Is It Time for 2D MMOs to Make a Comeback?

There’s a question most players ask about new and old MMOs: “Is it dead?” The litmus test for life is usually based on how many active players are logging in on a daily basis. Perhaps a game lost most of its players a month after launch, and new patches are hardly bringing them back — you might say that game is done and buried. On the other hand, if the population is still healthy even without new content, then you can usually trust that the gameplay is fun enough to keep you coming back for more. Then there’s a question developers are asking about the MMO genre: “Is there a crowd for my idea?” The answer determines what kinds of games get funded, developed, and pushed out into the world. But sometimes an untapped market stays hidden because it was deemed “dead” before it got a chance to truly shine. Say hello to 2D MMOs.

Many of us have seen niche online playerbases peak and fade away over the years, while a select few hit the mainstream by standing the test of time (World of Warcraft) or recovering from rough beginnings (Final Fantasy XIV). 2D side-scrolling and isometric MMOs, in particular, have faded into the background as 3D MMOs continue to define the status quo. But the hunt for the next big MMO never ends, and this era of videogames might be the perfect climate for 2D MMOs to come back from the dead and give us something nostalgically old yet delightfully new. It’s very exciting when a game injects a burst of novelty into the modern gaming industry, and a 2D title has a good chance at becoming a unique gem in a sea of fast-paced combat-focused 3D fantasy MMOs that all start blending together when you try too many of them at once. It’s the same type of excitement new online casino players get from signing up for the LeoVegas welcome offer, because fun bonuses always make trying something new worth it.

Picture your favourite 2D games. Maybe you’re a Hollow Knight fan who loves the challenging bosses, mysterious world, and non-linear progression. If you enjoy farming sims, Stardew Valley is likely your go-to when you need a relaxing escape. Perhaps another great 2D game is on your mind; after all, there are so many out there! Now take your favourite pick and imagine it as an MMO. What does it look like with a full world of players? Imagine if Hollow Knight featured PvP combat — how intense and fast-paced would those battles be? Critics of 2D MMOs often cite their lack of immersion, exploration, and fluid gameplay in comparison to 3D MMOs. But modern 2D games, like the ones listed above, have proven over the years that they can do those three things effectively and sometimes better than their 3D counterparts. With today’s technological improvements and amazing art styles permeating the videogame industry, a new 2D MMO built the right way could bring just as much depth as 3D competitors, whether it be intense boss fights, fun character creation, or stable servers.

It’s worth saying not all 2D MMOs are dead, but the genre definitely needs new energy. Elsword is a 2.5D MMO that launched in 2007, making a lasting name for itself with its smooth combat and manga charm, and it’s still alive to this day, though it feels quite dated. MapleStory is also an older — and surviving — MMO that has fun combat, cute cosmetics, and grindy yet satisfying progression. Yet, most of its players are picking it up today for its nostalgia and will be the first to tell you it’s ageing (and not like fine wine). So, if the relics of old aren’t hitting the spot, what’s new on the market? Well, if players want to pick up a recently launched 2D MMO, it’s hard to find one that’s not functioning under a pay-to-win model, and most are only available on mobile platforms. There’s still demand for this genre, but players need better options. The right developer just needs to come along for those players — the ones who will definitely pick up a game marketed as the modern spiritual successor to MapleStory. And if you’re a developer waiting for a sign to get started, this one is as good as any!

Speaking of old, is your graphics card ready for retirement? If you find yourself constantly being disappointed by some of the rigorous spec requirements for new games these days, a 2D MMO might be just what you need. These games are perfect for reaching a wide audience whether they have a low-end PC, laptop, or older console. If you’re on a budget or just haven’t had the time to upgrade, you should still be able to enjoy fun MMO experiences. That’s all the more reason why 2D MMOs should carve out a spot in the industry amongst a saturated market of AAA games that most people like to look at, but can’t run due to high system requirements.

In the MMO space, players actively follow the development of new titles, wondering how the developers will push boundaries of character creation, raiding or PvP mechanics, environmental design, and much more. There’s a lot of comparison with fan-favourite games, so it might seem like a daunting space for a new 2D MMO, but it’s exactly what players need: something different. Take the upcoming cosy adventure MMO Palia, for example; currently, there’s no title quite like it on the market and its Discord server has garnered over 100,000 members (and counting). Though it’s not officially released yet, there are so many players keeping up with its development and cheering the team on. The game is taking a chance by blending genres, bringing players farming life sim elements like Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley, but creating an open world à la World of Warcraft. Palia isn’t a 2D MMO, but it’s doing its own thing and making waves while doing it. If players are open to genre-blending titles and are looking for something different in the MMO space, 2D MMOs should start hitting the digital shelves to take advantage of this experimental gaming climate.