MMORPG-13: Gaming Goes for the Younger Demographic

Now that MMORPGs have virtually taken over the gaming world and stolen half of the net’s bandwidth, game companies are researching ways to keep it that way. One new idea: indoctrinate young children into the online world, specifically the 8 to 18 demographic. Meteor Games is looking for a gaming outlet for the “tween” gamer, too old for NeoPets, too young for WoW. When their new fantasy game launches in 2009, they just may have a shot.

There are games for most ages out there, as video games are targeting an ever-broadening audience. Little kids get online games such as Disney’s Toontown or NeoPets, big kids can enjoy Age of Conan or GTA IV. Even older people like to play Brain Age or Sudoku on Nintendo DS. But what about the in-between? This is where Meteor Games comes into the picture. At around $5-$10 a month, this new (and as yet untitled) fantasy game could be just what they need.

Although the game is in the early stages, we can say that it will feature a 3D graphics engine. This would set it apart from the competitors within the demographic who use mostly flash-based graphics. While this game likely won’t have the lasting appeal of Blizzard’s powerhouse MMOs, it will certainly be a way to bring new gamers online, and may pave the way for the next generation of mainstream gaming.

But all of this suggests a trend towards creating games that appeal to the gaps in the demographic. Runescape, with a following of over 130,000 users, has reached out to this target demographic. With its in-browser play, free basic access and low system requirements, it’s a great way for young gamers to cut their teeth on the MMORPG genre. Meanwhile, for young players looking for something a bit more meaty, creators of the highly popular MapleStory RPG are now working on Mabinogi. Touted as a “fantasy life,” it involves the regular character building and quest elements along with more mundane, everyday tasks like harvesting wheat, baking, and weaving–perfect for getting children used to the farming grind of more “adult” MMORPGs.