Monthly Moments in MMO History #1

I have always been fond of history. It is truly exciting when looked at from the proper angle. With the right attitude, Franklin Pierce’s presidency can be as exhilarating as the Bolshevik Revolution. History is not just the “what,” but also the “why” and the “how.” And that, friends, is the key; don’t approach it as simply a subject you’ve slept through in high school, but rather a means to understanding the causes and effects of events. When viewed clearly, a look at the past can serve as a telescope focused on tomorrow. There is a myriad of quotes about history out there, but I think Alphonse De Lamartine said it best: “History teaches everything, even the future.”

What does this have to do with anything? Well, as you may have discerned from the title of this column, I intend to take a look at important events in the chronology of MMO games. By doing so we can all, hopefully, learn a thing or two about what to expect from Vanguard or, at the very least, gain a better understanding of how the genre has evolved.

Before jumping into things, however, allow me to share some of my own history. I was raised on a steady diet of science fiction and fantasy. Videogames were a natural fit with the two. Having held my first Game Boy at three years old, I was indoctrinated at an early age; I’ve been hooked ever since. While I am too young to have witnessed the birth of the gaming industry, I, like many of you, have been part of something special: the rise of online gaming.

Anyhow, back to the task at hand. The history of MMOGs. Where to start is a no-brainer. Seven years ago, a little game called EverQuest launched. It was developed by a company named Verant Interactive (which was acquired by Sony Online Entertainment a year later). Set in the fantasy world of Norrath, EQ offered innovative 3D environments in a level of detail that was previously unachieved in an online world. EQ wasn’t the first MMORPG, and it certainly wouldn’t be the last, but one thing is certain: EverQuest brought massively multiplayer online role-playing games into mainstream gaming.

EQ capitalized on its greatest asset marvelously; the community. After a short orientation in the local newbie garden, players plunged into adventures wherein soloing was rarely the best option. This emphasis on group content inspired a sense of camaraderie in EverQuests’ players that has lasted through the years since its launch. I, for one, have stayed in touch with clanmates and friends that I met in-game long after canceling my account. Whether raiding a dragon’s lair, camping a rare spawn with a friend, dungeon crawling in a group, or just hanging around the East Commons tunnel, playing EverQuest was rarely an individual activity. These online relationships, above all else, were what I looked forward to when logging on.

Beyond its social aspect, EverQuest was a solid game in and of itself. Like most RPGs, the gameplay consisted of experience farming motivated by the ultimate carrot on a stick—treasure. When designed properly, however, one does not need much more. With hundreds of zones, millions of items and a wide selection of races and classes, EQ accomplished just that. It was a simple, yet elaborate game.

EverQuest established the benchmark for what a MMORPG can and should be. While other games have certainly improved on this formula, EQ’s influence remains visible in almost any other online world. It is only fitting that Vanguard: Saga of Heroes appears to be raising the standard. Sigil Games Online—with none other than Brad McQuaid, one of EQ’s chief architects, at its helm—has demonstrated both an understanding of the genre and a desire to expand its limits that is only rivaled by the ground-breaking first step taken by Verant years ago.

Vanguard’s commitment to three distinct “spheres” of gameplay deviates from the adventuring-only path that has become quite monotonous after being featured in MMORPG after MMORPG. This is encouraging to say the least. By broadening the possible styles of play to crafting, diplomacy and adventuring, VG:SoH will appeal to a wider variety of gamers. It may even create some new ones.

The next generation of massively multiplayer online games is upon us. I cannot think of a better group of people to be our guides than those who opened the door in the first place.

Next month’s Moment will trace the root of all in-game evil: money!