The “MM” in “MMO” stands for “massively multiplayer.” However most MMOs don’t really feel that method. A variety of them barely really feel multiplayer in any respect, not to mention massively. Zones are empty, and perhaps there are a number of AFK gamers on the town. So let’s discuss what really makes an MMO really feel large multiplayer.
RuneScape nails it. Gamers are in every single place — skilling, buying and selling, gathering, crafting, combating, you title it. The Grand Alternate is at all times packed. Similar goes for Albion On-line, the place every little thing revolves across the participant financial system. Everybody’s a part of a much bigger system that depends upon interplay. PvP zones particularly really feel alive and harmful as a result of actual gamers are at all times roaming.
On the flip facet, video games like Phantasy Star On-line 2: New Genesis and Tower of Fantasy have stable participant counts, however you’d barely discover. Their worlds are stunning, positive, however they really feel remoted. More often than not you’re operating solo or caught in instanced fight, barely crossing paths with others.
Guild Wars 2 does a greater job. Its open world occasions and executives often herald dozens of gamers, and that feels large no matter particular participant rely. Misplaced Ark is closely instanced too, however the hubs and chaos dungeons are busy sufficient to remind you you’re not alone on the earth.
Then there are titles like Trove and RIFT — nonetheless round, nonetheless playable, however usually feeling quiet resulting from server splits or growing older participant bases. Neverwinter and Star Wars: The Previous Republic have loyal communities as effectively, however the heavy use of instancing makes the worlds really feel extra like lobbies than open environments.
So yeah, “massively multiplayer” isn’t nearly uncooked numbers. If I don’t see or really feel the presence of different gamers, the attraction simply isn’t there. It’s not even about measurement — it’s about how you employ it. One of the best MMORPGs make their worlds really feel alive, not simply populated.
