MMO Hoppers

With so many free-to-play MMOs and MMORPGs now available, and new ones coming out almost weekly, it’s difficult to know which to play. If you’re like me, you don’t just limit yourself to one. Instead, you become what we call an ‘MMO Hopper.’ So, what exactly is an MMO Hopper?

New Day, New Game

Do you find yourself downloading a new game every day? Does every new MMORPG you try feel the same as the old one? Well, then you just may be an MMO Hopper. Why is it that so many MMORPG gamers hop around, spending more time downloading and installing than actually playing? In this editorial, I’ll try and get to the bottom of this mystery. Broadly speaking, there are two major leads that need to be investigated; the first is gamers themselves, and the second is the substance of free-to-play MMORPGs.

Big in Asia

Steak or Sizzle?

Once upon a time, playing a free MMORPG meant having to make due with low quality graphics and grind-based gameplay. Many of these games originated in Asia, where grind is more acceptable than it is in the West. MMORPGs like Scions of Fate (also known as Yulgang) have millions of active players in Asia but haven’t had anywhere near the same level of success here. So if grind is the problem, why is MapleStory so successful in America? The game was originally designed for young Korean children, but Nexon was surprised when teenagers in the US flocked to the cute, 2D side-scrolling adventure. To add to the mystery, several publishers tried to emulate MapleStory’s success with games like Ghost Online, WindSlayer, and WonderKing. While all thees games have their own strengths and weaknesses, none of them have gotten close to achieving the same level of success.

It’s no MapleStory…

It’s the Community, Stupid

My theory is that the ’secret sauce’ for any online game is the community. This explains why so many browser-based MMOs like Dark Orbit or Runescape are widely popular while graphically superior client games like DragonSky are routinely shut down for lack of players. So why is it that some games take off while others linger on with low playerbases? Marketing, word of mouth, and blind luck all play their part, but there’s a lot developers could do to boost their chances of making a hit MMORPG.

Community > Graphics?

I hate to admit it, but I’m not the most social player. Even though MMORPGs are supposed to be all about player-interaction, I tend to keep to my self until the very late game when it becomes necessary to group in order to take on powerful bosses. Of course, the end result of this playstyle is that I usually don’t make it to the end-game before burning out. What could developers do to help nudge players like me in the right direction? Include early game content that involves grouping up. There are examples of both pay-to-play and F2P MMORPGs that have gotten this concept down right. World of Warcraft and Dungeons and Dragons Online both have instanced dungeons designed for small groups. By adventuring in small parties, players make in-game friends and gain valuable cooperation and class role experience.

Looking for Something To Do

Dungeons and instances are not the only way to entice community involvement. PvP (player vs player) gameplay can serve a similar purpose. Games like Atlantica Online allow guilds to take control of cities and defend them against other groups. Many other MMORPGs have similar guild wars features, but why not get players involved in PvP much earlier on? Why force us to grind up to a high level before getting a chance to test our skills? The whole level-based progression system distorts PvP, since a high level character will almost always beat a lower one. WoW and Warhammer Online have found ways around this by grouping similar leveled players into different battlegrounds. Hopefully free-to-play MMORPGs start offering similar features.

Turn Based PvP!

Stand Out from the Crowd

There are so many 3D fantasy MMORPGs out there with the same fantasy or Asian theme. The joke that Perfect World Co. keeps releasing the same game with slightly tweaked graphics (Jade Dynasty, Ether Saga Online) has a grain of truth to it. Too many games today feel interchangeable. Fortunately, this is starting to change. Perfect World is currently testing a satirical game called Kung Foo!, which promises to break the mold of their current MMORPG offerings. Uforia has just announced an  MMORPG called Camon Hero that mixes in trading card game elements.

A MMORPG with Magical Cards!

There are some original gems already out there. I, along with a couple friends, have recently re-downloaded Requiem: Memento Mori. It’s a horror-themed MMORPG by Gravity, with high-end graphics and a unique setting. I played the game when it first launched under the subtitle Bloodymare. A lot of improvements have been made since then, so hopefully the game holds our attention for a bit longer this time. The fact that we swore only to play when we’re all on should also keep the game from turning into an aimless grindfest. Which brings me to my final point…

Gravity’s Horror MMORPG

Play Together

Video games are always more fun when played with friends. Before downloading your next MMORPG, be sure to ask your friends to join you. You’ll keep each other company, which will make the early game grind go by much faster. If your real-life friends are not gamers, you can always turn to the MMOHut Forums to find people to play with. Let’s see if we can find a game we all agree on.

So, are you an MMO Hopper? If so, why do you have trouble settling on a game? Is it the lack of content or interesting gameplay? What kind of games would hold your attention for the long haul?

By Erhan Altay