On the anatomy of MMORPGs

In a strict sense, MMORPGs are not really games. They're only partially games - or a collection of minigames set in a virtual world.

MMORPGs don't have an overall, singular, game ending goal. Yes, there might be an 'end level', but this is just where the (at least in principle) neverending 'endgame' begins. Instead, MMORPGs are a phenomenon/experience that strings together sessions of gameplay (i.e. 'mini'games with game mechanical subgoals - like gaining a level, group instances and PvP battlegrounds) in between non-game activities (grinding, socializing, customizing, etc.).

For most MMORPG players the non-game activities takes up a predominant large part of the online time. As a phenomenon MMORPGs can therefore better be descriped as 'play' or 'simulation' rather than 'game'. They are a hobby.

The focus of this blog is on the quality and workings of the gameplay elements, especially the combat mechanics.