Summary of "Why MMOs are Evolving Backwards"
Why MMOs are Evolving Backwards
Storyline / Main Argument
The video explores why many modern MMOs are losing popularity despite technological advancements and why older or “classic” MMOs like Old School Runescape and Classic WoW are seeing a resurgence. It argues that MMOs are evolving backwards by returning to older design philosophies centered around friction, depth, and long-term player engagement rather than adopting the streamlined, frictionless, seasonal live-service models common today.
Key Points & Highlights
Current MMO Landscape
- Many modern MMOs fail to retain players beyond a few hours or weeks due to overwhelming onboarding, rapid seasonal content, and catch-up mechanics.
- MMOs have shifted toward short bursts of play with frequent resets (seasons, patches), which suits competitive shooters but undermines the persistent world appeal of MMOs.
- The genre struggles because it tries to mimic live-service models that prioritize accessibility and quick returns over long-term immersion.
Return to Classic MMO Design
- Older MMOs like Classic WoW and Old School Runescape are growing in popularity, showing that players crave depth, persistence, and meaningful engagement.
- These games emphasize friction (grind, patience, planning) that creates lasting connections to the world and characters.
- The “friction” in MMOs is a balancing act—too much drives players away, too little leads to a lack of meaningful engagement.
Friction and Difficulty
- Using examples from Souls games (Dark Souls, Elden Ring), the video explains how balancing difficulty and reducing frustrating friction (like long runbacks) can maintain player motivation.
- MMOs have tried to remove friction (grind, complexity) to be more approachable, but this often removes the core satisfaction and persistence that define the genre.
Itemization and Buildcraft
- Modern MMOs have flattened itemization systems, where gear stats are simplified to a single item level and minor stat differences, reducing meaningful build choices.
- Classic MMOs featured complex itemization requiring thoughtful decisions and adaptation, which fostered deeper player investment.
- The loss of unique itemization is seen as a major factor in the genre’s stagnation.
Examples of Successful Classic MMO Features
- Old School Runescape’s new “Sailing” skill blends old-school mechanics with modern design, offering long-term content accessible to all players.
- Classic WoW’s slow-paced, hostile world demanded attention, patience, and planning, creating memorable experiences.
- The polling system in Old School Runescape allows players to directly influence game development, fostering a strong community-developer relationship.
Challenges for Modern MMOs
- Attempts to create visually impressive, next-gen MMOs often fail due to technical limitations and alienating hardware requirements.
- The market is large and diverse, but MMOs struggle to find a sustainable model that balances complexity, accessibility, and long-term engagement.
- Investors and studios tend to avoid funding projects that prioritize systemic depth over flashy graphics or quick returns.
Outlook for the Genre
- The resurgence of classic MMOs and niche, difficult games (like Elden Ring, Silkong) shows there is a market for complexity and friction.
- Future successful MMOs may look more like classic games with deep systems rather than flashy, streamlined live-service titles.
- The potential success of Classic Plus (a continuation of Classic WoW) could reinvigorate interest in systemically deep MMOs.
Strategies / Tips Discussed
- Embrace friction and complexity to create meaningful player engagement and long-term connection.
- Balance difficulty and reduce unnecessary frustration to keep players motivated.
- Design itemization systems that encourage thoughtful buildcraft and player choice.
- Foster strong player-developer communication and community involvement (e.g., polling systems).
- Resist the urge to overly simplify or streamline MMOs to fit live-service models designed for other genres.
Notable Games Mentioned
- Old School Runescape (including the new Sailing skill update)
- Classic World of Warcraft (Vanilla and Burning Crusade)
- Retail World of Warcraft
- Final Fantasy XIV
- From Software Souls series (Dark Souls, Bloodborne, Elden Ring)
- Silkong (indie challenging game)
- New World
- SWTOR
- Guild Wars 2
- Black Desert Online
- Doom Survival (mentioned as not a true MMO)
Sources / Featured Gamers
- The video creator (unnamed narrator)
- Jagex (developer of Old School Runescape, sponsor of the video)
- References to MMO communities and developer comments (e.g., FF14 director on class design)
Summary
MMOs are evolving backwards by rediscovering the value of friction, complexity, and long-term player investment that defined the genre’s golden era. Modern attempts to streamline MMOs into short-term, accessible live-service models have undermined the persistence and depth that create meaningful player connections. Classic MMOs like Old School Runescape and Classic WoW exemplify why players are returning to older designs, proving that systemic depth and player-driven content can sustain and grow an MMO’s community in today’s crowded gaming market.
Category
Gaming
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