The Future Of MMOs...

In the last several years, MMOs have become an essential part of the rural geek’s lifestyle. When ten miles separate you from the next gaming enthusiast, on-line play becomes a vital feature. And while these soul absorbing, social life crushing, monstrosities can be a tiny bit addictive, the alternative is a life of solitude. There is a misconception that on-line games hinder social interaction. This theory, however, assumes that social interaction would have occurred otherwise. And really, when it comes down to choosing between talking about the weather with a live person you share nothing in common with or comparing stats and strategies over vent with a person who has a shared interest, the choice is easy.

For a long time now, World of Warcraft has dominated the MMO market. In fact, its reign is so spectacular that dominated doesn’t seem an apt enough word to describe it. So while I’ve been able to break away from the siren’s call of epic loot and PvP contests, (my last escape was inspired by a return to an older on-line stomping ground, City of Heroes) I always manage to find my way back.

In theory, I suppose I could quit WoW for good, but that would likely require a newer MMO with sufficient enough pull to get me away and keep me there. With WoW having such a firm stranglehold on the market, could such a creature even exist?

Champions Online has me very excited about a great many things. Like City of Heroes before it, the biggest draw comes from the ability to customize your own spandex-clad super guy with an unprecedented level of options. I have no doubt that I will spend almost equal amounts of time creating characters and actually playing them.

But will it be enough? My return to City of Heroes was enjoyable but brief, and while it was fascinating to see what changes had come to the game over the years, it wasn’t enough to hold my attention for long. I suspect it will at best be a welcome distraction. A modern alternative to the classic fantasy setting of Azaroth.

But could an MMO beat WoW at their own game? Is there somebody out there that could make a fantasy MMO that can hold its own against Blizzard’s juggernaut? Warhammer tried, and for a while it looked like they had a shot. Fresh ideas, a popular license, and newer technology. They seemed like a good candidate to split the market and provide a viable and equal second option.

It didn’t quite pan out that way and while I’m sure somebody out there is playing Warhammer online, WoW’s status remains. So who’s next to enter the ring?

Surprisingly enough, it seems that and old MMO contender will be stepping up to the challenge. During this year’s E3, Square-Enix announced that their fourteenth installment in the Final Fantasy series will be a multi-platform MMORPG. The potential for greatness here is exciting. Final Fantasy XI was released seven years ago in a pre-WoW world and though I’ve never been a fan of the game I do have to commend Square-Enix for their continued support of the title.

With FFXIV, the company has a brand new blank slate to put those years of experience to use. With WoW reaching an impressive age of its own, FFXIV may end up in a position to slay the titan once and for all.