It is a double-edged sword: Above all, hardcore MMO fans want a as complex gaming experience as possible, but casual players and newcomers might be put off by that.
Currently, there is simply a trend towards simple and accessible games that provide quick success experiences. Online games like the shooter Overwatch or MOBAs are currently extremely popular. However, due to their simplicity and quick gameplay, the ability to jump right in, and the overall game mechanics not being too complex, deeper MMORPGs tend to scare away many players.
Complex or accessible?
The question arises as to why one should delve into complex and sometimes complicated game mechanics when other online games offer instant fun and immediate success? This impacts MMOs. The more complex representatives don’t have many players, which is crucial for a Massively Multiplayer Online RPG. Or newer MMORPGs are becoming increasingly beginner-friendly, meaning there are hardly any truly complex features left, and one can essentially do everything quickly and alone. This, in turn, does not please hardcore gamers.
How beginner-friendly and accessible should an MMORPG be today? On one hand, developers want to reach as many players as possible, but on the other hand, they do not want to alienate core gamers. This is no easy task. Essentially, it is a balancing act where any misstep can upset either group.
Two target groups want to be reached
However, it is also not possible to eliminate beginner-friendliness and accessibility, as that would limit the games to a niche. But the less complex an MMORPG is, the less long-term motivation it offers. Of course, there are always players who are willing to immerse themselves in profound mechanics and seek a new, second home in a virtual world. However, this is only a small fraction of the players, as can be seen by the very high player numbers of MOBAs, hero shooters, and mobile games.
What do you think? How accessible do you believe an MMORPG should be? Do you understand that MMOs are becoming less complex, which is why developers are trying to attract more players to achieve a large population? Or do you say that an MMORPG must be as complex as possible, even if that means no masses are online? Let us know your opinion in the comments.
