguing. However, I am interested to know why you have chosen not to collect any data from PVP servers?
I would be keen to know if there is a significant difference in the play style of those on PvP.
I would imagine there is likely more grouping after lvl20 as most of the areas suitable for lvl20+ characters are contested areas where they could easily be set upon by the enemy and therefore safety is definitely in numbers.
All my characters on an EU PvP medium server. I would be happy to help with any data collection if you need my assistance.
Posted by: Keypad at June 23, 2005 12:14 AM
We plan to collect data from PvP servers. The reasons for the omission are outdated -- our initial data collection used a single account on a single server and collecting data on both factions of a PvP would have required more than one account. As I said, that reason is now a non-issue, and we should have results from PvP servers soon.
Posted by: eric at June 24, 2005 12:01 PM
At level 40, players get mounts. That is perhaps the single most important moment in the WoW player career other than reaching 60.
Posted by: Katie at June 29, 2005 10:35 AM
At every 10 levels those players are also at the top of their Battlegrounds level group.[(21-30)(31-40)(41-50)(51-60)] At level 40, you can have your mount and are in a bracket where no one else has theirs. Level 40's are capable of dominating the BG's for a while, and can get major honor points.
Im not sure how different BG's are on PvE servers though, I play PvP.
Posted by: Nyjl at July 8, 2005 02:35 AM