Header Art by Major Sniper
A Boundless World
MMORPGs stand as a genre of game like no other. They offer a unique blend of immersion, social interaction, and epic scale that captivates players worldwide. MMOs are not just digital playgrounds; they are living, breathing worlds where players embark on personal odysseys filled with role-playing, challenges, and moments of camaraderie.
My father has played MMOs since Ultima Online, and my journey started with Star Wars Galaxy after its combat update. I still remember the thrill of making my first Jedi, a character steeped in lore that just made 10-year-old me wanna scream about how much I loved Star Wars. What made it even better was the sense of accomplishment that came with every time I improved my build, grew our guild, and played in a group. I was hooked, eagerly diving deeper, and making many friends that I still talk to today.
When Joy Becomes Chore
Yet, after all those years, from Galaxies to World of Warcraft, from Neverwinter to EVE (and probably back to World of Warcraft two or three times), something began to change. It was as if the magic was wearing off. These games were each different in their own right, offering unique experiences and challenges, yet I found myself growing tired. The cycle of questing, leveling, and gearing up started to feel like a tedious chore, draining the excitement from what should have been moments of joy. The journey began to feel repetitive.
It wasn’t that the games had lost their appeal entirely; they still held moments of excitement: The Argus fight in World of Warcraft, the Titan Battle of M2-XFE. Yet the grind felt as if it had become more pronounced. For example, starting another EVE alt felt tedious. 4 months to train another cyno? I’m either injecting or not making it at all. This frustration overshadowed the sense of discovery and adventure that drew me to these games in the first place. My joy of exploring new playstyles and the thrill of growing this character’s story was dulled by the daunting grind, or the temptation to skip it it in exchange for real money.
Optimizing the Fun Out Of It
Burnout happens to everyone. It’s a natural consequence of the relentless grind and the constant pressure to keep up with ever-evolving content that makes live service games work. The allure of microtransactions, promising to skip past the tedious progression, can be tempting. Yet, it often comes at the cost of the immersive experience and sense of achievement that should accompany each milestone.
For me, the tipping point came when I realized that the joy of MMOs (and gaming in general) was being overshadowed by the need to constantly optimize and progress. Everyone else was squeezing every last drop from the proverbial lemon, striving for that extra 0.01% advantage. This meant that I, too, felt compelled to join this race. In EVE competition comes in many forms: From something as small as a 1v1 in Faction Warfare, to feeling the need to lead your own major group. It became less about enjoying the game and more about keeping up with the relentless pursuit of perfection to remain competitive.
Like everyone else, I take breaks from MMOs from time to time. Lately, though, it seems like this has become a problem with the gaming industry as a whole. “Skill-based Matchmaking” in competitive games like Call of Duty throws you into lobbies based on your performance in the previous games. Dominated in one lobby? – Now you get thrown into a new tax bracket of pros that dominate you. It seems almost inescapable that the gaming industry as a whole is wholly focused on making you sweat in your seat. It’s awful.
In EVE, where player-driven narratives and emergent gameplay are celebrated, the focus on efficiency and optimization can be overwhelming. From managing resources to navigating intricate political landscapes, we as players are constantly pushed to maximize our impact and secure our positions in the game’s ever-changing ecosystem. The pressure to optimize every aspect of gameplay can take its toll. It’s hard to navigate the balance between embracing the challenge and enjoying the game for what it is with your friends.
I’m honestly tired of it, the grind and the microtransaction pressure. I can’t relax and enjoy games for what they are anymore. The constant push for optimization, the overwhelming focus on competition, and the monetization of every aspect of gaming have taken a toll on the industry and the gaming experience as a whole.
Finding Joy in Indie Games
However, amidst the frustrations, I have found some joy in gaming recently. The indie developers out there are thriving, and indie gaming has exploded more than ever in recent years. Absolute bangers like Palworld or Helldivers showcase the immense talent and creativity within the indie gaming scene, offering refreshing experiences that stand out for their innovation and dedication to player satisfaction. These gems have reignited my passion, providing a much-needed break from the repetitive grind and microtransaction-heavy experiences of many AAA titles. While I still love MMOs and cherish the memories and friendships they’ve brought into my life, I find myself increasingly drawn to the creativity and innovation found in indie games lately.
As I sit here, feeling burned out from MMOs and disheartened by the current state of the gaming industry, I can’t help but reflect on my enduring love for MMOs. Despite the burnout and fatigue, I still feel that passion and drive for immersive online worlds. However, in recent times, MMOs haven’t quite hit the same dopamine highs as they used to. Nonetheless, I remain hopeful that things will improve. The gaming industry is constantly evolving. With the rise of indie developers creating innovative and player-focused experiences, there is reason to be optimistic. Perhaps a shift towards more player-centric design, a renewed emphasis on creativity and storytelling, and a greater sense of community within MMOs can reignite that spark and bring back the joy and excitement that initially drew me to these games.
As I take a step back to recharge and explore other gaming avenues, I hold onto hope that the burnout will subside, and MMOs will once again capture my imagination and passion. After all, that creep of another war, another big expansion, the never-seen-before battles, and the comradery between friends is something that doesn’t fade away.
