MMOs Explode in 2024: A Year of Thriving Adventure and Unforgettable Fun

The Resilience of the MMO Genre

As I reflect on the past year in the world of massively multiplayer online (MMO) games, I’m reminded of the often-overlooked resilience of the genre. It’s easy to get caught up in the notion that the golden age of MMOs is behind us, but 2024 has proven that there’s still plenty of life left in this beloved genre.

World of Warcraft: Taking Us Underground

One of the biggest stories of the year has been World of Warcraft’s The War Within, the first part of a trilogy of expansions. This latest chapter has taken us on an incredible journey, from the depths of the ocean to the heart of the Dragon Isles. The addition of new hero talents, which lean into each class fantasy, has been a game-changer. And, of course, the underground adventures have been a highlight, offering some of the most impressive locations Blizzard has designed in the game’s history.

The Rest of the Pack

But WoW isn’t the only MMO worth talking about. Final Fantasy XIV, for instance, has saved Square Enix from financial troubles, and its dedicated fan community has been instrumental in keeping the game alive. In fact, the official license was granted to a group of fan developers, allowing City of Heroes: Homecoming to be reborn as a fully official game. It’s a testament to the power of community and the enduring appeal of MMOs.

Other Notable Mentions

Elsewhere, The Elder Scrolls Online received a new expansion, Gold Road, which, while poorly received, has attracted a new wave of players. Fallout 76, on the other hand, has seen a significant boost in popularity thanks to the Fallout TV series, and is poised for an exciting 2025. Lost Ark, an Amazon-published MMOARPG, has had a rough year, but there’s still hope for a turnaround. Finally, RuneScape designer Andrew Gower released his new F2P MMO, Brighter Shores, which, while not without its flaws, has been well-received on Steam.

A Strong Year for MMOs

As I look back on 2024, I’m struck by the resilience of the MMO genre. From the highs of WoW’s latest expansion to the lows of Lost Ark’s struggles, it’s clear that this genre is far from dead. In fact, it’s more vibrant than ever, with a diverse range of games catering to different tastes and preferences. And as a player, I couldn’t be more grateful.

The Future is Bright

So, what does the future hold for MMOs? With new games on the horizon and old favorites continuing to evolve, there’s never been a better time to be an MMO enthusiast. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the world of MMOs, there’s something for everyone. And who knows? Maybe one day, we’ll look back on 2024 as the year that marked the beginning of a new golden age for MMOs.

Key Points:

World of Warcraft’s The War Within expansion took us on an incredible journey
Final Fantasy XIV saved Square Enix and has a dedicated fan community
City of Heroes: Homecoming was officially licensed and is now a fully official game
The Elder Scrolls Online received a new expansion, Gold Road
Fallout 76 saw a boost in popularity thanks to the Fallout TV series
Lost Ark has had a rough year, but there’s still hope for a turnaround
Brighter Shores, a new F2P MMO, has been well-received on Steam