3 Reasons Why MMOs Are Dying
Given the continued state of the MMORPG genre, it’s interesting to see companies preparing to launch new MMO titles. One example is Amazon Games setting the groundwork for a Lord of the Rings MMO.
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A Fulfilling MMORPG Experience Requires a Huge Time Investment
Unlike many other gaming genres, MMORPGs require players to invest a ton of time to make any significant progress. This isn’t inherently bad, though. In fact, it’s part of the MMORPG charm and, in many cases, the foundation of many titles in the genre.
Time spent in an MMORPG typically equates to a character having unique gear, abilities, mounts, achievements, and cosmetics. These all represent a player’s dedication to the game and are a kind of status symbol that other players can quickly identify. This is often seen as impressive and thus forms much of the incentive behind the content in the game.
However, not everyone has multiple hours a day to dedicate to a video game. While some might enjoy the short-form content available in eventhe top free MMORPGs, those who wish to accomplish significant goals in the game and do not have enough time will likely avoid the game and genre entirely. Players with less time will probably find more fulfilling experiences in other genres, like MOBAs.
Over-Monetization Ruins the MMORPG Experience
There’s an argument to be had that over-monetization ruins any gaming experience. However, there are few genres as negatively impacted as MMORPGs. This is because dedication, progress, and prestige in the genre are tied heavily to cosmetic items, achievements, and items like mounts. Microtransactions are a “skip” button allowing certain players to earn in-game items without the necessary time investment or effort. This creates a"pay-to-win" gameand removes incentives to play.
Microtransactions aren’t as impactful in other genres, given that in-game items and cosmetics aren’t a large part of why people play. Titles like Halo Infinite, Fortnite, and Minecraft are arguably more focused on gameplay and not obtaining certain items, cosmetic or otherwise.
On the other hand, games like World of Warcraft, New World, and Lost Ark are mostly entirely focused on progression, achieving certain items, and cosmetics. Essentially, putting a price tag on items and cosmetics ruins the prestige and value of those earned by simply playing the game.
MMORPG Metas Force Players' Hands
Beyond social interactions, one of the most beautiful aspects of the MMORPG experience is its mystery, along with the gameplay’s trial-and-error process. It’s one of a few genres where the journey is almost more important than the destination. The end game isn’t always the point of an MMORPG, even if it can be an important goal.
Ideally, each character a person creates has a journey, meeting people along the way, forming parties to overcome challenges, and learning to use specific abilities and skills to gain an advantage through trial and error.
Meta-gaming, however, has completely torn apart the experience of a player learning on their own. Following a meta is, simply put, following a guide to what’s considered the best setup for a character at any given time. Because information like leveling guides and best-in-slot lists are available online and consistently updated, anyone who avoids meta-gaming is at an enormous disadvantage.
You’re incentivized to sacrifice an immersive MMORPG experience to maximize your character’s power. And, if you refuse to do so, you’ll struggle to find groups for certain bosses, events, or challenges.
Will MMORPGs Continue Dying Out?
It’s clear that the number of MMORPG players is dwindling, as is the number of games releasing in the genre. The three main reasons behind the genre dying out include its high time investment requirement, over-monetization, and meta-gaming.
While there’s still a large number of players involved with MMORPGs, the combination of these reasons, and others, makes it hard to incentivize people to give it a try.
You’ve probably noticed a lack of new MMO games for quite some time, but you can still get your fix. Here’s how.
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