Post by Morreion on Jan 1, 2014 11:03:32 GMT -5
Thought I'd go on record and make a few predictions, for what they are worth 
Feel free to mock me if I get everything wrong!
1) EQ Next Landmark will do quite well- some kind of user-created building activities may very well end up being a feature in many future MMOs. Minecraft showed the way! This will help promote sandbox-oriented gaming.
2) The Elder Scrolls Online will not do well. I just don't see any 'hook' that would help it stand out from the typical generic MMOs that start declining after a few months. Look for it to go F2P fairly quickly, say by 1 year from release. The closest thing I could compare it to is The Secret World- a subscription plus cash shop dampened enthusiasm for TSW after lots of anticipation, leaving it an underperforming MMO.
3) Wildstar will do OK, an average performance, but also look for it to go F2P by 1 year post-release.
4) Independent sandboxes will continue to struggle to produce a reasonably successful title. The Repopulation and Shroud of the Avatar look like the best shots at having a modest niche audience.
5) Star Citizen (though most likely a 2015 title) will have a big effect upon crowdfunding, for better or for worse. I'm leaning towards 'the better'.
Feel free to mock me if I get everything wrong!1) EQ Next Landmark will do quite well- some kind of user-created building activities may very well end up being a feature in many future MMOs. Minecraft showed the way! This will help promote sandbox-oriented gaming.
2) The Elder Scrolls Online will not do well. I just don't see any 'hook' that would help it stand out from the typical generic MMOs that start declining after a few months. Look for it to go F2P fairly quickly, say by 1 year from release. The closest thing I could compare it to is The Secret World- a subscription plus cash shop dampened enthusiasm for TSW after lots of anticipation, leaving it an underperforming MMO.
3) Wildstar will do OK, an average performance, but also look for it to go F2P by 1 year post-release.
4) Independent sandboxes will continue to struggle to produce a reasonably successful title. The Repopulation and Shroud of the Avatar look like the best shots at having a modest niche audience.
5) Star Citizen (though most likely a 2015 title) will have a big effect upon crowdfunding, for better or for worse. I'm leaning towards 'the better'.
