MMORPGs Don't Need to Reinvent the Wheel to Thrive - Just Better Execution | Opinion

It's no secret that nostalgia in gaming is incredibly powerful. Developers recognize this, releasing remasters and sequels of beloved classics, and even reviving cherished MMORPGs through spiritual successors or direct continuations. The outcomes of these endeavors, however, have been mixed. For nearly two decades, we've repeatedly expressed frustration about the derivative nature of new MMORPGs with many games sticking to a standardized control scheme and conventional design philosophies made popular by giants like World of Warcraft.

Yet, as players, our quest these days often centers around novelty. We constantly ask ourselves: "What's the new hook that's going to keep me engaged?" Perhaps, though, we've been searching in the wrong direction. Maybe we don't need to constantly reinvent the wheel. Perhaps, instead, the solution lies in simply ensuring these wheels are mounted onto a compelling vehicle. That the execution of the features make sense rather than being shoehorned into a game simply because other games have it.

Reflecting nearly a decade back, when significant MMORPG titles such as Guild Wars 2, Final Fantasy XIV, and Elder Scrolls Online emerged, each AAA offering seemed intent on differentiating itself from the prevailing World of Warcraft model. Games that attempted too closely to mirror traditional MMO structures, like Warhammer Online and WildStar, ultimately failed to sustain lasting player bases despite initial excitement.

The ongoing success of Guild Wars 2, Elder Scrolls Online, and Final Fantasy XIV speaks volumes about understanding player preferences and the strength of consistency. Each of these games leveraged their unique source materials effectively, offering distinctive experiences that appealed directly to their respective fanbases. Guild Wars 2 maintains its signature horizontal progression system; Elder Scrolls Online continues to offer expansive, open-world exploration that bridges its popular single player games; and Final Fantasy XIV preserves its intricate group mechanics, albeit they are slightly less strict as its predecessor Final Fantasy XI. Rather than drastically altering successful formulas, these games reinforce their core strengths with each update, fostering loyalty through familiarity.

A New Age of MMO Development

Today, the MMO landscape is changing yet again, transitioning from an era dominated by massive studios into what could be termed the "Guerilla Age of MMOs." Independent developers have popped up across the gaming landscape and smaller studios are securing funding outside traditional publisher channels, allowing them to experiment freely and diversify the genre.

This environment is yielding fresh ideas (even if we see an abundance of incomplete games). For instance the dynamic planetary terraforming mechanics in Stars Reach or the innovative design philosophies teased by industry veterans like Greg Street in his upcoming project with Fantastic Pixel Castle. Even large studios like Riot Games and Funcom are stepping boldly into the MMO universe with anticipated projects such as Riot's yet-to-be-named MMO and the ambitious Dune: Awakening.

Amid this excitement, it's prudent to temper our expectations. Historically, the assumption has been that novelty and drastic change are prerequisites for success in a saturated market of play-a-likes. But familiarity isn't inherently negative, rather it's foundational. Successful genres like first-person shooters thrive without constantly reinventing their core mechanics. Instead, they focus on refining and enhancing proven formulas.

MMORPGs, similarly, don't necessarily require revolutionary mechanics to attract and retain players. What they need most is a strong, well-executed package that confidently delivers beloved core features, demonstrating the audacity to keep players hooked. While I do look forward to seeing the genre shift forward as technology becomes more prevalent, it doesn't mean that we need something groundbreaking to be worthwhile.

What do you think? Do MMORPGs need groundbreaking innovations to lure you away from your current favorite game, or is a familiar yet polished experience enough? Let us know in the comments.