Riot's MMO: Still in the Works but Facing Challenges
Riot Games' MMO remains in development, despite being under discussion since 2020. However, its longevity has raised concerns, especially given a company-wide reset in 2023.
Nostalgia and a Compelling World
Despite layoffs, the MMO remains a priority for Riot's co-founder, Marc Merrill. He believes that many MMO enthusiasts seek a nostalgic experience and that creating a compelling world is crucial.
Riot's existing IP, Runeterra, from "League of Legends," provides a strong foundation for worldbuilding. Merrill adds that the success of "Arcane" has further solidified the potential for an MMO in this universe.
Challenges in the MMO Market
However, the MMO market has evolved since the early 2000s. The genre has given way to live service games, making it more difficult for new MMOs to gain traction.
Merrill acknowledges this challenge but remains optimistic. He highlights Riot's financial stability and the success of its animated series, "Arcane," as indicators of the company's ability to weather early development setbacks.
Conclusion
While some doubt the feasibility of a successful MMO in 2025, Riot's resources and established IP give it an edge. Despite the challenges, Merrill's enthusiasm and the potential of Runeterra could still make this a reality.