Despite a successful launch and reasonable momentum, the Old Republic peaked at 1.7 million subscribers, before backsliding to 1.3. And while that’s more than respectable, it’s far from World of Warcraft numbers. Cue recent layoffs from Bioware Austin’s Old Republic team, one associate lead designer Emmanuel Lusinchi is a senior member of.
“The MMO is the toughest part of the game industry without a doubt and we live in tough economic times in general,” he said to PC Gamer. “We have a very large development team still, definitely one of the biggest in the industry, and we have a very complete and detailed plan for the rest of the year.”
“We’re learning about ways to schedule things better to have more room for feedback from players during the testing phase on the public servers, to make it much easier for players to get onto the public servers in the first place.”
Challenges in the MMO Market
The MMO (Massively Multiplayer Online) market is notoriously competitive and challenging. Games like World of Warcraft have set a high bar with their massive player bases and extensive content. For new entrants like the Old Republic, maintaining a steady subscriber base is a significant challenge. The initial surge to 1.7 million subscribers was promising, but sustaining that momentum proved difficult. The drop to 1.3 million subscribers, while still impressive, highlighted the difficulties in retaining players in a saturated market.
Economic factors also play a crucial role. The gaming industry, like many others, is not immune to economic downturns. Players may cut back on subscriptions and in-game purchases during tough economic times, impacting the revenue and sustainability of MMOs. This economic pressure can lead to difficult decisions, such as layoffs, to manage costs and keep the game viable.
Adapting to Player Feedback
One of the key strategies for the Old Republic team is to improve how they incorporate player feedback. Emmanuel Lusinchi emphasized the importance of scheduling and planning to allow more room for player input during the testing phases. This approach aims to create a more player-centric development process, ensuring that the game evolves in ways that meet the community’s needs and expectations.
For example, making it easier for players to access public test servers can lead to more comprehensive feedback and quicker identification of issues. This proactive approach can help in fine-tuning game mechanics, balancing content, and fixing bugs before they become widespread problems. By fostering a closer relationship with the player base, the development team can create a more engaging and satisfying experience.
Future Plans and Content
Looking ahead, the Old Republic team has a detailed plan for the rest of the year. This plan likely includes new content updates, events, and possibly expansions to keep the game fresh and exciting for players. Regular content updates are vital for MMOs to maintain player interest and engagement. These updates can range from new storylines and quests to new playable characters and game modes.
Moreover, the team might explore additional monetization strategies, such as cosmetic items or special in-game events, to boost revenue without alienating the player base. Balancing monetization with player satisfaction is a delicate act, but it’s crucial for the long-term success of any MMO.
In conclusion, while the Old Republic faces significant challenges, the team is committed to adapting and evolving. By focusing on player feedback, improving accessibility to test servers, and rolling out new content, they aim to create a sustainable and enjoyable experience for their community. The road ahead may be tough, but with a dedicated team and a clear plan, the Old Republic has the potential to thrive in the competitive MMO landscape.
Source PC Gamer
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