2021 could be an interesting year for MMO fans. Some games are getting major updates or expansions, while others are set to release. MeinMMO editor Alexander Leitsch introduces you to 3 MMORPGs that he believes will succeed in 2021.
What kind of list is this? Having already introduced 6 MMOs that will not survive 2021, I now want to look in the other direction. Therefore, I will present you with three completely new games that could succeed in 2021.
This list is also based on my own opinion, and of course, there is a possibility that they may flop or not be released in 2021. However, I have selected 3 games where success is possible.
For those generally interested in the MMO year, here is an exciting list: 11 reasons why MMORPG fans can look forward to 2021.
New World
What is New World? New World is the new MMORPG from Amazon, where you explore the fictional island of Aeternum in the 17th century. You join one of three factions that fight over fortresses and settlements on the island.
But those afraid of PvP can be reassured. It is supposed to be optional and only those who activate the PvP mode have to fight against other players. For others, there are wild monsters, quests, a crafting system, and a hostile PvE faction that also besieges fortresses.
New World features a classless system, where your armor and weapons influence your playstyle. Over time, your character learns not only how to handle weapons but also levels up (1-60) and gains attribute points that are intended to influence your playstyle as well.
How did the development of New World go? The MMO initially resembled a kind of survival game with a strong PvP focus. At the time, there was praise for the graphics and performance of the game, but also much criticism.
Especially the combat system felt too sluggish and undynamic for many. Additionally, there were virtually no content for players who were not interested in PvP. With the strong PvP focus, New World risked becoming a niche game instead of one for the masses.
At the end of 2019, the developers announced a major rework:
- The survival aspects like hunger and thirst took a back seat
- The PvP became optional in the open world and fortress battles were moved to instances
- Suddenly, there was a much greater focus on PvE
- Classic quests, tasks for settlements, and even an instanced arena with boss battles were introduced
In August 2020, an open test was conducted and players discussed the game’s content. While there was still much criticism—especially regarding the quests and combat system—some see great potential in the game, including myself in my conclusion about the event:
That’s why New World will succeed
New World is the big MMO hope for 2021
With the new focus on PvE content, the MMO is opening up to a broad audience. Already in the first tests, New World impressed with its crafting system, good graphics, and the basic idea with the settlements.
However, there were problems primarily with the combat system, which, despite many revisions in August 2020, was still far from being polished. Yet, while I was initially put off during my playtime, I gradually came to appreciate and love the combat. In fact, I see the combat system as a unique selling point that could help New World succeed in 2021.
For success, however, a lot of fine-tuning is needed compared to the test in August. Particularly the topics of quests, events in the open world, and endgame content for PvE players will ultimately determine whether New World really makes a splash.
Alexander Leitsch
MMORPG expert at MeinMMO
