Everyone knows some major MMORPGs. But which games, besides the usual top 5, had the highest search volume on Google in Germany just before 2020? We have picked out 11 underdogs for you, where the search interest on Google was the highest.
Using an online tool called Google Trends, we can find out which games German players show the most interest in. This can be analyzed based on search volume.
After a pre-selection of the largest MMORPGs according to Google, we excluded these. We focused on the 11 games away from these gaming giants. The 6th place in the top list of the largest MMORPGs before 2020 is our starting point. There you will also find the top 5:
We had 33 MMORPGs compete against each other in Google Trends. This allows us to see which 11 of the smaller titles are the largest. We chose the last 12 months as the timeframe, that is, the year 2019. The ranking we set during this is what we would like to present to you in this list. Additionally, we will reveal the terms that were searched for the most.
Are these statistics for player numbers? With Google Trends, we can find out the relative interest in a game. Relative means one game compared to another. This search volume does not reflect the player numbers 1 to 1. However, for an MMORPG with many searches on Google, you can assume that correspondingly many players are active.
10. Albion Online and Star Trek Online (STO)
The sandbox MMORPG Albion Online was almost on par with Star Trek Online in average Google interest in Germany in 2019. The Free2Play launch in April 2019 contributed to a surge in Google interest for Albion Online. Therefore, two games share the 10th place in this list.
What kind of game is Albion Online? Albion Online (PC) offers you three areas where you can let loose in the fantasy world. In PvE, you fight against monsters as usual, which provide you with the necessary resources.
In PvP against other players, you will also enjoy plenty of action. In the game’s unique GvG battles, you can additionally conquer your own realm. Here, you can build villages and defend them against opponents.
What were players searching for the most? The focus of interest over Google for Albion Online lies primarily on the builds. However, the search for the promised mobile full version is also highly sought after, as well as enduring options like the game’s forum or Reddit.
What kind of game is Star Trek Online? The MMORPG Star Trek Online (PC, PS4, Xbox One) catapults you right into the Star Trek universe. It was released in 2010.
You enter the 25th century. There, you can choose to act as the captain of a federation ship. Or you make a name for yourself as a Klingon warlord. The possibilities are diverse. You can engage in battles on land or in space.
What were players searching for the most? In Star Trek Online, the search is primarily focused on exploration and ships. Additionally, the PS4 version is often googled.
9. Blade & Soul (BNS)
What kind of game is Blade & Soul? Blade & Soul (PC) is a Korean MMORPG with martial arts elements. The story revolves around the wondrous world.
Due to the martial arts component, the fights are particularly spectacular. Besides fighting enemies in the game world, you can also let loose in PvP against other players.
What were players searching for the most? Regarding Blade & Soul, players were especially interested in the game’s subreddit. However, the long-awaited console version remains high on the list. A development for Blade & Soul for PS4 and Xbox One was already hinted at in 2017.
8. Runescape
What kind of game is Runescape? Runescape (PC) is one of the oldest MMORPGs still being played and launched in 2001. You embark on a fascinating fantasy world with your own hero.
There is no specific game goal or overarching storyline. The game is told through many individual stories. The focus is on your own story that you write through quests and dungeons. Additionally, the economic system, which you as a player influence, plays a significant role in the community.
What were players searching for the most? In Runescape, Google users were particularly interested in the “Old-School version” of the game. There, you can play the original version of the MMORPG. Additionally, Reddit and the Wiki are highly sought after.
7. AION
What kind of game is AION? The MMORPG AION (PC) started in 2008. The story revolves around a significant conflict that leads you through quests.
This role-playing game became known for its ability to fly. You achieve this with the wings you gain throughout the storyline, allowing you to discover unknown places.
What were players searching for the most? Particularly, the mobile game AION: Legions of War captured the interest of Google users in 2019. Moreover, players often searched for the game’s forum and the status of the servers.
6. Neverwinter
What kind of game is Neverwinter? The MMORPG Neverwinter (PC, PS4, Xbox One) from 2013 is based on the rules of the pen & paper game Dungeons & Dragons. You need to save the city of Neverwinter with your character. Your opponents are orcs and other dark powers.
The special aspect of Neverwinter is its closeness to D&D. Here, group play is the focus, and PvP is also necessary in special zones.
What were players searching for the most? In Neverwinter, the search primarily focuses on mods, i.e., the expansions of the game. Particularly Mod 16 “Undermountain” and Mod 17 “Uprising” were especially sought after.
5. Lord of the Rings Online (LotRO)
What kind of game is LotRO? The MMORPG Lord of the Rings Online (PC) was released in 2007. There, you enter the universe written by J.R.R. Tolkien, known from books and films.
Your journey takes you through the fantasy world until you finally arrive in Mordor. Unlike in the film, your adventures continue after the destruction of the ring.
What were players searching for the most? Regarding LotRO, the wiki and the database “The Resistance” are primarily in focus. Here, players can read almost everything there is to know about the game. However, the latest update “Minas Morgul” is also highly sought after.
4. ArcheAge
What kind of game is ArcheAge? The MMORPG ArcheAge (PC) came to Europe back in 2014 and competes with TERA for 3rd place on our list. In 2019, it returned as ArcheAge Unchained. As the name suggests, according to the developers, limits were broken for this. Expensive item shop items were removed, allowing players to experience the full range of ArcheAge.
The game is characterized by its enormous variety. You can choose between countless classes and professions. In addition to the regular combat system, you can also engage in naval battles here.
What was searched the most? In ArcheAge, the search for ArcheAge Unchained leads the list. Especially around the release in October 2019, the graph skyrocketed. Terms such as the subreddit, the release, or the download were included. The release of Unchained is what brought ArcheAge into this list. In our 15 largest MMORPGs of the summer, the game does not appear.
3. The Exiled Realm of Arborea (TERA)
What kind of game is TERA? You can enter the world of the Asian MMORPG TERA (PC, PS4) since 2011. The search volume here is almost identical to that of ArcheAge. In TERA, everything revolves around a story about the war of several races in a fantasy world.
In addition to the usual special skills from your bar, you can deal damage yourself and also need to dodge. The combat system of the MMORPG is therefore significantly more active than in other games of the genre.
What were players searching for the most? Regarding TERA, players search primarily for the PS4 version and the PC download. However, an unusual query stands out. The “Scroll of Destiny” is also ranked high. With this item, you could previously identify and equip items. Nowadays, a right-click is sufficient for that. However, the scroll is still mentioned in the description of some equipment parts.
2. EVE Online
What kind of game is EVE Online? In the MMORPG EVE Online (PC), the world operates differently. Here, players manage the sandbox. They mine resources and craft items. Trading these ensures a continuous economy and a diverse game world.
In the universe of EVE Online, you can go far or lose everything you have built. This is mainly due to the massive space battles you are exposed to in this MMORPG.
What were players searching for the most? In the MMORPG EVE Online, trading plays a significant role. Accordingly, there is much searching for the market and co. Additionally, ships are of interest to players. With them, you can win your space battles.
A player in EVE Online even made it into the Guinness Book of Records. However, it was a rocky road.
1. Star Wars: The Old Republic (SWTOR)
What kind of game is SWTOR? In the MMORPG Star Wars: The Old Republic (PC), you enter the Star Wars universe. The game started in 2011 from the hands of Bioware and Electronic Arts. The story takes place several thousand years before the movies. The Sith Empire and the Old Republic are at war, and you must choose a side.
In SWTOR, you will encounter unique stories with fully voiced quests. The latest expansions, such as the latest addon “Onslaught”, focus on “single-player story” and have been praised for their epic staging.
What were players searching for the most? Players showed the most interest in the search term “Onslaught” in 2019. Based on the new expansion, this is not surprising. However, enduring searches like the download, the specific subreddit, and SWTOR companions are also high on the list.
Interestingly, the search for a movie about “Star Wars: The Old Republic” has recently increased. The events surrounding the Old Republic are highly anticipated as a next movie saga.
This is what the graphs look like: We show you here the interest in 11 of the MMORPGs from 01.01.2019 to 30.12.2019 in Germany. As explained above, Albion Online and Star Trek Online are on par. Since Google Trends can only compare 5 games at a time, we prepared two graphs for you.
Whether the new MMORPGs coming in 2020 will have a say in the rankings remains to be seen.
Which 15 MMORPGs were the most popular in summer 2019, you can see here:
