The golden age of MMOs seems to have passed. While new titles emerge, the excitement of the early 2010s, where many tried to create new multiplayer worlds, is long gone. There are still beloved classics with expansions and dedicated player bases, yet many of the top MMOs currently are over a decade old.

Raph Koster, a well-respected figure in the MMO space known for his work on the iconic Ultima Online, shared his observations in a recent interview with GamesRadar+. He discussed his upcoming project, Stars Reach, likening it to earlier sandbox MMOs and emphasizing player-generated content. Koster noted the importance of incorporating non-combat skills such as exploration and crafting into the gameplay, a nod to the diversity that earlier MMOs offered.

Koster remarked, “MMOs have ‘been in a rut for a long time… We haven’t seen a lot of innovation in the space. There haven’t been that many major titles over the last decade or two. The template set by World of Warcraft continues to dominate and limits what was once a much more diverse genre.”

He further suggested that cozy games like Animal Crossing have fulfilled player desires that were once addressed by more socially-driven MMOs. According to Koster, players are now turning to games such as Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley, which possess sandbox qualities but are often overlooked by traditional MMOs: “All those kinds of things are mostly absent these days from theme park MMOs.”

In summary, while traditional MMOs struggle with innovation, the aspiration for a more immersive and socially interactive gaming environment lives on through dedicated communities who find ways to engage creatively within and outside these games.