Why Blizzard's Secret MMO Isn't A Sure Thing

IncGamers' Bill Vaughan asks if Blizzard's next MMO should really be expected to do as well as World of Warcraft.

"Blizzard knows how to make an MMO. Getting the players hooked may have been somewhat lucky, but no one can deny that the developers have made the most of their good fortune, and continued to shape and tweak WoW into the giant that it is today.

However, we've seen other good games trodden into the dirt as a result of WoW's presence in the genre. It seems no one can get close to WoW's figures here in the west, so will another game by the same developer be able to?"

[Leord]

This is something I have thought about myself. I think the answer is: Maby.

[thetamer]

I think nothing will outdo wow, not even a blizzard product.

[Leord]

Well "outdo" would be very hard, but they could expand the market bas even further, making both MMOs smaller, but a grander total number of players.

10 million is still not THAT much, lookign at the whole gamign market, and the number of people with systems that can handle WoW.

[Cogo]

@ Tamer: I agree

@ Leord: Possibly, but I don't think the market could be much bigger than it is.

[Maticus]

I think Blizz will have a fight on their hands, especially IF the new game is sci-fi. Fantasy is more popular.

[Leord]

Yes. Also, sci-fi fans are more "sciency", and I think EVE has cornered a good portion of that market.

[Panthers]

Im really hoping to see BioWares Star Wars TOR do well. It looks really promising.

[AndyA]

I think Blizzard will pull it off. They've had enough experience in the MMO field now to create something innovative.

[Malfurion]

The thing is, it doesn't matter. What a nice position for Blizzard to be in! They win either way. WoW will likely retain a massive number of subscribers - even if it goes down to a quarter of its current numbers, that's more than any other MMO's figures.

[Dorjan]

It'll be hard! Unless they sabotage WoW :lol:

[Panthers]

They will probably offer discounts to people who subscribe on both games. No need to sabotage lol. They will just use WoW as a recruiting tool for their new game. WoW members might even get special trials and stuff.

[ThanatosDMC]

WoW2 with updated graphics would be nice.

[Odion]

When has Blizzard ever released anything that isn't a sure thing?

[Panthers]

Yup. It seems every game they release breaks sales records. This is great though as it allows them to continue spending a lot on quality products. We all know SC2 and Diable 3 will be huge.

[Mikeyy]

You don't know Blizzard very well.

Lets look at the facts. Every Blizzard game is an instant Cult Classic. They haven't failed yet on the PC market.

Also Most Blizzard fans are like me, We own every blizzard game. Built in Install base.

Just like Halo can't fail on the sales front, Blizzard can't either.

[mfwahwah]

Everything this article states is pretty much true from my perspective.

One friend started WoW, and that stemmed out to about ten people.

People I know have left for War, and came right back to WoW in no time.

I do think that Blizzard will be successful though. This game will have to be WAY different than WoW, and because of that fact (and the fact that it's Blizzard), I think they'll get themselves a healthy number of players.