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We’ve certainly had our fair share of disappointing new MMO releases over the past ten years — most notably WildStar (R.I.P.) and Revelation Online. And, in 2021, Amazon Games’ New World had its 10 seconds of prominence before everyone burnt out and left. Before that, Crowfall dropped and, unfortunately, it failed to capture enough of an audience.
But, there are quite a few promising upcoming MMORPGs coming soon (in 2023 and beyond) that we can’t wait to get our hands on.
We’d hate for you to have to spend hours and hours creating a character and wasting your life away on one of these games that don’t have a payoff. All too often, these types of games can just be an endless time-sink. That’s not what we’re looking for, though; we want something juicier, something meatier. Something that isn’t pay-to-win.
This list contains all of the best-looking upcoming MMOs coming to North America in 2023 and beyond. We’ll note that we tried to include every upcoming MMORPG we could find in development, but we excluded browser-based and lower-quality titles simply because, well, they’re not worth our time (nor are they worth yours).
So if you’re wondering what MMOs are coming out, here are all of the upcoming new MMOs of 2023, 2024, and beyond:
See Also: Best MMOS of All-Time
The Day Before
Developer: FNTASTIC
Publisher: MYTONA
Release Date: November 10, 2023
Platform: PC, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5
Sub-genre: MMOFPS
Take Tom Clancy’s The Division, add some DayZ, and sprinkle in a little The Last of Us for good measure, and you have The Day Before, yet another great-looking upcoming survival game. It may sound like an unbalanced conglomeration of games, but what FNTASTIC has presented so far of this zombie survival game has been nothing short of exciting. The world you once knew is gone, desolated by hordes of infected and opportunistic survivors. At this point, all you can do is survive from day to day, and you’ll need the right resources – food, water, transportation, firearms, and people you can trust. The Day Before thrusts players into this open-world MMO and sends you on a quest to locate survivor colonies and evade the many things (and people) looking to kill you.
The game is set in a post-apocalyptic world that has been ravaged by a deadly virus that has turned most of humanity into mindless zombies.
In The Day Before, players take on the role of survivors who must band together to scavenge for resources, fend off zombie attacks, and battle rival factions for control of the wasteland. The game is designed to be a mix of open-world exploration, survival gameplay, and PvP combat.
The game’s setting is a large, open-world map based on a fictional version of the United States. Players will have access to a variety of vehicles, weapons, and gear to help them survive in the harsh wilderness. The game also features a day-night cycle, dynamic weather systems, and a realistic physics engine that affects gameplay.
One of the unique features of The Day Before is its focus on player choice and consequence. Players will be able to make decisions that impact their character’s progression, as well as the overall story and world events. The game’s developers have stated that there will be multiple storylines and endings based on player decisions.
In terms of multiplayer gameplay, The Day Before supports both cooperative play and competitive PvP. Players can join together to form clans and work together to build bases, scavenge for resources, and fend off zombie hordes. Alternatively, players can engage in PvP battles to capture territory and resources from rival clans.
The game is being developed using Unreal Engine 4, and the game’s trailer showcases a level of visual fidelity that is rarely seen in MMOs, with detailed character models, realistic lighting, and detailed textures. Whether or not that’s going to be what the final product looks like remains to be seen, but we’re skeptical (as per usual).
Currently, there is no confirmed release date for The Day Before, but the game is expected to launch on PC and possibly consoles in the near future. If the game delivers on its promises, The Day Before could be a game-changer in the world of MMOs.
See Also: Upcoming Zombie Games
Wayfinder
Developer: Airship Syndicate
Publisher: Digital Extremes
Release Date: November 10, 2023
Platform: PC, Xbox One, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, PS5
Sub-Genre: MMORPG
Wayfinder is an upcoming massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) developed by Airship Syndicate, the studio behind games such as Battle Chasers: Nightwar and Darksiders Genesis. The game is set in a vast, fantastical world that looks like something right out of WildStar, where players can explore various environments, discover hidden treasures, and engage in battles with creatures of all kinds.
One of the unique features of Wayfinder is its focus on exploration and discovery. Unlike many MMORPGs that rely heavily on quests and missions to progress through the game, Wayfinder encourages players to explore the world and discover its secrets on their own. Players will be able to venture off the beaten path and discover hidden areas, dungeons, and treasure troves that are not marked on the map.
Players can choose from a variety of classes and races, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The classes include traditional roles such as warrior, mage, and rogue, as well as more unique roles such as the geomancer, who uses the power of the earth to manipulate the environment and the sentinel, who uses traps and gadgets to control the battlefield.
Wayfinder also features a unique crafting system, where players can gather resources and use them to create powerful weapons, armor, and other items. The crafting system is designed to be accessible to players of all skill levels, and recipes for new items can be discovered through exploration and experimentation.
One of the most exciting aspects of Wayfinder is its dynamic world events. These events can range from massive battles against powerful creatures to smaller, more intimate encounters with NPCs. The world events are designed to be unpredictable, and players will never know when or where they will occur. These events also offer unique rewards and challenges, making them an excellent opportunity for players to work together and form alliances.
The game will also feature a robust player housing system, where players can customize their own homes and create their own communities. The housing system will allow players to create their own crafting stations, gardens, and other amenities, which will provide unique benefits and rewards.
Palia
Release Date: Holiday 2023
Current Status: Open Beta
Developer: Singularity 6
Publisher: Singularity 6
Platform(s): PC, Nintendo Switch
Sub-Genre: Open World Exploration
Update 8/25/23: Check out our Palia Beta Impressions here.
Singularity 6 is a game developer mixing pot made up of game industry veterans from RIOT Games, Zynga, and Blizzard Entertainment. It’s not surprising that so many gamers have been anticipating great things to come from them. Their first game, Palia, looks absolutely brilliant, and it’s heading into open beta today!
Palia is an open-world, community-based MMO that takes place in a tranquil and picturesque land. In Palia, you take a human form and immerse yourself in a life of farming, relationship building, and perfecting your living quarters in this free-to-play, cozy multiplayer game.
Like Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing, Palia is centered around lifestyle and allows players to develop story arcs, including friendships and romantic relationships. You’ll be able to make friends with other players and a number of unique and adorable, neighborly critters.
Of course, while you’re certainly able to go frolicking about as peacefully as you desire, players can also venture outside of town to find more adventure. Out in the woods, creatures you’re able to hunt or battle wolves and various other adventures that you’re sure to come across.
In Palia, players will find themselves waking up as humans who know nothing of their history. In the world of Palia, humans are a race that vanished thousands of years ago, and no one can be sure why. It’s up to the players to join one another as a community and uncover the secrets of their past.
The screenshots and gameplay we’ve seen so far look gorgeous for a Nintendo Switch game, and fishing, gardening, and cooking all look pretty fun.
Throne and Liberty
Release Date: Q4 2023 (South Korea), 2024 in the West [via WCCFTech]
Developer: NCSoft
Publisher: Amazon Games
Platform(s): PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Sub-genre: MMORPG
Throne and Liberty is the rebooted version of what was originally Lineage Eternal, and now, it will use Unreal Engine 4. The newly-named Throne and Liberty MMO just had its official re-reveal earlier this summer, and holy hell does this baby look great!
One of the things that interests me the most about Throne and Liberty is its claim that weather and time of day will have a big influence on the world around you.
Screenshots show some super cool-looking enemies and sprawling cities and civilizations aplenty. And, the Throne and Liberty gameplay seen in the trailer showcases some really impressive-looking verticality to the game world. We also see a character morphing into an eagle to take flight across the sea and then arrive on a dock in the next cut, turning back into a human. We also see a giant rock elemental with some badass weaponry and plenty of other high-fantasy MMO staples.
I also really love the character movement that is being shown so far. It actually looks fun to move as your character. Like, they put some extra thought into making your character fun to play.
The official Steam listing also notes cross-platform multiplayer and full controller support, which is always exciting for us couch players.
The game will be another free-to-play MMO, which is mildly concerning. And, to be completely transparent, my lack of enthusiasm for Amazon Games is also casting a shadow of doubt that there won’t be some big glaring monetization issue.
But the even bigger big concern here is that it has NCSOFT as the publisher, and they’ve had so many problems in the past. Most recently, they let us down with how they handled WildStar, which is now going bye-bye. And, NCSOFT also shuttered ArenaNet, which will merge with NCSoft West – so things are looking pretty dire over there.
Ashes of Creation
Release Date: Never (It’s TBA, but it has been in development forever already)
Developer: Intrepid Studios
Publisher: Intrepid Studios, My.com
Platform(s): PC
Sub-genre: MMORPG
What is the next big MMORPG? The answer is Ashes of Creation.
Ashes of Creation is our most anticipated MMO on the horizon, and with every bit of new in-engine footage we see, we get more and more excited, and the most recent Alpha One Early Preview from Intrepid has our hype level at an all-time high. This Ashes of Creation alpha preview gave us an interesting look at one of the raid bosses, a giant red dragon, as well as a good look at how town mayors look.
One of the key features of this high fantasy MMO is a player-driven world with a unique node system that will allow players to build the world up around them. Will you build up your defenses or set out to destroy other player creations?
The server will have dynamic, ever-changing content because of the unique system, with each server having different ebbs and flows. Players will have their own housing, as they can build and own buildings around the world — from farms to mansions.
One of its other key features is the ability to siege castles. Build up a guild filled with allies to take down other castles and create your own dynasty.
Everything we’ve seen from Ashes of Creation so far points to it being a wildly unique experience where players shape the world around them. With player housing, a player-driven economy, and an apparent lawless land, it looks like we’re in for something incredible.
But it also contains the familiar fantasy tropes and style we’re looking for in an MMO, and when you pair this with all of the new ideas it’s trying to bring into the genre, it should be no surprise that Ashes of Creation is one of our most anticipated upcoming MMORPGs. Here’s to hoping AoC is loaded with rich lore, epic-looking gear, and some incredible PvP battles.
At one point, we had Ashes of Creation slated as the potential best MMORPG of 2023, but it likely still won’t see the light of day for another couple of years.
Read more about Ashes of Creation here.
- Ashes of Creation Action Combat Gameplay Video Released
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Ashes of Creation: 8 Player Group Size, Party Roles Revealed
Mad World
Release Date: TBD
Current State: Alpha
Developer: Jandisoft
Publisher: Jandisoft
Platform(s): PC, Mobile
Sub-genre: MMORPG
Mad World is an upcoming 2D isometric MMORPG that takes place in a post-apocalyptic setting. It has a unique hand-drawn art style that has a gritty look to it, and it will feature a classless weapons-based system.
We now know a little bit more about the Mad World MMO, thanks to their Steam Page (linked above). We know that skills are based on your weapon of choice (which then becomes your class). We also know that Mad World‘s boss monsters are going to be absolutely gruesome-looking and tough to beat if you’re not able to quickly identify their patterns quickly.
If you look at the trailer above, you also get a glimpse of the quite extensive skill tree. Unfortunately, more details surrounding the Mad World release date are scarce. However, we’ll keep you posted.
You can follow Mad World closely here.
Corepunk MMO
Release Date: Closed Beta Coming in 2023, Release TBA
Developer: Artificial Core
Publisher: Artificial Core
Platform(s): PC
Sub-genre: MMOARPG
Developer Artificial Core announced their new top-down cyberpunk MMORPG, properly named Corepunk, way back in December 2019.
And, we’re still beyond excited about this one!
It’s got a strong Diablo meets WoW meets a cyberpunk setting vibe, and we’re ALL in for it. The game will have a seamless open world and will be large and dense, filled with “miles of wilderness to get lost in.”
Corepunk will have all of the essential MMO elements we love, including an in-game economy, crafting, loot, instanced dungeons, guilds, and trading. On top of that, one unique element we don’t often see in the MMO space is that there will be branching quests and alternate endings that make sure no two playthroughs will be the same.
The game will utilize a fog-of-war system, too, that will add a bit of strategy to combat. And, players will battle in both PvP and PvE scenarios.
You can see a little bit of Corepunk gameplay if you follow their news blog.
Pantheon: Rise of the Fallen
Release Date: TBD, Currently in Pre-Alpha
Developer: Visionary Realms
Publisher: ?
Platform(s): PC
Sub-genre: MMORPG
Pantheon: Rise of the Fallen is an MMORPG based on high fantasy, and it is, of course, set in a large open world. It will have a strong focus on group-oriented content and social interaction. It’ll take place on Terminus, a world populated by deities and heroes. The player takes on the role of a legendary hero, and you’re tasked with reclaiming long-lost relics. The combat will focus on preparation and awareness, allowing players to be challenged through scenarios that require understanding and skill to rise above their opponents.
The developers at Visionary Realms note that there will be activities in which players can do on their own, but the majority of the content will need to be conquered with others, with a strong focus on the importance of a player’s reputation.
The game remains in a pre-alpha state, which it has been in since December 2017. And that’s ok – Visionary Realms is keeping us all quite up-to-date with their monthly newsletter updates. Seriously – if you want to know more about Pantheon’s progress, just sign-up for the newsletter – it’s super detailed!
Their most recent note from the producer explained a node-based ability system that’s in progress, calling it a ‘game changer.’ He also noted that the programming team has created some robust new tools for the design team that allows them to place quests, storylines, and dialog much more easily than before. In the update, the producer noted that the next pre-alpha access date will be soon. Dope.
Read more About Pantheon Here.
Fractured
Release Date: Available in Early Access
Developer: Dynamight Studios
Publisher: Dynamight Studios
Platform(s): PC
Sub-genre: MMORPG / Sandbox
Fractured is an upcoming open world sandbox MMORPG that boasts leaving old RPG cliches behind, with every item in the game being crafted by players. It’ll also allow you to adventure with your friends right from day one, without having to worry about stats or your level. Instead, you’ll focus on expanding your knowledge and reputation.
On top of that, you’ll be able to switch your abilities and reassign talents by just resting in front of a fire. In fact, Dynamight Studios boasts that it’s a MOBA with the persistent world of an MMO.
There will be over 400 abilities and 40 unique status effects for players to play around with and master.
The last update is that the game is having a stress test on June 29 to July 2nd.
Update 8/8/23: it looks like Fractured Online entered Early Access and then removed itself from Early Access after they were having backend server platform issues. That was back in December 2022, and the last update we have from Dynamight Studios is from June, at which point they briefly opened up the servers again for testing.
Camelot Unchained
Release Date: TBA (Now available in Early Access)
Developer: City State Entertainment
Publisher: Snail Games
Platform(s): PC
Sub-genre: Fantasy MMORPG
If you’re looking for something with a more traditional fantasy style, check out the upcoming Camelot Unchained, a fantasy MMO running on the developer’s own Unchained Engine. The game was crowdfunded through a Kickstarter campaign — it raised over $2.2 million from over 14,000 backers — as well as backing from Mark Jacobs, the designer of Dark Age of Camelot. Camelot Unchained is said to be the spiritual successor for DAoC. It’ll have a significant focus on PvP, with large-scale battles set as the focus.
There are also some interesting and unique mechanics at play here. For one, you’ll be able to craft and build your own unique home, fort, or castle, instead of having to buy a premade one (which might be what we’re most excited about). You’ll have to defend your home against enemies as well. On top of that, the majority of the environment will have been built almost entirely by players. So, towns and cities will be crafted by players, and when they’re sacked by enemies, they’ll have to be rebuilt again.
Secondly, the proprietary engine will deliver massive, real-time battles between layers (up to 500 of them right now), with huge draw distances and a procedurally generated environment. Crazy.
The game has been in development for quite some time, and we have no idea when we should expect to get our hands on it. There was recently an update that noted that we can now expect the Camelot Unchained Beta 1 BY July 4, 2018 (the devs noted that if they can get it out sooner than that, they will, but July 4th is their buffer date).. However, hopefully, we’ll see a full release sooner rather than later. Read more..
Blue Protocol
Release Date: Japan June 14, 2023, Everywhere else TBD 2024.
Developer: Bandai Namco
Publisher: Bandai Namco
Platform(s): PC
Sub-genre: MMORPG Anime
Blue Protocol is an upcoming massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) developed by Bandai Namco. The game is set in a fictional world filled with magic, technology, and adventure. Blue Protocol has generated a lot of hype due to its beautiful graphics, action-packed combat system, and compelling storyline.
In Blue Protocol, players take on the role of a member of the elite force known as the “Blue Sky Warriors.” As a member of this group, players will embark on a journey to protect the world from a mysterious evil force that threatens to destroy everything in its path. The game promises an immersive storyline filled with twists and turns that will keep players engaged for hours on end.
The game’s graphics are powered by Unreal Engine 4, and the developers have taken full advantage of the engine’s capabilities to create a vibrant and detailed world. The environments in the game are filled with lush forests, towering mountains, and sprawling cities, all of which look incredibly realistic.
The combat system in Blue Protocol is also a major selling point. Unlike many other MMORPGs that rely on tab-targeting, Blue Protocol features a fast-paced live-action combat system that requires skill and strategy. Players will be able to dodge, block, and counter their opponents’ attacks, and each class has a unique set of abilities and playstyle.
In terms of character customization, Blue Protocol offers a wide range of options. Players can choose from four different classes: Aegis Fighter, Twin Striker, Blast Archer, and Spellcaster. Each class has its own unique abilities and playstyle, and players can customize their characters’ appearance with a variety of different outfits and accessories.
Another exciting feature of Blue Protocol is its multiplayer aspect. Players can team up with friends to take on challenging quests and dungeons or compete against each other in PvP battles. The game also features a robust crafting system, allowing players to create weapons, armor, and other items to aid them on their journey.
Blue Protocol is currently in development, with no official release date announced yet. However, the game has already generated a lot of excitement among MMORPG fans, and many are eagerly awaiting its release. With its stunning graphics, action-packed combat system, and compelling storyline, Blue Protocol has the potential to be one of the best MMORPGs of the year.
If you’re looking for a new game that’s like Genshin Impact, Blue Protocol might be for you.
Hytale
Release Date: TBD (Sounds like 2024)
Developer: Hypixel Studios
Publisher: Bandai Namco
Platform(s): PC
Sub-genre: Procedurally Generated Block MMORPG
Hytale looks like a mash-up of Minecraft and Portal Knights, and we’re totally okay with that. It’s a procedurally generated, block-based MMORPG world filled with dungeons and all of the loot you can get. The game’s official site notes ‘teetering towers and deep dungeons promise rich rewards.’
Each new zone will feature its own unique wildlife and powerful monsters to destroy your tranquility. Or you can just ignore all of that and go about building and crafting.
There will also be some good ‘ole fashioned crop growing, building, pets, mounts, and building things like ‘boats and other vehicles’ for your exploratory needs or a castle to live in.
The developers boast that the game will have tons of fun minigames and more will be created by the community after launch.
City of Titans
Release Date: Still TBA
Developer: Missing Worlds Media
Publisher: Missing Worlds Media
Platform(s): PC
Sub-genre: Superhero MMO
There are two big genres we’ll never get tired of here at Nerd Much?: zombies and superheroes. Of course, the latter is the reason that City of Titans is on our radar. The upcoming superhero MMO from Missing Worlds Media is being touted as a spiritual successor to City of Heroes. Of course, those are some big superhero boots to fill, but this Kickstarter-funded MMO brought in double its initial goal of $320K.
Unfortunately, City of Titans still doesn’t have a playable version nine years after its Kickstarter campaign. However, Missing Worlds Media assures everyone that the project is much closer than we think.
Finally, after a super long development period, City of Titans will be playable in Early 2019, although any sort of date hasn’t been penned just yet.
Project Gorgon
Developer: Elder Game, LLC
Publisher: Elder Game, LLC
Release Date: Now Available in Early Access, Full release TBD
Platform(s): PC
Sub-Genre: Fantasy Survival MMO
This is a fantasy RPG that’s now available via Steam’s Early Access, but we don’t have a lot of hope for it, given the terrible-looking graphics that would make the original Xbox cringe. If you can ignore its ugliness, there could be a gem of a game waiting for you, as it does have an ambitious skill-based-leveling system that will allow you to shake the current trend of pre-determined class systems.
The devs also tout that they won’t be holding your hand through it, meaning you’ll have to discover everything on your own. One interesting mechanic that I don’t think we’ve seen in any other MMORPG is the fact that Shopkeepers keep inventory, so you can actually buy items that other players have sold to them.
The game is, surprisingly, rated ‘Very Positive’ on Steam from over 280 reviewers, so maybe there is hope for it. For now, it’s on our radar and we’ll be keeping an eye out for it.
Dune: Awakening
Developer: Funcom
Publisher: Funcom
Release Date: TBD
Platform(s): PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Dune: Awakening is an upcoming massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) developed by Funcom, based on the critically acclaimed science fiction novel Dune by Frank Herbert (one of the best sci-fi books of all-time). The game is set in the vast and dangerous universe of Dune, a desert planet known for its scarce resources, political intrigue, and fierce battles between rival factions.
The game is set to take place thousands of years before the events of the original novel, allowing players to explore the early days of the Dune universe and shape its future. Players will be able to choose their faction, each with its own unique strengths, weaknesses, and political goals. The factions available in the game include the noble House Atreides, the power-hungry House Harkonnen, and the mysterious Bene Gesserit sisterhood.
Players will be able to create their own characters, customizing their appearance, skills, and equipment to suit their playstyle. The game will feature a deep and immersive storyline, with plenty of quests, missions, and activities for players to engage in. Whether players choose to fight for their faction, trade resources, explore the dangerous desert landscape, or engage in political intrigue, they will always have something to do in Dune: Awakening.
The game’s combat system will be action-packed and challenging, with players needing to rely on their skills and reflexes to defeat enemies. Combat will be skill-based, with different factions having their own unique combat styles and abilities. Players will also be able to engage in large-scale battles, with hundreds of players fighting for control of key strategic locations across the planet.
Dune: Awakening will feature a vast and dynamic open world, with a range of environments to explore, from the vast deserts to the bustling cities. The game will also feature a dynamic weather system, with sandstorms and other natural phenomena affecting gameplay. The world will be filled with dangerous creatures and hostile factions, making exploration and survival a constant challenge.
The game will also feature a robust crafting system, allowing players to create their own weapons, armor, and equipment from the resources they gather. Players will be able to trade resources with other players, creating a vibrant and dynamic economy.
Eternal Tombs
(Formerly War of Dragnorox)
Developer: Triune Studios
Publisher: Triune
Release Date: TBD
Platform(s): PC
Sub-Genre: Dynamic Warfare MMORPG
Formerly known as War of Dragnorox, Triune Studios has changed the name of this exciting upcoming MMO to Eternal Tombs. Its intriguing story is still revolving around Dragnorox, and his introduction of magic to the land of Mithir, as he aims to dominate the hearts of all creatures. However, his malevolent intentions were uncovered, leaving considerable destruction in his wake. Countless beings were twisted and corrupted, forced into servitude under his dark command.
Responding to the encroaching darkness, Dwarven King Rofmak took a decisive stand, prohibiting the use of magic and pursuing the eradication of those who had strayed too far down its treacherous path. Dragnorox and his followers fled in fear, retreating to distant realms to conceal their malefic presence.
Now, after the passage of two centuries, the sinister descendants of Dragnorox have resurfaced, fueled by a thirst for vengeance. Their return heralds a quest for blood and retribution.
In Eternal Tombs, you’ll collaborate closely with your community to propel the world onward in the ongoing war against Dragnorox and his sinister minions.
Eternal Tombs stands as a Dynamic Warfare MMORPG, where the very fabric of the universe is shaped by live Dungeon Masters as you engage. This immersive experience encapsulates the essence of classic Dungeons N Dragons adventures. Each day is brimming with events, quests, resource gathering and crafting, creature confrontations, architectural development, zone unlocking, and monumental boss battles.
Guided by live Dungeon Masters operating behind the scenes, the game’s ever-evolving narrative enhances your journey, weaving a personalized tapestry of adventure.
ET has our interest. Let’s see how it shapes up!
(Blizzard) Odyssey
Developer: Blizzard
Publisher: Blizzard
Release Date: TBA
Subgenre: Survival MMO
Jez Corden tantalizingly teased on a recent Xbox Two podcast [found via Reddit] that Blizzard’s Odyssey is significantly closer than we think it is. He also hinted at some of the features and a little bit of what we can expect. One such feature is the incorporation of MMO elements, with Corden alluding to the exciting prospects of trading systems and the inclusion of player-owned shops.
Adding to the excitement is the revelation that the Odyssey will adopt a first-person perspective—a departure from Blizzard’s customary third-person viewpoint.
While the game remains in its developmental stages, a collection of additional insights from the preceding year provides a more comprehensive peek into the world of Odyssey.
What makes this interesting is that BlizzCon 2023 is coming up in November, and it would make a great stage for Odyssey‘s official reveal. Do you think we’ll see a teaser?
Untitled Alien MMO Shooter?
Developer: Cold Iron Studios
Publisher: Daybreak
Release Date: TBA
Along with this morning’s announcement of Alien: Blackout, a mobile game (yeck), comes the news that Cold Iron Studios is working on a ‘massively multiplayer online shooter’ set in the Alien universe. The title of the upcoming Alien MMO is still being kept under wraps.
There’s no information about it available just yet, though we’ve inquired to see if we can get any more details.
See Also: WoW Gold Farming Guide
Note: We left two types of MMOs off of this list: mobile MMORPGs and any MMO that mentions Blockchain usage because they’re a rabbit hole on their own. Check out our list of new and upcoming mobile MMOs here. We also excluded any blockchain MMO/metaverse-type game.
Lord of the Rings MMO from Athlon Games CANCELLED
Developer: Athlon Games
Publisher: Amazon Game Studios
Release Date: TBA, likely 2022
Amazon just announced that a Lord of the Rings MMO, separate from LOTRO, is in development from Athlon Games and the team behind New World (which just wrapped up its alpha test). The studio includes many veteran developers from some of the best MMOs, including Everquest, World of Warcraft, and Destiny.
More info to come as we get it. It’s possible it will release in conjunction with the Amazon LOTR series for some marketing synergy, but that’s just speculation.
Unfortunately, the highly anticipated upcoming Lord of the Rings MMO from Athlon Games has been cancelled, which is further showing that Amazon Game Studios just doesn’t know how to publish games. Here’s to hoping New World won’t let us down, but almost everything else the company was going to publish has not made it.
Chronicles of Elyria CANCELLED
Release Date: TBA 2020
Developer: Soulbound Studios
Publisher: ?
Platform(s): PC
Taking the massively multiplayer online genre to the next step is Chronicles of Elyria, a game that was recently funded on Kickstarter (check out the Kickstarter video above). There are a lot of interesting ideas contained in Elyria, and hopefully, we’ll be able to get a hands-on with an alpha sometime soon. The main idea behind Chronicles of Elyria is that your character actually ages and dies in the game.
It will also have a closed economy, FINITE RESOURCES, and quests that aren’t repeatable. What’s more, it has fully destructible environments that will allow the game to be experienced differently for every character.
Each time players login, there will be a dynamic world waiting. And, we certainly can’t wait to login. We’re hoping that we’ll hear some more details about this highly anticipated MMORPG.
Unfortunately, Chronicles of Elyria is no longer in development and is now widely considered a scam. It was announced at the end of March 2020 that the game’s development has been canceled, despite raising $7.9M through crowdfunding. I highly recommend watching The Lazy Peon’s overview explaining it all.
Will Blizzard Make a New MMO?
Yes! Actually, Blizzard is currently in-development on a hush-hush MMO called Odyssey. We obviously don’t have much along the lines of details for this MMO, but it is apparently an upcoming survival MMO that will have a large open world and a focus on gathering, shelter-building, and player-owned shops. Sounds cool!
We’ll keep you posted on the new Blizzard MMO as soon as we get some juicy details.
Crimson Desert Doesn’t Appear to be an MMO
If you’re wondering why we didn’t include the incredible-looking Crimson Desert, it’s because Pearl Abyss is now touting it as an open-world action-adventure; there isn’t any mention of it being an MMORPG as it was introduced to us years ago. Game development has apparently shifted from MMORPG to just an open-world adventure game.
So if you’re asking whether or not Crimson Desert is an MMORPG, the answer is no.
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