Are Seasonal MMOs the Future? Let’s Dive In!
Welcome to the latest edition of Terminally Online, where we chat about all things MMO! Lately, there’s been a noticeable shift in the MMO world towards a seasonal format. Games like Final Fantasy 14 have embraced this change with distinct seasons like Evercold, while World of Warcraft has introduced its Mythic+ and Delve seasons. Even The Elder Scrolls Online is on board with the seasonal trend.
On the plus side, this seasonal model has its perks. For one, grinding borrowed power over an entire expansion can be tedious. Many players voiced their frustrations during the Shadowlands era, as falling behind on the content treadmill was discouraging. By resetting the playing field, these seasonal structures allow everyone to jump back in and compete on equal terms.
It also provides a reason to return to the game. Personally, I don’t play World of Warcraft full-time due to my never-ending game backlog, but I always find myself diving back in for a few hours whenever a major patch rolls out. Moreover, MMOs that adopt this seasonal approach tend to experience fewer content droughts—something that can be a death sentence for a subscription-based game.
However, the seasonal format isn’t without its downsides. WoW has faced challenges with its seasonal updates, grappling with bugs and balance issues. There’s also a growing fatigue from this model. Unlike open-world sandbox games, seasonal MMOs often lack lasting progression. If you secure your best-in-slot gear, it’s likely to be replaced just a few months later. Miss a reward? Good luck; it might vanish or become much harder to obtain as seasons change.
And let’s not overlook how quickly seasonal zones lose relevance. Developers invest significant effort into crafting new areas that only stay pertinent for a brief period. While players can still explore these storylines and gear, there’s little incentive to do so as the focus shifts to the latest seasonal grind, leaving many feeling left behind.
In contrast, “sandbox” games like Old School RuneScape, EVE Online, or Project Gorgon provide a different experience. These games prioritize a wide array of activities and maintain a sense of permanence in player progress. You won’t see constant resets or shifting gear goals; instead, players can establish their own objectives and find satisfaction in their achievements over time.
Some games, like Guild Wars 2, strike a balance. They introduce new zones with major patches while keeping progression horizontal, meaning players aren’t pressured to chase the latest content just because it’s new.
Now, I want to hear from you, my fellow MMO enthusiasts! What’s your take on this seasonal approach? Do you appreciate it as a way to manage your gaming time, or is it becoming a grind that you’re tired of? Jump into the comments or share your thoughts in our poll!