MMORPGs are very popular, with fans of the genre having to cope with a few and often weak games in recent years. However, MeinMMO editor Alexander Leitsch is optimistic and even claims that the genre is doing better than in 2011 when WoW was at its peak.
If you currently look in forums, on Reddit, or even on our site MeinMMO to see what the best MMORPGs in 2020 are, you generally find the same titles like World of Warcraft, ESO, GW2, or Final Fantasy XIV.
In recent years, there have been hardly any successful new titles, and some even claim that MMORPGs are practically dead. However, I strongly disagree with that.
In my view, there are currently more good and especially much more varied titles than ever before. Moreover, many new and exciting titles are on the horizon, and many classics are still playable today. You actually have a huge selection. Only a new highlight is missing.
To make a comparison, I chose the year 2011. And there is a reason for that: It was the year when WoW had the most subscriptions, new titles were regularly released, and the hype around MOBAs like LoL, DOTA 2, and HoN was growing.
At that time, it felt a bit like the end of the MMORPG era, with some last major titles like SWTOR, GW2, and ESO in the background.
But you could also just as well look at the entire period from 2011 to today. The difference wouldn’t be particularly large and the argumentation would be about the same.
How were MMORPGs doing in 2011?
In 2011, I was still playing Guild Wars 1 and eagerly waiting for the successor GW2, which was then referred to as “the next WoW-killer” in the same breath as SWTOR.
It was still somewhat the time when WoW-killers were being sought, as the game was at probably its highest subscription level after Cataclysm, with around 12 million (via Vanion.eu).
Besides WoW, titles like:
- HDRO (2007)
- AION (2008)
- Age of Conan (2008)
- or old classics like EverQuest 2 (2004) or even Ultima Online (1997) were played.
Many of the new titles that appeared during this period quickly gained a negative reputation and faced issues. Games like Runes of Magic (2008) and RIFT (2011) were generally considered “WoW-clones,” and the first version of Final Fantasy XIV was far from successful.
It was supposed to be Star Wars: The Old Republic that would set things right. However, the hype around the game quickly dissipated; just half a year after its release, subscription numbers had halved. In 2012, the switch to Free2Play followed, where it has since been regularly expanded and even appeared on Steam in 2020. However, SWTOR was not the big WoW-killer.
In 2011/12, the MMORPGs Star Wars Galaxys and City of Heroes were also discontinued, two games that at least brought some variety to the genre but unfortunately did not reach the masses.
What came in the years after 2011?
The years after 2011 were rather mixed for many MMORPG fans. Guild Wars 2 did not reach the mass of players with its special features, although it is, in my opinion, greatly underestimated.
Although TERA was well-received due to its action combat system, it did not attract much attention. Today, the action MMORPG is primarily characterized by its focus on dungeons.
Also, The Elder Scrolls Online wasn’t very successful in its first version. Similar to Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn, the MMORPG only really gained traction with the overhaul “Tamriel Unlimited”.
There was also great hope for Wildstar, which targeted a hardcore player group. Actually, Wildstar was well-received by testers, but it couldn’t convince the masses and did not survive – even after switching to a Free2Play system. In 2018, it was then closed.
After that, some Asian titles followed, like Bless Online, which had high expectations but could not come close to fulfilling them – also due to technical issues and false promises.
Why should MMORPGs be doing so well today?
In my opinion, we currently have a wide selection of good and interesting titles. Those starting with MMORPGs now have a plethora of choices.
During the research for this article, I finally realized how much variance has emerged:
- WoW still has a target audience and is taking a new direction with Shadowlands. Those who do not want to follow that can turn to WoW Classic, which currently brings me a lot of joy and even rekindled my love for MMORPGs.
- If you prefer it “casual” and “story-driven,” you can turn to titles like Guild Wars 2, ESO, or SWTOR.
- Final Fantasy combines story with many dungeons and raids. Soon, you will even be able to play a large part for free.
- If you enjoy your freedom and are at least not averse to PvP, you can enjoy ArcheAge (2014) or Black Desert (2016).
- If you want to dive fully into PvP, you can rely on titles like Albion Online or EVE Online.
Moreover, almost all MMORPGs that were not shut down before 2011 are still around today. Games like Metin 2, Lineage 2, AION, or Age of Conan still have servers, and some like HDRO are even being regularly developed.
Another strength I see is that some new titles are slowly coming into the fray and have great potential.
Many exciting titles for the future: Crowfall, another title that emphasizes sandbox and PvP, is planning its release for 2020. In my opinion, the game has potential. Even though it is aimed at a niche audience, it could do really well in that.
This year also marks the start of the open alpha of Ashes of Creation, a very ambitious MMORPG. The NDA will likely be lifted in the fall, and we will see a lot of the game.
Even if 2020 wasn’t a standout year for New World, the MMO still has the potential to become really good. The delay to 2021 can only be beneficial for the game, says MeinMMO editor Leya Jankowski.
Additionally, it is expected that the beta of Crimson Desert, the new MMORPG from the “Black Desert” creators Pearl Abyss, will start in 2021. This title places importance on PvE and story and was reminiscent of Game of Thrones in its first trailer.
Last but not least, I am eagerly awaiting the Western release of Lost Ark. I have especially been excited about this title due to MeinMMO editor Irina Moritz with her articles.
Why MMORPGs are doing better today than in 2011
In my opinion, MMORPGs are doing well now because:
- there are many “current” titles that are playable and are regularly expanded
- the variety has overall increased
- many old titles are still available
- and because new exciting titles are at an advanced stage of development.
We haven’t always had this status. And even though I, of course, wish for a year full of major releases, I think the genre is not as bad off as many claim. Or do you see it differently?
