What is it? A graphically stunning MMOARPG in the vein of Diablo III and Lineage Eternal. Still, there’s always a chance that it might squeak in before 2017 closes the door. The game still needs to go through testing in Korea and launch there before we can realistically expect to see it in the west. With EverQuest Next out of the picture, Peria Chronicles might pick up the slack in this department. Why should you care? While the cel-shaded graphics are simply breathtaking and look like you’re in an actual anime, the real attraction is the immense scope of the dynamic world and sandbox features that will allow players to reshape the landscape, build cities, and cause lasting change. What is it? An anime-styled sandbox that is far more sandboxy than you might first expect, with a combat system that involves pet battles a la Pokémon. It’s supposedly in the works, the only question is how fast and hard Nexon is pushing to get it launched here. Odds of releasing in 2017: Fair-to-middling. Why should you care? Even if MapleStory isn’t your jam, you might be attracted to this sequel for its intense chibi cuteness, variety of activities (such as jamming with a band), and colorful world. It launched in Korea in mid-2016 and is reportedly doing quite well there.
What is it? A sequel to the long-running and popular (overseas, at least) 2-D MMO that is taking the series to the third dimension. The MMO is currently in its “final beta” which should wrap up in early spring, followed by a launch barring any unforeseen factors. Odds of releasing in 2017: Practically assured. Wouldn’t you like to play an MMO while sitting in the bathroom?
Why should you care? Whether or not PvP is your thing, Albion Online certainly looks gorgeous, and the ability to play it on tablets, Linux, Mac, and PC means that it’s accessible to all, provided that you purchase the client. Yes, it has lots of PvP, a weird housing system, a player-driven economy, and purports to be the first major cross-platform MMO. What is it? An open-world sandbox that plays in a colorful isometric format.
The next step is an early access (beta) launch on Steam, followed by a full launch in late 2017. Plus, the alpha’s been publicly playable for years now. It’s unlike anything you’ve seen and has a lot of people raving about it. You can level up in dying, become a battle-hardened pig, be cursed forever by boss mobs, learn the secret behind the psychic mantises, and more. Why should you care? Get past the graphics and early 2000-era special effects, as this game truly feels fresh and original in a sometimes stale genre. It’s focused on exploration and an ever-widening set of skills, many of which don’t have to do with combat at all. What is it? Project Gorgon is a long-brewing indie MMO created by a husband-and-wife team that worked on Asheron’s Call. If an upcoming MMO is not on the list, then it is our opinion that while we’ll see it eventually, a 2017 release isn’t happening. We will provide an overview of each title, why you should care about it, and our best guess at the odds of its officially launching during the calendar year. So let’s run down the list of games that either are or possibly could be coming to you in 2017. The good news is that 2017 should see the culmination of many of these long-brewing projects and adaptations, hopefully resulting in a bumper crop of interesting online RPGs for us to play. Instead, most of what is on our immediate horizon comes from either crowdfunded indie teams or eastern giants.
Yet all is not lost! MMO features continue to ripple out into all types of game genres and new titles continue to be produced - just not from the usual suspects.
Many former MMO teams are diversifying with shooters, MOBAs, and other safer and trendier titles. Following the backlash of WoW clones and several high-profile titles that underperformed, major studios are becoming extremely risk-averse to creating big-budget titles the way that we saw not five years ago. Right now we are in a strange place in MMORPG history.