Even before World of Warcraft there were successful MMORPGs. Some of the best representatives from earlier times we have gathered here for you.
World of Warcraft has shaped the MMORPG market like hardly any other game ever has. But even before WoW, there were successful MMORPGs. Some of the most successful MMORPGs we have compiled for you in this list.
Many of the games are still online today. They owe this primarily to their loyal communities, who continue to play the MMORPGs and thus ensure the preservation of the games.
Ultima Online
Release: September 30, 1997 | Platform: PC | Setting: medieval fantasy | Developer, Publisher: Broadsword, Electronic Arts | Here’s the official website of Ultima Online
Ultima Online had a significant influence on the MMORPGs as we know them today. Many of the systems that we absolutely want in our games today originate from this MMORPG, for example, housing.
The ISO-MMORPG has received numerous content expansions and updates since its release and is still playable today. Since 2014, Ultima Online has been operated by Broadsword Games, who are now also the operators of Star Wars: The Old Republic.
Even in 2024, something is still happening with the MMORPG. Just this year, the new legacy servers were released, which are intended to bring back the classic RPG aspects of the game to players. They are perfect for once again falling into nostalgia.
Star Wars Galaxies
Release: March 16, 1999 | Platform: PC, macOS | Setting: Fantasy | Developer, Publisher: Verant Interactive, LucasArts, Sony Online Entertainment
Star Wars Galaxies is the very first “Star Wars” MMORPG in history and thus the early predecessor of the still successful Star Wars: The Old Republic. The MMORPG takes place shortly after Episode Four of Star Wars, A New Hope
, and offered players various classes to choose from. However, it was very difficult to become a Jedi at first.
Later on, players could immediately become a Jedi at the start, which displeased many players. After many updates, players lost interest in the game and in 2011, a week before the launch of Star Wars: The Old Republic, the MMORPG was shut down.
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