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YouTube content creator Josh Strife Hayes has recently released a video discussing the elusive definition of “MMORPG”, a term that has confounded gamers and content creators alike for years. Titled “What even IS an MMORPG?”, the video explores why it’s so difficult to pin down exactly what an MMORPG is, despite the fact that the acronym is used so commonly in gaming circles.
According to Hayes, part of the problem lies in the very nature of the acronym itself. “MMORPG” stands for “massively multiplayer online role-playing game”, but as Hayes points out, this doesn’t actually tell you much about what the genre entails. Unlike other genres like “platformer” or “shooter”, which give you an idea of what the gameplay mechanics might be like, “MMORPG” could describe a wide range of games that have little in common beyond the fact that they’re played online and involve some form of role-playing.
As Hayes notes in the video, some of the games that are typically considered MMORPGs include titles like World of Warcraft, Final Fantasy XIV, and Guild Wars 2. These games all share some similarities, such as a persistent online world and a focus on character progression and customization. However, they also have significant differences in terms of gameplay mechanics, art style, and overall tone. For example, World of Warcraft is known for its cartoonish art style and often humorous tone, while Final Fantasy XIV is more serious and cinematic.
So why is it so important to define what an MMORPG is? According to Hayes, part of the reason is that the term has become so widely used that it’s lost much of its meaning. “MMORPG” is often used as a catch-all term for any game that involves online multiplayer and some form of character progression, even if it doesn’t necessarily fit the traditional definition of the genre. This can make it difficult for gamers and content creators to have meaningful conversations about what they like or don’t like about a particular game, as the terminology can be so imprecise.
In the end, Hayes doesn’t offer a definitive answer to the question of what an MMORPG is. Instead, he encourages gamers and content creators to think critically about what they mean when they use the term, and to be willing to have nuanced discussions about the games they play. By doing so, we can move beyond the limitations of the acronym and appreciate the vast and varied landscape of online gaming.
[Source Youtube.com]
