free mmorpg game

[matas]

Is there such game that would offer more than just grinding monsters 95% of the time? Looking for a game that does not have monthly fees.

 

[Bateluer]

Nope

 

[destrekor]

Guild Wars. PvE combat in the beginning of the game, and switches up to offering PvE and PvP play, depending on your fancy, but most at that point focus on PvP except for farming, unless I'm mistaken. Haven't reached that far yet, just starting to really get into the game (yet owned it since release).

 

[Dumac]

Guild wars isn't an MMO

Do you mean completely free, or simply no monthly fees? All completely free MMOs suck balls, as do pretty much all those with no monthly fees. To maintain the MMO experience, those companies need your cash.

 

[techwanabe]

Originally posted by: matas
Is there such game that would offer more than just grinding monsters 95% of the time? Looking for a game that does not have monthly fees.

www.roseonlinegame.com

NArose is a fun game originally developed by Koreans but hosed out of Los Angeles for 3 years. It's fun but most MMO's are grinds to one degree or another. I've been playing RoseOnline since 2005 on and off. It's very different than the typical Elf, Dwarf, Orc type game.

It just went free to play in July aftering being subscription for 3 years.

 

[destrekor]

Originally posted by: Dumac
Guild wars isn't an MMO

Do you mean completely free, or simply no monthly fees? All completely free MMOs suck balls, as do pretty much all those with no monthly fees. To maintain the MMO experience, those companies need your cash.

ah, it's close enough when looking at free and the level of quality that is involved. Sure, it's mostly Diablo-Lite with virtual chatrooms for party organization and trading, but it's good.

Guild Wars 2, to be released likely sometime in 2009, will be almost exactly what a true MMO is, or actually will be a true MMO (with instanced dungeons and story-based missions, but persistent worlds will be in the game), and will maintain the free to play system.
How ArenaNet and NCsoft make money is through expansion packs and whatnot.

 

[matas]

I am going to try Rose Online tonight. Also good news to hear that Guild Wars 2 is to be released.

 

[JETninja]

Silkroadonline

Sorta of a WOW type game, free to play though they do sell items of course to improve your game play. Been grinding in it with one of my sons for over a year...first fantasy type game for me.

 

[EricMartello]

I think there are a lot of MMO games being "rushed to market" because the handful that are successful provide a steady revenue stream for the company that made it. WoW is the obvious example, but you also have things like Gaia Online and Entropia Universe which do well (overseas at least). MMOs are still in their infancy in the US, in my opinion...sooner or later MMO will be as common to people as WWW and you may see better quality MMO games without subscription fees. For now you're better off choosing one of the better subscription based games, ones that your friends would enjoy as well, or stick it out with the asian MMOs...many of which are free to play, but shoddy in quality and full of cheaters.

 

[pontifex]

mmo is in its infancy in the us? well, i guess if you mean the US companies don't release 5000 mmo's a year that are all the same and you just grind to death, like the korean mmos, then i guess you're right.
if that is an adult mmo stage, then for the love of all that is fun and decent in this world, i hope the US mmos don't grow up or even better yet, go back into the womb!

 

[Sylvanas]

Originally posted by: matas
Is there such game that would offer more than just grinding monsters 95% of the time? Looking for a game that does not have monthly fees.

Planeshift

 

[EricMartello]

Originally posted by: pontifex
mmo is in its infancy in the us? well, i guess if you mean the US companies don't release 5000 mmo's a year that are all the same and you just grind to death, like the korean mmos, then i guess you're right.
if that is an adult mmo stage, then for the love of all that is fun and decent in this world, i hope the US mmos don't grow up or even better yet, go back into the womb!

Yes, that's what I said. Is there an echo in here? The average US gamer doesn't even know what an MMO is, and many who do know, do not play an MMO. The actual market size of MMOs in the US is still in the $1 billion range, with 60% of that being dominated by Blizzard with WoW - it's nowhere near that of typical PC/Console games which are a developed multi-billion industry. I agree with you that quality over quantity is important, but there is no denying that MMOs as a segment of the game industry are still in their early stages here in the States.

 

[destrekor]

Originally posted by: EricMartello

Originally posted by: pontifex
mmo is in its infancy in the us? well, i guess if you mean the US companies don't release 5000 mmo's a year that are all the same and you just grind to death, like the korean mmos, then i guess you're right.
if that is an adult mmo stage, then for the love of all that is fun and decent in this world, i hope the US mmos don't grow up or even better yet, go back into the womb!

Yes, that's what I said. Is there an echo in here? The average US gamer doesn't even know what an MMO is, and many who do know, do not play an MMO. The actual market size of MMOs in the US is still in the $1 billion range, with 60% of that being dominated by Blizzard with WoW - it's nowhere near that of typical PC/Console games which are a developed multi-billion industry. I agree with you that quality over quantity is important, but there is no denying that MMOs as a segment of the game industry are still in their early stages here in the States.

Who says the MMO market is infantile in the US? Consider the vast difference in the market between Asia and the Western world. More games than simply MMO have that kind of crazy market penetration, and look at how much they drool over cybercafes. It's a very different culture, and the way they flock to gaming is almost like a disease. Hell, some die because they forget to drink and eat while doing marathon gaming sessions at the cybercafes!
I don't think the U.S. will EVER see that kind of market penetration, because Americans - and others - don't have that kind of culture in general. Yes, there are those who, as I'd say, go too far into that lifestyle 'Stateside, but we are quite different in the gaming market. I'm confident it'll always be that way.

 

[Maleficus]

All MMO's grind, that's their purpose, so if you're looking for something that doesn't do that, find a game.

As for MMOjobs, there are plenty they don't require a monthly fee, especially the korean types.

 

[pontifex]

Originally posted by: EricMartello

Originally posted by: pontifex
mmo is in its infancy in the us? well, i guess if you mean the US companies don't release 5000 mmo's a year that are all the same and you just grind to death, like the korean mmos, then i guess you're right.
if that is an adult mmo stage, then for the love of all that is fun and decent in this world, i hope the US mmos don't grow up or even better yet, go back into the womb!

Yes, that's what I said. Is there an echo in here? The average US gamer doesn't even know what an MMO is, and many who do know, do not play an MMO. The actual market size of MMOs in the US is still in the $1 billion range, with 60% of that being dominated by Blizzard with WoW - it's nowhere near that of typical PC/Console games which are a developed multi-billion industry. I agree with you that quality over quantity is important, but there is no denying that MMOs as a segment of the game industry are still in their early stages here in the States.

with the success of WoW, i don't see how the average gamer couldn't possibly know what an mmo is.

 

[waggy]

dungeon runners is free its not great but kinda fun.

 

[EricMartello]

Originally posted by: destrekor
Who says the MMO market is infantile in the US? Consider the vast difference in the market between Asia and the Western world. More games than simply MMO have that kind of crazy market penetration, and look at how much they drool over cybercafes. It's a very different culture, and the way they flock to gaming is almost like a disease. Hell, some die because they forget to drink and eat while doing marathon gaming sessions at the cybercafes!
I don't think the U.S. will EVER see that kind of market penetration, because Americans - and others - don't have that kind of culture in general. Yes, there are those who, as I'd say, go too far into that lifestyle 'Stateside, but we are quite different in the gaming market. I'm confident it'll always be that way.

You could say it's a cultural thing...just like anime used to be...but look how popular anime is now vs 10 years ago. It's in the mainstream of US media, not just a niche anymore. Furthermore, the following facts remain:

- The MMO market in the US is still in the $1 billion range; compared to $15 billion+ of 'typical' PC/Console games.

- WoW is really the only mainstream MMO in the US...but before and after WoW, many have tried to get an MMO game to take off in a BIG way like WoW did.

- Most popular MMO games, like Lineage, Ultima Online, Everquest are still a niche when compared to the electronic game market as a whole.

Originally posted by: pontifex
with the success of WoW, i don't see how the average gamer couldn't possibly know what an mmo is.

The average gamer doesn't know what a MMO is because it's not mainstream yet.

WoW essentially IS the US MMO market with more than 60% of the market share...but of WoW's 10 million subscribers, roughly 30% of those are from US while the rest are Europe and Asia.

 

[pontifex]

Originally posted by: EricMartello

Originally posted by: destrekor
Who says the MMO market is infantile in the US? Consider the vast difference in the market between Asia and the Western world. More games than simply MMO have that kind of crazy market penetration, and look at how much they drool over cybercafes. It's a very different culture, and the way they flock to gaming is almost like a disease. Hell, some die because they forget to drink and eat while doing marathon gaming sessions at the cybercafes!
I don't think the U.S. will EVER see that kind of market penetration, because Americans - and others - don't have that kind of culture in general. Yes, there are those who, as I'd say, go too far into that lifestyle 'Stateside, but we are quite different in the gaming market. I'm confident it'll always be that way.

You could say it's a cultural thing...just like anime used to be...but look how popular anime is now vs 10 years ago. It's in the mainstream of US media, not just a niche anymore. Furthermore, the following facts remain:

- The MMO market in the US is still in the $1 billion range; compared to $15 billion+ of 'typical' PC/Console games.

- WoW is really the only mainstream MMO in the US...but before and after WoW, many have tried to get an MMO game to take off in a BIG way like WoW did.

- Most popular MMO games, like Lineage, Ultima Online, Everquest are still a niche when compared to the electronic game market as a whole.

Originally posted by: pontifex
with the success of WoW, i don't see how the average gamer couldn't possibly know what an mmo is.

The average gamer doesn't know what a MMO is because it's not mainstream yet.

WoW essentially IS the US MMO market with more than 60% of the market share...but of WoW's 10 million subscribers, roughly 30% of those are from US while the rest are Europe and Asia.

so you're saying the only people who know about mmos and wow are people who play it?
these other gamers never visit a video game store, never pick up a gaming mag, never visit gaming sites? hell, hasn't WoW and other mmos been in the mainstreams news multiple times? you're delusional.

 

[destrekor]

Originally posted by: pontifex

Originally posted by: EricMartello

Originally posted by: destrekor
Who says the MMO market is infantile in the US? Consider the vast difference in the market between Asia and the Western world. More games than simply MMO have that kind of crazy market penetration, and look at how much they drool over cybercafes. It's a very different culture, and the way they flock to gaming is almost like a disease. Hell, some die because they forget to drink and eat while doing marathon gaming sessions at the cybercafes!
I don't think the U.S. will EVER see that kind of market penetration, because Americans - and others - don't have that kind of culture in general. Yes, there are those who, as I'd say, go too far into that lifestyle 'Stateside, but we are quite different in the gaming market. I'm confident it'll always be that way.

You could say it's a cultural thing...just like anime used to be...but look how popular anime is now vs 10 years ago. It's in the mainstream of US media, not just a niche anymore. Furthermore, the following facts remain:

- The MMO market in the US is still in the $1 billion range; compared to $15 billion+ of 'typical' PC/Console games.

- WoW is really the only mainstream MMO in the US...but before and after WoW, many have tried to get an MMO game to take off in a BIG way like WoW did.

- Most popular MMO games, like Lineage, Ultima Online, Everquest are still a niche when compared to the electronic game market as a whole.

Originally posted by: pontifex
with the success of WoW, i don't see how the average gamer couldn't possibly know what an mmo is.

The average gamer doesn't know what a MMO is because it's not mainstream yet.

WoW essentially IS the US MMO market with more than 60% of the market share...but of WoW's 10 million subscribers, roughly 30% of those are from US while the rest are Europe and Asia.

so you're saying the only people who know about mmos and wow are people who play it?
these other gamers never visit a video game store, never pick up a gaming mag, never visit gaming sites? you're delusional.

Seriously. If you are into videogames, you know what an MMO is, at least in concept. Most people can at least name WoW. US gamers have a certain fancy when it comes to MMOs too, nor does the market really support multiple HUGE titles. People tend to flock from one to another, at least that is how it used to be. A lot will stay with a certain title, but a lot also move on.

 

[EricMartello]

If you want to debate what I said, present some information that shows the facts I stated are actually incorrect.

The fact of the matter is there are not many good MMOs in the US because it is a developing market, end of story. If you want to play a free MMO, you're going to have to look for overseas options like Mu. That's the deal, otherwise you have to pay a subscription fee.

 

[destrekor]

Originally posted by: EricMartello
If you want to debate what I said, present some information that shows the facts I stated are actually incorrect.

The fact of the matter is there are not many good MMOs in the US because it is a developing market, end of story. If you want to play a free MMO, you're going to have to look for overseas options like Mu. That's the deal, otherwise you have to pay a subscription fee.

You could also provide some facts that state that you are correct.

Bottom line is, it's extremely tough to judge the potential for the US market considering the culture is vastly different.
Not to mention, the different styles between western and eastern MMOs. Eastern MMOs have a very different play style that most Western folk don't enjoy. NCsoft knows this, and is why they have even stated for their upcoming MMO Aion will be a blend of Eastern meets Western style. I actually look forward to that and hope I can get into the beta for it. NCsoft is really the closest company who can bring the Eastern style to us Westerners, but has to be careful or else it'll just flop.

 

[EricMartello]

Originally posted by: destrekor
You could also provide some facts that state that you are correct.

Bottom line is, it's extremely tough to judge the potential for the US market considering the culture is vastly different.
Not to mention, the different styles between western and eastern MMOs. Eastern MMOs have a very different play style that most Western folk don't enjoy. NCsoft knows this, and is why they have even stated for their upcoming MMO Aion will be a blend of Eastern meets Western style. I actually look forward to that and hope I can get into the beta for it. NCsoft is really the closest company who can bring the Eastern style to us Westerners, but has to be careful or else it'll just flop.

What I stated are facts, and if you want to verify them then I'm sure you know how to use a search engine.

Play styles are an element of the game that have little to do with the topic of this thread. OP:

Is there such game that would offer more than just grinding monsters 95% of the time? Looking for a game that does not have monthly fees.

My answer to that remains the same. As the US MMO market matures, you WILL have more variety for THIS TYPE of game, some without monthly fees and some that have you do something other than grind NPC monsters - that also encompasses various play styles.

 

[Dumac]

Originally posted by: EricMartello
If you want to debate what I said, present some information that shows the facts I stated are actually incorrect.

The fact of the matter is there are not many good MMOs in the US because it is a developing market, end of story. If you want to play a free MMO, you're going to have to look for overseas options like Mu. That's the deal, otherwise you have to pay a subscription fee.

It is still a developing market, although it has grown a lot. I remember when everyone thought it was crazy that EQ had finally reached 400k US subscribers.

Although WoW caused a bit of a boom, the US is still lacking in subscriptions from MMOs are general. WoW has quite a few subscribers, but there are more subscribers in Asia than here in the west. And this isn't even talking about subscription free mmos, all of which are pretty much provided by eastern developers. Any western equivalent is usually horrible (example: Archlord.)

The east has always been more focused on online gaming, and so their MMO market has developed to cater towards a larger audience.

 

[EricMartello]

Originally posted by: Dumac
It is still a developing market, although it has grown a lot. I remember when everyone thought it was crazy that EQ had finally reached 400k US subscribers.

Although WoW caused a bit of a boom, the US is still lacking in subscriptions from MMOs are general. WoW has quite a few subscribers, but there are more subscribers in Asia than here in the west. And this isn't even talking about subscription free mmos, all of which are pretty much provided by eastern developers. Any western equivalent is usually horrible (example: Archlord.)

The east has always been more focused on online gaming, and so their MMO market has developed to cater towards a larger audience.

Yeah, I can't disagree with that.

In my opinion, the reason MMOs are not taking off in the US like they have in Asia is that they're generally monotonous. Grinding monsters and doing repetitive quests probably seems more like a job than entertainment to most US gamers...and the notion of paying a fee just to play a game is always a turn-off no matter how good the game is.

It won't be long before someone figures out the magic formula to make an MMO that appeals wildly to mainstream US gamers...and then things will get interesting.

 

[Jinru]

Perfect World is just releasing an American server, it's opening CB in about 17 hours and you can get a Beta key from mmorpg.com. I played on the Malaysian/english server when it first came out, it's alot like WoW in terms of lvling up with quests fairly quickly until you hit 50+, then it's straight up grind/instances. I enjoyed it for the most part, much better compared to other fp2 mmo's. The main reasons I loved it was for the PvP/PK aspect, it reminded me of Lineage 2, actually it was exactly like L2's battle system. The territory wars, the island you play on is divided into states which can be conquered in guild wars once a week to impose taxes, etc. The amazing visual appeal and unique character design and you can fly!

http://www.perfectworld.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGaRGU7r6LU