The video explains how ambitious Kickstarter MMO RPG projects frequently fail because players invest in the hope of building future social communities rather than just buying a game, yet these promises often go unfulfilled due to technical and financial challenges. It advises caution for backers, emphasizing that the true strength of MMOs lies in existing communities and social connections rather than the games themselves, warning that the cycle of hype and disappointment is likely to persist.
The video discusses the recurring cycle of ambitious Kickstarter MMO RPG projects that raise millions of dollars through crowdfunding, private investment, and early access sales, only to ultimately fail or shut down shortly after release. Using the example of Ashes of Creation, which recently faced management issues and legal battles after its early access launch, the video highlights how this pattern repeats frequently in the MMO genre. The core reason behind this cycle is that players are not just buying a game; they are investing in the hope of a future community and social connection, which many current MMOs fail to provide.
The genre of MMO RPGs is unique in that its strength lies not in innovative gameplay mechanics but in the community and social interactions it fosters. Many MMO games have mediocre moment-to-moment gameplay, often involving grind and repetition, but players tolerate this because of the social connections and shared experiences within the game world. This social aspect creates a sense of belonging and importance that keeps players engaged, even if the mechanical parts of the games are lacking. The video stresses that the MMO experience is more about being part of a living, breathing community than about the technical quality of the game itself.
A significant point made is that the players most eager to back new MMO projects are often those without an established community in existing games. These players are searching for a fresh start, a new social group, and a chance to be important within a nascent community. Kickstarter campaigns and early access projects capitalize on this desire by promising player-driven worlds, unique social systems, and impactful choices. However, these promises often remain unfulfilled due to the immense technical and financial challenges of delivering such complex games, leading to disappointment and project failures.
The video also explores the psychological and social dynamics behind why people continue to invest in these projects despite repeated failures. Many supporters are buying into a dream of future social involvement and community, which is deeply appealing for those who feel isolated or disconnected in real life or in their current gaming experiences. This dream creates passionate, sometimes defensive communities around unreleased games, where criticism is often met with hostility because it threatens the fragile hope and social bonds forming around the project.
In conclusion, the video advises caution to players considering investing in crowdfunded MMO projects, urging them to recognize that they are often purchasing a dream rather than a finished product. It encourages gamers to seek out existing communities within current MMOs where meaningful social connections can be made now, rather than placing hope and money into uncertain futures. The MMO genre’s greatest strength remains its community, and while new games may eventually succeed, the cycle of hype and disappointment is likely to continue as long as players chase the promise of a perfect virtual world and social belonging.