Companies are preparing to launch new MMO titles in light of the continued popularity of the MMORPG genre. MMOs based on Lord of the Rings are being planned by Amazon Games.
Even crowd-funded and supported MMORPGs have difficulty maintaining public interest, so a new title is unlikely to succeed. You’ll discover why MMORPGs are seemingly dying out, what keeps new titles from succeeding, and what challenges the genre faces.
MMORPGs Require a Lot of Time to Be Fulfilling
For players to make meaningful progress in MMORPGs, they must devote a lot of time to the game. The problem isn’t inherent in this, however. Many MMORPG titles are founded on this concept, which is part of the MMORPG charm.
MMORPGs tend to reward players with unique equipment, abilities, mounts, achievements, and cosmetics as they progress through the game. Players can quickly identify these symbols of dedication as a sign of their commitment to the game. A lot of gamers are attracted to games because of this impressive content.
Despite this, not everyone can devote many hours to video games. Those who do not have sufficient time or interest in completing significant goals in the game will likely avoid this genre and game entirely, even though even the best free MMORPGs offer short-form content. Other genres, like MOBAs, may appeal to players with less time.
MMORPGs Are Ruined by Over-Monetization
Any game can be ruined by over-monetization. The MMORPG genre, however, has been the most adversely affected. Due to the fact that cosmetic items, achievements, and items like mounts are heavily tied to dedication, progress, and prestige in the genre. In-game items can be earned through microtransactions without the need for time or effort. Consequently, the game becomes a “pay-to-win” one with no incentive for players to participate.
Other genres do not have as many microtransactions due to the fact that cosmetics and in-game items are not the primary reason people play. Gameplay is arguably a bigger focus in Halo Infinite, Fortnite, and Minecraft than obtaining cosmetic items.
As opposed to that, games like World of Warcraft, New World, and Lost Ark are mostly about progression, obtaining items, and looking good. It ruins the prestige and value of items and cosmetics earned simply through playing the game by putting a price on them.
Players Are Forced to Play by MMORPG Metas
MMORPGs are known for their mystery, as well as their trial-and-error gameplay. Besides social interactions, they are known for their trial-and-error nature. Journeys are almost as important as destinations in this genre. Even though MMORPGs can have important endgames, they’re not always the primary focus of the game.
It is ideal to create a character who goes on a quest, meeting people along the way, forming parties to overcome challenges, and learning through trial and error how to use their specific skills and abilities to gain an edge.
Players can no longer learn on their own due to meta-gaming. Essentially, following a meta means following a guide for whatever setup is considered the best for a given character at a given time. Meta-gaming is hugely advantageous if someone avoids it due to everything that is available online and continually updated, from leveling guides to best-in-slot lists.
MMORPGs promote sacrifice of immersion to boost your character’s power. Certain bosses, events, and challenges will become more difficult to find if you refuse to do so.
What Is the Future of MMORPGs?
Game developers are releasing fewer MMORPGs, and fewer players are playing them. Overmonetization, low time investment requirements, and metagaming are the three main reasons behind the genre’s decline. MMORPGs continue to attract a large number of players, but their combination, among other things, makes it difficult to encourage people to play.
