23 replies to this topic

[gibber]

I played WOW for a while, then EVE (actually just cancelled the account and decided to do somthing more productive with my free time).

From a gamedev point of view, they are very impressive. But after a 2-3 months with each I just got bored, I guess I just never play a single game that long unless I can tinker with mods or mapping.

[gillvane]

It's not just MMORPGs, but most games now have some sort of online component. The ability to play a game with other real people, as opposed to a single player RPG is very appealing to a broad spectrum of players. It appeals to those that like cooperative gameplay, and to those that like competitive gameplay, and to those that like both.

I think amateur game makers just follow the industry. Everyone wanted to make thier own RTS when those first came out. Now, every game studio on the planet has an MMORPG in the works. Players love them (for the gameplay), adn so do publishers (for the money).

So, it shouldn't be surprising that people that want to design their own game want to design the latest greatest type of game out there, the MMORPG. There is a blizzard of professionally made MMORPGs on the way, and amateurs are just copying the big boys.

http://www.mmorpgmaker.com

The other thing is the math. I know it's unrealistic to think that an amateur game programmer can make a successful MMORPG, but the math is in their favor. If you make a single player game, you rely on sales. But with an MMORPG, only a thousand active subscriptions could keep you afloat, since you make monthly revenue. At least that's all the ATITD crew said they needed to stay in the black. They are the rare success story. Made by a small indie team, and they actually made a dollar or three:
http://www.atitd.com/

[High-End Gamer]

Try one of the free ones out Almos...

www.anarchy-online.com/
/www.project-entropia.com/Index.ajp
www.silkroadonline.net/

There's a few to get you going...

Personally, I think their way over hyped. AAA Single player games are far better in terms of quality. The only thing that MMOGs have over SP games is community...

[Feersum]

1 Billion dollars a year in revenue for a single game...that's the hype! ...However the game plays for you personally is kinda irrelevent when your'e talking about that much money.