2024 has been a very peculiar year in the gaming world. A year that is witnessing a boom in new MMOs and expansions, marking a return for a genre that, apart from a few classics, was in decline. But it is also a return where many developers are moving away from using the term MMO.
With the announcement and launch of many new MMO games in 2024, mostly RPGs, many veteran users are noticing a trend noticeable in recent years. Publishers now tend to avoid the use of the term MMO for their games. A pattern that raises questions about how the term has become synonymous with features criticized by many. In particular, endless grinding and a business model with microtransactions designed to exploit said grinding, offering faster progression and Pay2Win content.
The term MMO, Massively Multiplayer Online, has surprisingly been around for over 40 years. With Islands of Kesmai in 1984 pioneering the genre, and Ultima Online in 1997 popularizing the MMORPG genre. Thanks to the growing adoption and availability of the Internet in the early 2000s. A term that over time could disappear entirely, while still remaining alive as a multiplayer video game genre.
One of the most notable examples is that of Crimson Desert, the new RPG game by Pearl Abyss. Initially visualized as the spiritual successor to the MMORPG Black Desert, Crimson Desert instead distances itself from the classic MMORPG formula and is shown as a live-service Action RPG. Certainly not the only example, as even New World with Aeternum is leaning more toward an ARPG than an MMORPG.
In addition to the negative connotations we mentioned (grinding and P2W), the MMORPG genre had become very saturated, much like the MOBA and Battle Royale genres. By not using the term MMO, publishers aim to present their new games as something different. Often highlighting a particular mechanic to avoid direct comparisons with fierce competition, often with the well-established World of Warcraft and other classics.
In short, the MMO genre is not in danger, even though the term could disappear entirely from common usage. Often being seen as redundant for live-service multiplayer games with multiple players. And 2024 has certainly seen numerous MMO releases, with strong competition thanks to new expansions of great classics in the genre. Among the most played we have:
The new MMORPG from Amazon Games, released on 1st October 2024, has excited many with its PvPvE approach that is reflected in the vast world of Solisium. Where the actions of players and guilds in competitions will affect the game world. With a peak of over 320,000 players at launch.
Blizzard’s great classic, certainly the most renowned MMORPG in the genre. It continues, even 20 years after its launch, to bring new content. Divided between Classic and Retail servers, to satisfy nostalgic players and those looking for a modern experience. With the launch of The War Within and the celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the series.
Another great classic of the genre, it still continues to have a solid community. The choice of the Free-to-Play model has greatly helped to popularize the title, offering the base game for free and the expansions as separate purchases.
One of the big new releases of 2024, officially launched on 9th July 2024, Once Human offers a survival MMO in a post-apocalyptic world. A third-person PvP and PvE shooter that also offers base-building possibilities. It is also available on Android and iOS devices.
Bungie’s popular MMOFPS, Destiny 2 offers a first-person shooter with RPG components in a futuristic setting. With the adoption of the Free-to-Play model, Destiny 2 is one of the few still-thriving MMOFPS titles, with a strong community. It also continues to receive updates with new stories and content. With the 10th anniversary of the series in September and the launch of The Final Shape in June, as well as the recent Act 3 of Echoes.
Another classic title now over 10 years old, an MMORPG based on Square Enix’s beloved Final Fantasy series. One of the few subscription-based titles that still maintains a fairly active community. Thanks to new game expansions and ongoing support, as well as the possibility to try the game for free for 30 days and continue the adventure.
But there are certainly no shortages of new releases arriving in the last months of 2024 and especially in 2025. With 3 of the most anticipated MMOs arriving soon:
Arriving in 2025, this title from Funcom offers PvP survival in the world of Arrakis from the famous Dune series by Frank Herbert. One of the few PvP games coming, and one that many are eager to try.
The long-awaited sequel to Path of Exile, arriving in November 2024 in Early Access. Offering an improved version more than 10 years after the launch of the first Path of Exile, one of the most beloved Diablo-clones ever, as an Action RPG with a top-down view in a dark fantasy world.
The Elder Scrolls Online is an example of an MMO game with a not-so-brilliant start, but with continuous updates, it has managed to carve out a slice of fans over the years. With the launch of the Gold Rush expansion, which takes us back to West Weald from the days of Oblivion, and the Autumn update focusing on Houses, followed by the Winter update with PvP and 2 new companions.
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