This week, Dan Fortier takes a hard look at stealth in MMORPGs in the most recent incarnation of his weekly column, MMOWTF.

Stealth has been a very important yet decried part of MMOs and RPGs in general since the beginning. From the snooping and pickpocketing Thieves to the Assassin Striking rogues of Everquest, stealth has always had a volatile place in MMORPG history. Proponents of stealth claim that it is vital to a well rounded system and that the many disadvantages heaped on most of the sneaking classes/archetypes offsets the power of their chosen professions. Those opposed to it claim it¡¯s unrealistic, unnecessary and general used by gankers and greifers to have fun at the expense of others. This week¡¯s text blob will shine a light on the ongoing debate about it¡¯s place in the MMO genre. Grab your eye drops get ready for more heretical gimcrackery!