Massively Multiplayer Online Game (MMOG)

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What Is a Massively Multiplayer Online Game (MMOG)?

Massively multiplayer online games, also known as MMO games or MMOGs, are huge-scale video games that can feature hundreds (or thousands) of players in one giant world. While they tend to be role-playing games, other genres have adopted the MMO structure in recent years.

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The gameplay and game mechanics of massively multiplayer online games can vary wildly depending on the core of the experience. Some titles in the genre are more traditional, favoring hot bars on cooldowns for their real-time combat action. This can mean incorporating elements such as damage scaling, which can be tied to your character’s level; game progression advances as you become stronger.

Some of the best massively multiplayer games work on a loot-based system that rewards player exploration and agency. This can typically happen in raids (or other real-time in-world events) where loot, such as armor sets and weapons, can be won for a limited time. As your characters become more powerful, you will need more potent weapons, armor, and spells to continue adventuring. It’s all to fulfill player retention.

Key Takeaways

  • Massively multiplayer online games can feature hundreds, even thousands, of players.
  • Some of the best MMO games include World of Warcraft and Final Fantasy XIV Online.
  • The first true MMO is believed to be Neverwinter Nights which debuted in 1991.
  • The most popular MMO is Old School RuneScape, with over 60 million players.
  • MMOs such as New World and Throne & Liberty are still being made to this day.

History of MMOs

The history of MMOs stretches back over 30 years from their introduction as the internet became popular. As high-speed connections became mainstream, so too did the genre of playing video games online.

How MMO Games Work

MMO games utilize dedicated servers to host their expansive game worlds. Depending on the size of these private servers, hundreds (potentially thousands of players) can be supported at any one time. Some of World of Warcraft’s largest servers, called Realms, can support upwards of 30,000 players at any one time.

In contrast, EVE Online uses one gigantic server for a “single-shard universe” that can supposedly house as many as 300,000 players worldwide.

New MMO games have taken a different approach. Amazon Games’ New World has regional servers (US West, US East, SA East, EU Central, and AP Southwest) with areas supporting cross-play and cross-platform, whether on PC or console. This is similar with Throne & Liberty, which has dedicated servers across the Western, Eastern, South, and European Americas, as well as Japan and Oceania.

Types of MMO Games

There are many different types of MMO games available today.

An illustration of a gamer selecting a character in an online multiplayer game, showcasing different MMO game genres, including MMORPGs, MMO shooters, racing games, and simulation games.

MMORPGs
MMORPGs are the most popular and widespread genre in the MMO space. As their name suggests, these massively multiplayer role-playing games allow players to interact with hundreds or thousands of others, typically featuring an expansive open world. Popular examples include World of Warcraft, Final Fantasy XIV, and Elder Scrolls Online.
MMO shooters
MMO shooters, such as Destiny 2 and Planetside 2, have maintained a dedicated following over the years. Despite Bungie’s free-to-play shooter releasing in 2017, Destiny 2 continues to attract thousands of players daily, with concurrent users regularly surpassing 300,000 on Steam (via Steamdb).
MMO simulation games
MMO simulation games, particularly military simulations, have gained immense popularity in recent years. Titles like World of Tanks, War Thunder, and Enlisted have garnered hundreds of thousands of players. While these games initially targeted computer players, console ports have been introduced in response to increasing demand.
MMO racing games
MMO racing games are less common compared to other genres, but their presence is steadily growing. Popular titles like Drift City, Project Torque, TrackMania, and Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown have carved out a niche. Although big-budget games like The Crew Motorfest incorporate multiplayer features, major publishers remain cautious about fully embracing the MMO racing formula.

Popular MMO Games

Popular MMO games are primarily RPGs due to the genre’s long history since its implementation in the late 1990s. That said, certain games have utilized large servers to great success.

World of Warcraft

An epic fantasy battle scene from World of Warcraft, featuring a warrior, an elf archer, and an orc fighting against monstrous creatures in a dark, mystical environment.
World of Warcraft is arguably the most well-known MMO ever made. Source: Blizzard

If you asked most people to name an MMO, they would probably describe World of Warcraft. Blizzard’s perennially popular online RPG has thrived for over 20 years and has received a wealth of expansions and updates since it first launched in 2004. Despite two decades of innovation, in August 2019, Blizzard released WoW Classic, aiming to deliver an authentic base game experience before The Burning Crusade was implemented. You need an active subscription to play World of Warcraft, which costs $12.99 monthly.

Final Fantasy XIV Online

A group of diverse fantasy characters in Final Fantasy XIV Online, including warriors, mages, and rogues, posing in a Japanese-inspired environment with glowing symbols and banners.
Final Fantasy XIV Online is incredibly popular on both PC and console. Source: Steam

Final Fantasy XIV Online remains one of the most popular MMO games ever made, with over 30 million registered users. A reimagining of the original 2010 build, this version was made from the ground up and released in 2014. Since then, there have been a series of overhauling expansions, such as Endwalker from 2021 and Dawntrail from 2024. You can play for free up to level 70, and you’ll have access to the base game and the first two expansions (Heavensward and Stormblood). Otherwise, it costs $12.99 a month to keep playing afterward.

Elder Scrolls Online

A heavily armored warrior with a shield and sword fights against multiple bandits in a lush, mystical forest, while a mage and a bear companion provide support.
The Elder Scrolls franchise translated well to the MMO format. Source: Steam

Elder Scrolls Online translates the freedom and exploration found in the single-player games, such as Skyrim and Oblivion, while letting you meet with hundreds of other players on quests and out in the world. To date, there are over 22 million registered users, so you should never experience a dull moment in ZeniMax’s open world MMORPG.

4 Ways to Improve MMO Game Performance

  1. Use one of the trusted VPN for gaming to ensure a safe and secure connection.

  2. If you can, play the game with a wired Ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi.

  3. Close down your web browser and any other RAM-intensive background programs.

  4. Prioritize performance modes over visuals by scaling your GPU and CPU settings.

MMO Games Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Build around longevity and player retention
  • Large game worlds to explore
  • There are tons of replay value and things to do
  • Wide availability on PC and console
  • Potential to meet hundreds of new players

Cons

  • Combat and gameplay can sometimes be lacking
  • Some MMOs require a monthly subscription
  • Some free-to-play MMOs lean heavily on excess monetization

The Bottom Line

Massively multiplayer online games (MMOGs) have been a part of the video game industry for over 30 years. While early versions of the software were text-based or primitive, nowadays, huge licenses utilize the genre in new and exciting ways. That means interacting with hundreds (or thousands) of players, whether as an RPG, a shooter, a racing game, or more.

FAQs

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References

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Joey Morris
Gaming Writer
Joey Morris
Gaming Writer

Joey Morris is a Gaming Writer. He has spent several years writing on his own blog site and for other creative publications. He has written reviews, features, and even a digital magazine. He has also produced podcasts, video essays, and held interviews with various experts in the gaming industry. He enjoys playing video games as both a profession and passion.