What Features Would Enhance Future MMORPGs?

As a seasoned SEO professional, I have a keen interest in understanding what features would enhance the future of Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs). MMORPGs are a genre that combines immersive role-playing experiences with multiplayer features. The focus of this article is to explore key features that would improve the current state of MMORPGs, enhancing user experience and driving engagement.

Liberating Class Restrictions with Multiclass Characters

One of the features I wish more MMORPGs would adopt is the ability to have multiple classes on one character, similar to games like The Secret World, Secret World Legends, and Final Fantasy XIV. This would provide more flexibility and depth to player characters, reducing the monotony of being locked into just one class. The ability to switch between different roles (such as a Warrior, Mage, and Engineer) would promote a more dynamic and engaging gameplay experience.

Non-Combat Leveling

Another desirable feature is the return of non-combat leveling. Concepts such as those seen in Star Wars Galaxies, where players can level up their non-combat abilities like Crafting, Engineering, Dancing, and Medic skills, would foster a more balanced and diverse player community. These roles would not only level up independently but also interact meaningfully with combat-focused classes. For example, Crafters would rely on Combat classes to obtain essential resources, while Combat classes would need buffs from Dancers and Healing from Medics. This interdependence would create a more cohesive and engaging community.

Gender Options and Race Diversity

Player choice is crucial for uninterrupted enjoyment. Therefore, all or most classes should have both male and female options. This ensures that players can create characters that align with their preferences and identities. Additionally, a wide range of races with unique abilities and traits would add depth to the game world and create a more diverse player base. This diversity would enhance the narrative and social dynamics within the game.

Guild Systems and Social Features

Strong guild and alliance systems are essential for fostering a robust community. These systems should allow players to form stable groups that can undertake quests, participate in large-scale battles, and share resources. Particle effects and environmental interactions would enhance the visual and immersive aspects of these player interactions, making them more engaging.

Essential Design Considerations

Lag Resistance: The game should be able to handle lag effectively, ensuring that a 100-250ms ping is still playable. This is crucial for maintaining international player groups and maximizing player satisfaction. Cooperative Design: Cooperative gameplay should be encouraged and not penalized. Gameplay should be designed to promote teamwork and shared objectives, ensuring that playing together benefits all players. Gameplay Balance: The viability difference between classes should not determine the outcome of encounters, regardless of player skill. This ensures that player skill is the primary factor in success, not the class chosen. Non-offensive Monetization: Any form of Pay-to-Win (P2W) should be avoided. Instead, the game should be monetized through subscription models or optional paid content that players can choose to enjoy without feeling compelled to spend money. Functioning Social and Trade Systems: Trade systems should be open and inclusive, allowing players to freely buy, sell, and exchange items. Guild creation features should be accessible to all classes to ensure that all players can participate in group activities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the future of MMORPGs lies in innovation and player satisfaction. By addressing the issues of class restrictions, non-combat leveling, and social engagement, developers can create games that are not only more immersive and engaging but also more accessible to a wide range of players. As SEO professionals, we must advocate for these changes to ensure that MMORPGs continue to thrive.