14 DAY TRIAL // 
? In case you haven't noticed, once every three months or less, an article written by a specialized journalist or some games old hand comes out to let the whole world know that this is the end of the games world as we know it or, at least, that something is definitely wrong with the picture. ? What's really interesting is that we're dealing with the same monotonous arguments every single time. The authors of these apocalyptic predictions never seize to complain about the same old stuff, such as that there's nothing more to innovation than 3D graphics or the number of polygons, that the number of sequels of some successful titles point out the lack of fantasy and ideas of their creators, bottom line, that all has become tedious and uninspired. ? Sometimes they also quote as an argument the failure of a certain game or the fact that the sales figures in the game industry are dropping each passing year, even if its net worth is $10 million per year.? ? So, do we indeed witness the decease of the games industry? Is it really true that games have no fantasy feeling left? Are there any games capable to stir the same frenzy Quake, Starcraft, Doom or Half Life did? ? The answer is definitely "yes"! First of all, there's no decline of the industry. I might go even further and say that it's doing better than ever! The only thing different about it is that it's evolving in a direction gaming veterans may not be able to understand. ? Not so long ago games were exclusively PC business, and, furthermore, the single player mode topped the market as a deal between players and the games' AI. And these games are dying indeed. Nobody finds any interest in interacting with a cold calculated AI (whether is PC, Xbox or Play Station) anymore. It's much more fun to get shot or shoot, race or get into fights with your friends on the newest, complex and most imaginative MMORPGs.
There are several hundred thousands statistics out there on the situation of the so called classics, but nobody knows for sure how many people are actually involved in virtual universes. 4 million for World of Warcraft, heaven only knows how many other million for Eve Online and so on... Yes, it shouldn't take more than about 4 years for the single player mode to get cut off , or, at least, to remain just an accessory for preparing the great LAN orgies, but common on, let's not take evolution for a decline!
So, if you're looking for original stuff, details and great stories, MMORPG universe is the place to find all this. And what's the point in playing a game if you can't enjoy it along with another 10 of your friends?
As for the lack of original content, as in ideas, I think that's also a wrong way to put it. Games mania is growing stronger. I mean, take a look at movies, 9 in 10 cases of sequels are much worst than the original. For games it is actually the other way around. And we have always enjoyed to hear a story's sequel , especially if the original was a success.
The fact that many games bet on graphics is perfectly true, but I see this as a natural evolution of players preferences. Just imagine a game with super original content and a great story, but on 1999 leveled graphics. How long would that take for a player to go delete with the whole thing? Maybe 20 minutes, and I'm being generous...
We must admit we all like nice wrapped stories we know and even though we used to appreciate the way the story solved a script dilemma, now it's more important a fully detailed landscape. The game producers know that also, that's why they come out to the market with this type of games.
So quit complaining about the themes and ideas lack on the market! Try to see things differently, as in ..I don't know..the obvious evolution and its benefits.
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