MMORPGs, PC, Star Wars, World of WarCraft
For How Long Can World of Warcraft Dominate?
We’ve heard it all before, MMORPG “X” will be the “WoW killer.” Warhammer, Lord of the Rings, and Star Wars (Galaxies) are just some of the big names that have failed to live up to this billing, which reminds us just how dominate Blizzard’s World of Warcraft has become.
However, as the game approaches its 5 year anniversary, we’re also reminded that nothing lasts forever.
So, exactly how long can Blizzard keep subscribers interested in the game?
On October 21st of last year, Bioware and LucasArts shocked literally no one by officially announcing their long-rumored MMORPG set in the Star Wars universe, titled The Old Republic. Up until now, discussion on the game has revolved mainly around Bioware touting the “fourth pillar” that they’re introducing into the MMORPG world, the pillar of story and character development. Today, however, we finally get a good glimpse into the gameplay with several new screenshots and a video documentary being released (shown below). If there’s one game on the horizon that could potentially break WoW’s vice-like grip on me, it is this one. To see the screens of the game released today, you can visit Bioware’s Old Republic media page 
One characteristic that sets most Eastern-developed MMOs from their Western counterparts is the microtransaction-based model, which throws away monthly subscription fees and instead allows the players to pay for certain virtual items while enjoying the main game for free. But, as of late, many Western studios have shed the monthly reminder of reality, such as Sony Online Entertainment with their release of 
Let’s face it: having good dialogue isn’t exactly vital to making a good video game—anyone who enjoyed the original Resident Evil or Gears of War can attest to that. Yet every once in a while, a game is elevated above its peers simply by including clever and enjoyable dialogue. Even games with less-than-great gameplay can find success due to an excellent script (Psychonauts comes to mind). By adding great dialogue to an already great game, you create something every player wants: not a game, but an experience. But enough of that philosophical hoopla; the dialogue in these games is pretty damn good. 
While still officially unannounced, there has been plenty of buzz on the Internet about the Knights of the Old Republic MMORPG ever since Bioware and LucasArts announced their collaboration on a “Ground-Breaking Interactive Entertainment Product” last October. There have even been recent rumors that official news on the KOTOR MMO could break any day now.
Fighting games are undoubtedly a dying breed. Sad as it may be, a lack of snazzy new innovations seem to have trapped this genre of video game into a punch, kick and jump style of play. That’s not to say some titles don’t still keep your adrenaline pumping via thumb-blistering combos, but the days of fighting games leading a console’s sales are pretty much past. So, what should we do? Pout and wallow with our cartridge classics or Soul Calibur collector’s items? No, we must brainstorm new ideas to present to game designers! And I think I have just the remedy…
After months of salivating over the next Star Wars game, The Force was finally unleashed in what seemed to be more like a movie premiere than a video game launch. The game found its way onto all three consoles, varying in appeal. If you’re one of the uncertain gamers still hiding within the Wookie cave, have patience, young padawan, GotGame has you covered. We’ll take a stroll in the Star Wars universe and leave you more mindful of the Force than ever.