The Closing of Tabula Rasa - MMO Industry needs to change

[Muckbeast]

I recently published two articles on the end of Tabula Rasa, its history, the end game event, etc. You might find them interesting.

History, Timeline and Post Mortem of Tabula Rasa

The End of Tabula Rasa - Server Shutdown Event

I always find it a strange and interesting thing when an MMO closes. Unlike non-MMO games, television shows, or most other forms of entertainment, if the creator stops supporting it you lose total access. That's such a weird and ultimately bad way to go, imho. I think for the long term of the industry, that has to change. Once MMO gamers have had 1 or 2 beloved MMOs shut down on them - and in the fullness of time, that is almost inevitable for most people - they are going to sour on the whole concept.

What's the solution? Well, I think MMO companies are going to have to cut it out with the closings. They are going to have to do one of three things:

1) Open source the server code. Let people run their own private servers. Include as part of the license that a server operator can never charge money for access.

2) Release a version of the server source code that allows single player and LAN. At least then people can play it by themselves or with friends.

3) Sell the game... always. Find a buyer, every single time. No matter how cheap you have to go, FIND A BUYER.

Players are going to get fed up eventually and figure it just isn’t worth their time or emotional investment to play a game that can be ripped away at the whims of some corporate bean counters.

What do you think?

[darknight55]

They have to realise this isnt the old days anymore when there are only like 5-6 P2P MMORPGs and 2-3 decent F2P MMORPGs and other T4C clones...

[Elegance]

=/ I miss it so..

[Muckbeast]

They have to realise this isnt the old days anymore when there are only like 5-6 P2P MMORPGs and 2-3 decent F2P MMORPGs and other T4C clones...

I agree. IMHO, I think the subscription model has to go anyway. The subscription system inherently creates a huge barrier to entry (or re-entry), and very few people are willing to have more than one subscription going at a time. This means to get someone to subscribe to your game, you not only have to convince them your game is good, but that they should UNSUBSCRIBE from their current game where all their friends play (most likely WoW). That's a tough sell.