Next-Gen MMOG, what is that?

We hear a lot about what will be the “next-gen” MMOG, what is the future for this particular market. So I thought I would express my opinion on the subject.

It seems most people assimilate Next-Gen with awesome graphics and features like “boats, housing, mounts and such”.

Well, my opinion is quite different, I think that as of today the MMO market is still in its first generation or second at most, but certainly isn’t in its third.

For me, there are three main points that will make the next-gen MMOG:

Environment Interaction: MMOG are supposed to be persistent “world”, which means they are supposed to reproduce an immersive and “realistic” and coherent universe, still, there is no way to cut down that tree over there, even if my character is wearing a 2 handed Axe, or to burn it down, even though I am able to launch fireballs bigger than the tree itself.

So yes, I think one of the main components of MMOG evolution will be the ability to really interact with the environment, to push that mob onto the table behind it and make it fall, to affect everything around me when I cast an AoE. To cut that tree using my sword and make it falls on that creature etc… Sounds like a dream? Well maybe today, but I am pretty sure that will be doable in a few years

A real AI: that point is directly linked to the next one, as of today the AI of the mobs in MMO is extremely basic. They are stupid at most, and every FPS on the market got a better AI for their enemies. Isn’t it surprising that again, in games that are supposed to reproduce “realistic” universe, the creatures are so predictable?

A lot of work and improvements could be made in that direction.

Rethink Game Mechanics: Pull, Aggro, Tank, Heal, Mez. Every single MMORPG on the market works like that to some degree, whether you are using a bow or a laser gun to kill your foes, it is always the same mechanics behind.

We need to completely rethink the way combat works in MMOG; this is of course directly tied to the AI of the enemies, and would impact the whole gameplay as a result. The combat are all the same, more or less, we need to get out of this “circle” and innovate.

As you see, for me the next-gen mmog isn’t about being in a different universe (fantasy, Sci-Fi, modern, Asian or whatever), it is not about better graphics or having a boat. No, the next-gen MMOG is about getting closer to the “persistent universe” feeling, it is about being more immersive and livelier, Environment, AI and Combat Mechanics will allow that, but there is a LOT of work in those domains.

As of today the MMORPG are really basic, we are in the early day of the massively multiplayer experiences, and the potential for improvements is limitless.