GamerNode: News - Daily Q: Would a GTA MMO slay World of Warcraft?

Daily Q: Would a GTA MMO slay World of Warcraft?

Category: Features, Posted: 05/07/2008 at 10:41AM EDT by The Q, GamerNode Staff

World of Warcraft sits high atop the crowded MMO space; a facet of gaming where even the most anticipated games fade into obscurity. Blizzard's MMO has such a vice grip on the genre, it seems that too many studios are a useless gesture to compete. With ten million subscribers logging countless hours, it is clear that the people have made their choice.

But we aren't stupid here at GamerNode. Someday someone, or something is going to finally dethrone WoW. It could be time, lack of interest, or (the most interesting) a new franchise. So for discussion's sake let's tackle the latter; a new franchise.

Today's Q comes from the rumor that the next Grand Theft Auto installment will be an MMO. Think about it; an MMO littered with locals as detailed as Liberty City in GTA IV, but with the rolling hillsides of San Andreas to bring the world together. All the while doing quests to further yourself in the GTA storyline.

If done right, would a GTA MMO topple the mighty World of Warcraft?

(10)

Posted by Dr Stupid on 05/07/2008 at 10:52AM

Hard to say, but I sure hope it does. I hate WoW.

Posted by Requiem on 05/07/2008 at 10:53AM

Seeing how GTA is topping the XBL charts, and probably PSN, I woudn't doubt it. The name is so big now, everyone knows what GTA is.

Posted by eight on 05/07/2008 at 10:58AM

Yes GTA is big, but I'm not sure the guy playing GTA is going to spend thousands of hours online with other people. Yes, people play the hell out of GTA, even after the game 'ends' but to picture that guy questing... I just don't see the GTA demographic moving to the MMO space.

You have to still consider the large number of PS3's and Xbox 360's that are not online. The games home is on a console, but isn't it something like only 60% are online. Thats rough.

Posted by JSnake on 05/07/2008 at 11:23AM

Perhaps not in sales. But definitely in game quality. Oh yes.

Posted by vincian on 05/07/2008 at 11:24AM

Also, don't forget the M rating. That has to count something, seeing that a big chunk of WoW's player base are adolescences and teenagers.

Also, as eight said, GTA is a well-rounded game for all types of people, not just hardcore gamers... which means many who play arn't part of that MMO grind-loving crowd.

Posted by jiggyteddy on 05/07/2008 at 12:19PM

I'm just gonna go ahead and say maybe and agree with eight in that i can't really see GTA turning into an MMO. I'm trying to picture it in my head right now; a couple million Tommy Versettis running around an area that spans about four states wide, cities in complete and utter chaos...how would anything get done? Don't quote me on that one, at this point all we can do is speculate.

Posted by flame on 05/07/2008 at 01:56PM

I don't really think it would work. The multiplayer as it is, is more than good enough for gta. The addition of a few new modes with the next game should be fine.

Posted by Eddie R Inzauto on 05/07/2008 at 02:24PM

Short answer: No

I don't see GTA as an MMO, nor do I see your typical GTA player as an MMO type of guy/gal.

Posted by Archem on 05/07/2008 at 03:46PM

If it's done right: Yes.

Likely results: No.

Posted by rtanger on 05/07/2008 at 05:09PM

There would absolutely have to be some sort of system that made being a criminal OR a copper rewarding and fun, some way to balance character progress with the unmitigated chaos that the game encourages.

Seen a 16 player free roam? That's absolutely nuts. Imagine another 50 or so people, let alone a few hundred, and it's basically just anarchy.