Summary
MMOgames have had an interesting lifespan. From starting as games attempting something new to titles absolutely smashing popularity records, to the genre now only seeing occasional entries. MMO games gave rise to some of the most memorable and enjoyable moments for anyone playing them.
Yet, as is the case with any form of media, the genre built its way up to be one of gaming’s biggest powerhouses. There are naturally MMOs that laid the foundation for future successors, influencing common notions and systems that would be found even in modern games. Due to the genre being around for so long, some titles also mirror the improvements in gaming overall, be that the introduction of a 3D style, advances in the creation of worlds, and more.
8MapleStory
An Influential Game, But Not Exactly For The Right Reasons
MMOs have always been a huge genre in the Asian gaming industry, withMapleStorybeing one notable example released originally in 2003. It might not have been as massive of a release in the West, but it was a popular game specifically in Korea.
The controversial aspect of this game is its influence, essentially being the title thatpopularized microtransactions and gacha mechanics. Particularly in recent years, with games such asGenshin ImpactandAzur Lane, to name a few, being some of the most popular titles in the world,MapleStory’sinfluence is quite clear, even if people wished such mechanics to be removed from gaming entirely.
In the MMO industry, there might not be a series that has changed as much asGuild Wars. A good chunk of MMOs, particularly the popular ones, feature a tab-target combat system of mashing a slew of different hotbar actions.Guild Wars 2does utilize a hotbar for activating abilities, but the combat is much more similar toLeague of LegendsorLost Ark, where there are only a few actions that have cooldowns instead of a global cooldown.
It also further proved thatfree-to-play MMOs can be popular,and can last a long life-cycle instead of relying on a subscription-based business model. Games, such asPath of ExileandLost Ark,have once again proved that free-to-play MMOs are sustainable.
6Asheron’s Call
An Early MMO Renowned For Its World
As MMOs involve themselves with a multiplayer online world, they usually run for years. Such was the case withAsheron’s Call, which eventuallyshut down in 2017despite being one of the earliest MMOs.
The biggest influenceAsheron’s Callleft on the industry was its world. Players were allowed to explore a vast world with no loading screens, something common today but extremely impressive for 1999. This can be seen most obviously withWorld of Warcraft,which also implemented no loading screens between zones, aside from instanced areas.
Among the plethora of MMO franchises,RuneScapehas certainly stayed as one of the most popular. Whether itwas the first game, the newer entries, orOld School RuneScape, it has stood the test of time.
Originally, the first entry was a browser game and didn’t follow the same conventions that other MMOs did. Players were able to set their own goals and engage in an abundance of content. The game is even influential in its own sphere, withOld School RuneScapegiving players the chance to access the original version years later.
4Dark Age Of Camelot
A Game Focused On World PvP
PvP has always been attempted in MMOs to varying degrees of success.Dark Age of Camelotis often considered one of the best MMOs to implement it.
The game isn’t wholly PvP as PvE does exist in it, but it is widely known and remembered for its player-vs-player interactions. Relating to its story, there are three realms players can join. Through this, the game focuses on realm-vs-realm gameplay, allowing for highly successful world PvP. EvenWorld of Warcrafthas attempted to try this out, perhaps most notably with the War Mode system, showing theDark Age of Camelot’sinfluence.
World of Warcrafttook MMOs to new heights when it launched in 2004. No other MMO had reached the popularity of it before, setting a precedent that future MMOs, such asFinal Fantasy 14, would follow.
WoW’sinfluence was clear in its world, with vast and iconic landscapes that would stand the test of time. Instanced content was another area whereWoWdemonstrated its influence, asmany raidsand dungeons are often remembered as some of the best levels in a video game.
World of Warcraftmight have been the most popular MMO, butEverQuestwas the game that set the standard. It employed 3D gameplay and developed the framework for future games.
The game is often repeated as feeling alive, being a title where the community aspect was done correctly. Players had to work with each other to continue the game, and that notion of community is clearly seen in modern MMOs. Yet despite its importance, the main reasonWoWcame out on top was simply due to refining negative features inEverQuestand adding to it. Almost all modern MMOs stem fromEverQuestin one way or another, proving just how influential it was.
Ultima Onlinemight not have started the MMO genre, but it was the game to be considered as the first true MMO. It was also the first MMO to be a huge success commercially, selling at an incredible rate and garnering much notice in the public eye.
Additionally, it was an impressive title for the time, with many systems that would become commonplace for gaming in general. It even gave rise to notable observations in MMO games, such as thenotion that players will find a way to kill any creature. Just overall,Ultima Onlinedemonstrated that MMOs could be viable and successful games for developers to create and that RPGs weren’t limited to linear designs.
