MMORPG Beginnings

Over a decade ago the Realm and Meridian 59 started the trend of a graphical web based MUD we don't see a particular mainstream, alternative MMO setting amongst the top five. Although free web games like Club Penguin but better might have millions of players, the top developers are still going for monthly subscriptions.

You just have to love Club Penguin. It has it all: colorful graphics, quirky and fun games, lots of players, no download needed (you can play it on your browser) and, best of all, it’s free to play.

It's not at all that such games aren't releasing but it's rare to see a big expense plan or big name studio do such a release. The big money almost always goes to what works dependant on risk/return.

It seems like as soon as they ventured into some other unique settings including Auto Assault and even Tabula Rasa they got burned. That leaves mainly independent developers to generate something truly unique but the problem is that they likely will face the down side of not having enough resources. That doesn't mean a wonderful game is impossible though.