Sandbox or Themepark is somewhat similar to the question Story or not. But how exactly do the two MMORPG genres differ from one another and who should play which?
When MMORPGs emerged in the mid-1990s, predefined stories barely played a role. Quests were rudimentary and it was mainly about exploring the world with friends, learning about its background story, and overcoming challenges together – such as exploring dungeons, defeating monsters, and becoming powerful heroes.
Many Freedoms in the Sandbox
As one of the first “true” sandbox MMORPGs, Ultima Online was released in 1997. Sandbox, because it was essentially a large sandbox where quests and story were irrelevant. Everyone could do what they wanted. Whether hunting monsters in dungeons or simply running a bakery and providing others with food.
A sandbox offers players as much freedom as possible in the online world. There should be as little as possible predefined. Players can create their own houses and entire cities, manage the economy themselves, craft items that others need, provide mutual protection, wage guild wars… A sandbox aims to be a kind of second home for as many players as possible.
The characteristics of a sandbox MMO are therefore:
- Little to no focus on quests and story
- Players enjoy many freedoms
- Crafting and housing are very important
- Players can also succeed as craftsmen
- The community creates its own stories
Themepark MMORPGs Impress with Stories
When World of Warcraft was released in 2004, it defined the term themepark MMORPGs. The term is derived from amusement parks, where one experiences one attraction after another. In MMORPGs, these are quests and story. Players are guided through the story by tasks. These are usually linear experiences. After completing challenges, players move on to the next quest and experience the next small story.
In a themepark MMORPG, this player experience is at the center. It’s not about building cities or managing the world’s economy – although that is still possible. It’s about engaging with the story and quests, which help develop the hero. Themepark MMORPGs utilize many elements from single-player role-playing games, but package them in a multiplayer experience.
The characteristics of a themepark MMORPG are:
- Focus is on quests
- The games place great importance on storytelling
- Players are generally adventurers and heroes
- Exploring the game world is important
- PvE is often more important than PvP
It Can Also Be Both
Nowadays, there are even hybrids. One example is Black Desert Online. In these games, there are quests and a story, but they are not the focus. It is still possible to participate in the game world’s economy, build an empire, fight guild wars, and ignore anything related to the story.
MMORPGs are very versatile games. They aim to offer players as many options as possible to have fun in the way that brings them the most joy. Whether through experiencing a story or building a kind of second life in a virtual world.
Who Should Play What?
It can indeed be the case that those who enjoy themepark MMORPGs have little interest in sandbox titles – and vice versa. Those who want to experience an exciting story will find it in a themepark game like The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO). On the other hand, those who want to enjoy many freedoms and write their own story based on their actions rather than predefined quests should opt for sandbox games like EVE Online.
Who is suited for sandbox games? A sandbox appeals primarily to players who don’t care much about a predefined story and prefer to build something themselves. Those who want to be a master craftsman, participate in building a city, or become a powerful hero who travels the world and defeats the most fearsome enemies can do so in a sandbox. You can rise to the head of a guild or even become the ruler of your own kingdom.
Who is suited for themepark MMORPGs? If you are more interested in exciting stories, enjoy following quests, getting to know interesting NPCs, and want to follow a story where you become a hero, then you should check out themepark MMORPGs. Here, the story is at the center, which you experience together with friends.
Here you will find a small list of good sandbox MMORPGs:
- EVE Online
- ArcheAge
- Ultima Online
- Albion Online
These themepark MMOs you might want to check out:
- World of Warcraft
- The Elder Scrolls Online
- Final Fantasy XIV
- Guild Wars 2
If you want the “best of both worlds,” then Black Desert Online is worth a look.
Which genre do you prefer? Sandbox or Themepark? Or do you like it when both elements are mixed?
