Why Aren't There Any Good MMORPGs? A Critique of Pure Power

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Why Aren't There Any Good MMORPGs?
A Critique of Pure Power

The MMORPG as a genre of games is not in decline, but it is certainly stagnant. The market for MMORPGs, however, is more ripe than ever: gamers are hungry for a genuine MMORPG experience that developers aren't providing. The issue, I posit, is in the balance between Action RPG and Social RPG: it is the realization of both that makes the MMORPG something truly special.

Let's take a look together at the problems with modern MMORPGs, and why an overemphasis on one particular ARPG characteristic, the pursuit of pure power, has led the genre so astray, to the detriment of all gamers.
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If you liked this video, check out Adam Millard's video, "RPGs Were Never About Roleplaying"
   • RPGs Were Never About Roleplaying  

This isn't a collaboration, just really coincidental timing and mutual respect. Appreciate you, Adam!
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Chapters:
00:00 - Intro, The MMORPG in 2023
03:21 - Sponsored By Factor
04:04 - The Spectrum of Action to Social RPG; the Three Fundamental Online RPGs
05:52 - The Action RPG (ARPG), the Game Without Roleplaying
09:26 - The Social RPG (SRPG, for Purposes of Video), Social Roleplaying Without a Game
12:30 - The MMORPG, Power Fantasy
16:39 - The Pursuit of Pure Power, a Problem for Modern MMORPGs
23:06 - Proposed Solutions, Reduce Soulbinding Equipment
26:16 - Imbalanced Drops Can Be Good for MMORPGs
27:35 - The Problem with Level Scaling
28:58 - The Poorly Designed Zone, and Simple Suggestions for Improvement
34:21 - Conclusion
36:01 - Special Thanks, Check out Adam Millard!
36:27 - End Credits Gag
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Track list:
Intro - Temple of the Moon, World of Warcraft [WoW]
Sponsor - Level 1-1 to 2-4, Overcooked
Spectrum of ARPG to SRPG - Theme of Prontera, Ragnarok Online
ARPG - Tristram, Diablo 2
SRPG - Ellinia Field, Maplestory
MMORPG - Durotar, WoW
" - Red Glowing Dust, EVE Online
Pursuit of Pure Power - Rogue Encampment, Diablo 2
" - I Miss You, Ragnarok Online
Proposed Solutions - A Land Restored, Guild Wars 2
Imbalanced Drops - Ul'Dah Night Theme, FFXIV
Zone Design - Limgrave, Elden Ring
" - Ul'Dah Night Theme FFXIV
Conclusion - Teldrassil, WoW
Credits Gag - Able Sisters, Animal Crossing Wild World [SILVAGUNNER]
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Attributions:
   • RPGs Were Never About Roleplaying  
Galapagos Finch Footage

   • [Diablo IV 1.0] Whirlwind Barbarian U...  
Whirlwind Barb Footage

   • Instantly Killing Uber Lilith As Bloo...  
Blood Orb Necro Footage

   • Asmongold Reacts To The "Onyxia Wipe ...  
Onyxia Wipe Animation Footage [I couldn't get the real one to load into my editing software no matter what I did! Sorry Asmongold, I hope you don't mind. Please don't hurt me]

   • Path of Exile: Delirium - High-level ...  
Path of Exile Delirium Footage

   • 4 STRENGTH 4 STAM LEATHER BELT?!?  
4 Strength, 4 Stam, Leather Belt?? [uggh ooggh]