Is Elden Ring an MMO?
The Verdict
Is Elden Ring an MMO (Massively Multiplayer Online) game? While opinions may vary, the answer seems to be a resounding no. According to various sources and reviewers, Elden Ring is an action RPG with open-world elements, not an MMO. But why exactly?
What makes Elden Ring not an MMO?
- No massive, simultaneous player base: Unlike MMOs like World of Warcraft or Final Fantasy XIV, Elden Ring doesn’t cater to thousands of players online at the same time.
- No shared worlds or public spaces: While the game has an open world to explore, there are no shared, dynamic areas where players can congregate or interact with each other.
- No instanced zones: Instancing is a key aspect of MMOs, where players are separated from one another and experience unique scenarios. Elden Ring’s worlds are single-player focused.
- Limited multiplayer features: Co-op is available, but it’s mainly used for completing specific areas, and the game doesn’t promote prolonged, shared play.
- No monthly fees or subscriptions: Unlike most MMOs, Elden Ring requires only a one-time purchase and doesn’t require ongoing subscriptions.
How does Elden Ring stack up to MMOs then?
| Feature | Elden Ring | MMOs |
|---|---|---|
| Multiplayer | Cooperative only | Massive, simultaneous player bases |
| Shared Worlds | No | Public areas, zones, and instances |
| Player Base | Small, non-synced | Thousands of players online |
| Feasibility | Single-player or small co-op | Multi-player experience |
| Business Model | Single purchase | Monthly subscriptions or revenue shares |
What about game designers’ statements?
"We, at FromSoftware, always approached this game as a single-player game first. We didn’t have to build any of the multiplayer stuff on top of it, we were focused on building a really fun and immersive single-player experience." (Lead Features Editor, Jade King, in an interview)
It’s clear that Elden Ring is primarily a single-player experience, designed from the ground up to focus on story, exploration, and challenging gameplay mechanics. While it has cooperative features, these are secondary to the core game experience, rather than the primary draw.
In conclusion
Elden Ring, while an exceptional RPG with impressive world design, falls short of being an MMO in most aspects. Its design is geared towards a single-player, single-purchase experience, rather than promoting long-term, shared play with thousands of others. While opinions may vary, based on the game’s mechanics and creator statements, it’s clear that Elden Ring is an action RPG, not an MMO.
References:
- [Reddit community] r/Eldenring: Is Elden Ring an open-world MMO?
- [Game Reviews] The Gamer: Is Elden Ring Worth It?
- [Developer interviews] Jade King, Lead Features Editor at FromSoftware.