From all of the previews and interviews we all know the reputation system is the primary mechanic for dealing with factions.

But it sort of begs the question, what will the Karma system be used for in New Vegas?

I mean is it still actually used for something or is it just a "decoration" RPG stat now?

http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/1113231-karma/

I hope it's not really used for anything.
Just a stat that shows what the universe thinks of you.

I mean, if I kill all the people in goodspring and get tons of evil karma how are FotA suppose to know that I've been a naughty girl?
Do they have a Karma Counter? (Geiger Counter, only it's for karma)

Is it wrong that that sounds slightly hot?

Anyway, it'll probably be things like good/bad random encounters and a preliminary +/- to a faction's reputation depending on the faction's interests.

FotA?

Followers of the Apocalypse.

Followers of the Apocalypse


I think karma will have some effect on the world beyond being a stat, maybe setting off certain random encounters, or even counted with reputation for companions.

It's possible, though I think the "Wild Wasteland" trait may have a larger impact on random encounters than just Karma alone. Karma modifying interactions for factions that you have 0 reputation with can be interesting though.

Since I like to be the Good Guy, I think it would be interesting to see how that turns out. I do hope there will be more to it than just 'the way the world sees you'
Special dialogue, quests, random events, etc

Karma has to have some effect. Otherwise there would be absolutely no point at all. Hopefully it will give you good standing with religious groups or something. Special encounters perhaps?

Yes, considering I'm a guy.
(I mostly play as girls whenever I can in games though. Why? Cause it's mostly expected that the average player is going to choose male. I'm a rebel. B))

why not try the bad guy? it can be pretty fun :flamethrower:

i hope karma doesnt affect anything at all, and only reputations do.

I didn't catch that thread, thanks for the link...

EDIT: Hmm no "official" responses on that thread. Hopefully one of these threads will get the attention of J.E. or one of the the other devs and they will be able to shed more light on this subject...

I normally end up with bad karma too. I do some good things, but I mainly try to go with what I would do. Sure, I would help some people, but you have to survive, and to do so, you might make some poor choices. The way I see it, karma could cause certain biases with the factions. i.e. They could be more inclined to like or hate you.

Or, it could affect how certain others react to you, or dialogue choices. Charm or intimidate kind of thing. Maybe, depending on your karma, you could choose certain kinder responses, or swear at the guy.

Also, may affect followers with no faction allegiance.