The video game community seems to be expanding in the MMO (massively multiplayer online) and RPG (role-playing game) categories. MMO is a genre of video games that allows a large amount of players to compete simultaneously on the Internet. The difference between RPGs and MMOs is that in RPGs you can only play single player or co-op stories; however, with MMOs you play online against everyone.
The most popular MMOs on the market now are “World of Warcraft” (WoW), “Destiny,” “Star Wars: The Old Republic” and “Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn.” World of Warcraft is exclusively a PC game and was released on Nov. 24, 2004. It has sustained success by releasing expansion packs every three years to its overwhelming population. A fifth expansion pack, “Warlords of Draenor” was released to the enormous fanbase it has built over the last decade. The new expansion pack allows players to get their character to level 90 and offers other exclusive updates to the game.
Junior Matt Roach said, “World of Warcraft is the most popular and most prominent in the genre. I play 'Star Wars: The Old Republic’ though because it’s free.”
“World of Warcraft” may be the most popular in the genre, but it requires you to purchase game time or subscription cards of 30, 90, or 180 days.
“All of my friends play World of Warcraft. The MMO’s that have had the most success are WoW, League and Skyrim. I can’t talk to my friends without a Skyrim reference," said junior William Toner.
“Destiny” was made by the creators of the famous “Halo” franchise and the corporation that made the “Call of Duty” games as well. It was only released in September 2014 and already has one of the largest fanbases in the MMORPG genre. The game has no signs of slowing down and has released one expansion pack so far, called “The Dark Below.” “Destiny” is definitely on the rise to becoming one of the most recognizable MMORPG for years to come.
“Star Wars: The Old Republic” was released in December of 2011. The game has clearly developed a vast community of players since then by making the game free. It also has persistent success because it is based on the popular film franchise “Star Wars.” The game allows you to become Jedi, Sith, a bounty hunter or another recognizable character from the film. Additionally, “The Old Republic” lets the player choose the "Light Side" or the "Dark Side" as they progress through the game.
The MMO genre is becoming increasingly popular among gamers by offering them more customization over their character, allowing gamers to play with their friends online and giving more freedom in the environment compared to other video game genres. “World of Warcraft” may be the most popular currently, but “Star Wars: The Old Republic” will continue to persuade gamers to play their game by making it free.
jsanzar1@ramapo.edu
