Every MMO Has The Same Lonely Feeling

[@Judeko]

This feeling you describe is something I came across when I tried to go back and play on a progression server for the original Everquest. Logging in after years away gave a very brief dopamine hit from nostalgia, but quickly faded when I realized that every zone I traversed was empty. No one talking in general chat. No one posting their items in the bazaar. Just a forgotten ghost town. In the very rare chance I did come across other players, I soon found out that all of them were controlled by one person. At that point I knew it was time to move on to newer games and experiences.

[@TygerTyme]

Everquest is a throwback! But it does fade after that dopamine hit absolutely. The chat being empty is a constant reminder of what used to be. It's cool to remember at least. It sounds like you made the right call. I guess what's important is to appreciate what we had and never forget how nice it was, right?

[@drewmcdonald4082]

I have a big take - the biggest MMO in the world these days is Discord. It's not an MMO, it's just where all the chatting and players went. That creates a barrier to entry, I get social anxiety when trying to join discord servers to meet new people, mostly because they skew younger and I'm kind of old now. It's also hard to find guilds and communities unless it's advertised to you or a friend tells you about it. Since COVID the most social games I've experienced are random little indy games or shooters, I really miss MMOs. I second what everyone's been saying about GW2, but even though I'm having a ton of fun exploring and people are nice and it's fun to mob a world boss, I still don't really play with anyone else, it's kind of like I'm at a busy mall by myself. That's on me though. I'm sure if I reached out plenty of MMO communities would be happy to have new players. I think gone are the days though where someone hits you with a guild charter to sign in the barrens and it sparks the beginning of a saga in your life.

[@TygerTyme]

@@drewmcdonald4082 the times they are a changin’ absolutely. I’ve noticed the same thing. Covid had an effect for sure - great point. I get social anxiety myself so I understand you there too! It’s exhausting meeting new people and getting to know them. And I think it’s easier to just stay in our lanes sometimes. Good to know you feel the same about GW2. I’ll have to check it out. So many recommendations from people that feel the same. Thanks for that! I think the potential is there too but you’re right - it’s not quite the same even if it’s still possible. It’s not as necessary and people don’t want it as much. Which makes the MMO feel much more like an ‘mmO’

[@Christian-zf7gc]

I totally relate to what you said in the video. When WoW started there were so much conversation. You made friends, hanging out with them obline because you lived roo far apart but still share the same love for the game. We constantly sat on skype talking while playing. These days online games are just like a dungeon search. You go in with random and don't talk whatsoever besides flaming each other and then go seperate ways. There is nothing like finding friends and keep in touch after a great game or dungeons.

[@TobiasT96]

Thats why you don't play retail but rather play classic and even better hardcore.

[@TygerTyme]

Yeah, It's a bit sad. You complete these quests together, dungeons, raids, etc. and then you just go your separate ways. You each served your purpose and then that's it. There are games out there where it's better. And classic is better for social situations than retail for sure but it's still not how it was or how it could be. There are definitely a few friends I've made along the way but it's very rare and usually just a wave goodbye in the end!

[@TygerTyme]

I agree! The social scene/situation is much better and even required there - but the feeling's still there though. Especially solo (obviously)!

[@jimixsamax86]

Guildwars 2 doesn’t feel lonely. It actually feels very alive.

[@TygerTyme]

I've heard this now multiple times so thank you! I'll give it a deeper look myself after these comments. I'm always up for learning something I didn't know or was wrong about!

[@Ch405m4n]

When I was burned out from Guild Wars 2, I made (another) pilgrimage through various MMOs. It all ended in Dragonflight, where I stopped and I felt alone in quite a hostile world. It was the most populated one from all I tried at that time, but everyone just kept for themselves, competed. I remember people at least gave buffs to others, ressed others when they had a spell for it. Now everyone was just competing with each other for everything. Every single gathering node and mob. I was nuisance to others there. I returned to GW2 and it felt...alright. It was not perfect, nothing ever is, but even without words, I can see/feel people reacting to my presence. Even if it's something small like stopping the dps to let others tag the mob too (GW2 has full open tag, not limited to number of players). Giving boons (GW2 doesn't have long buffs, boons are short term buffs) which makes you gather nodes faster when you stop at the same node. It's not only about chatting and banter during downtime, when waiting for the big event. It's everything together.

[@TygerTyme]

I like the way you described it - thanks for sharing that. I felt the exact same way as you while playing Dragonflight. Yeah, people did common courtesy stuff but it was so shallow. Classic is a bit better for sure because it's at least sort of built around group socializing but Dragonflight was where I noticed it most. Very cool world, expansion, idea, etc. but the feeling was still there through it all. I should have mentioned GW2 because people do speak very highly of it and the community does appear to be more interactive and the game designed more around that too. A few have mentioned that in the comments here. I'll look into that more for sure. Thank you!

[@Ch405m4n]

@@TygerTyme GW2 is not for everyone, especially since it's more casual and there is almost no vertical progression. I like the endgame being about cosmetics and legendary crafting. Especially open world is very chill. It's less chill in raids, high fractals (mythic+ equivalent) and WvW. I don't interact much with sPvP so I can't tell. If you decide to give it try, general advice is to take it slow and don't be afraid to ask

[@TygerTyme]

@@Ch405m4n thank you for the advice! I’m going to look into it further. I’m excited! This is why I wanted to make the video! So cool to talk to people I might not have been able to otherwise

[@avinfun4781]

This video did something to me that KZbin content does not normally do, which is think and remember, thank you

[@TygerTyme]

Well, thank you for saying that! That's awesome to hear. I really appreciate that and that's all I'm hoping to do! Have conversations and hopefully be thoughtful while I'm at it. I like your profile picture.

[@jimmyslaughter6262]

I relate to this... I think the main issue is the foundation design of the game never leaned towards socializing. Mostly grinding, until end game. But back in the day, we had more time to find ways to socialize. Now, we only have fleeting moments, and this format of gameplay has lost its spark. And every game like this loses it's spark after character creation. Slowly, but surely. I'm working towards a means to fix this, but I'm not ready to present it yet. Anyways, great video, it speaks to the soul. Glad the algorithm hit me with it.

[@TygerTyme]

Great point! So much grinding which is inherently uninteresting but can be made interesting through socializing. Back in the day, there were a ton of ways to socialize for sure! I think you touched on it for sure. It's after those opening moments. Because before that, you're still riding high on nostalgia and the potential but then soon. . . we realize what it actually is. I love the idea of MMOs still though. If you ever present your idea - put me on the list to hear it! I love to chat and think about stuff like this. Thanks for sharing. I really appreciate the kind words. I'm glad you found my video and we got to chat a little here!

[@Kaiovsk1]

tbh i like mmo but i am not a big social player. Still existing in persisting world with other ppl is something that i enjoy

[@TygerTyme]

It is such a cool feeling and I love the idea of MMOs. I'm with you. But it's the idea that's cool and then sort of fades - for me anyway - when I realize those other people aren't really interested in making it a cohesive experience. Which is fine! But it loses some of that amazement. I do still love the idea and enjoy hopping in to try again because it is so cool.

[@thanganbabp5570]

its because all the game loops and reward structures have been made personal. if you go back to games like everquest you would log in and immediately start forming groups to stay in your entire play session.

[@TygerTyme]

@@thanganbabp5570 EverQuest is such a throwback! You’re totally right. Or Vanilla wow too. A lot of the problem is in the design - absolutely.

[@SuperJT]

I always have that nostalgic empty feeling when I jump into an "older" MMO. Especially WOW since I used to be a veteran, in Vanilla and so on and trust me: yes, it was everything we say and more. I was a huge high level player in the end but I no longer play. Those days were so awesome. Memberberries always hit hard in such games. But there is peace in that too.

[@TygerTyme]

Yes, especially those older ones for sure! Some of the stories I've heard from friends who played back in Vanilla, BC or Wrath are like a war vet telling epic war stories. It's very cool and a big part of the draw of those older MMOs. There is peace in it for sure - I like that! But when I walk around I can't help but think of what it used to be. . . Which is both a bit lonely and very cool too.

[@SuperJT]

@@TygerTyme exactly: what it used to be and now it's barren and I get the same feeling you get. There's a certain melancoly in these games where evryone is gone and you play in an empty forgotten world.

[@TygerTyme]

@@SuperJT well thank you for sharing and I’m glad someone feels that same way. It’s such an interesting feeling and I couldn’t help but wonder if I’m overthinking but I’m glad I got to chat with you here!

[@dwsonye]

WOW Anniversary HC is active with a ton of people around as well as people grouping together.

[@TygerTyme]

Ya know, I've heard that and HC is an exception I think. You're right. I've noticed that's where the crowds from vanilla (who know how it was or how important it was to group up) like to go and it sort of forces more of a community because you're all in this together, trying to survive and you need each other. Which is very cool.

[@Froggy_VR]

1:02 The way you just realized was pure gold😂 Are you streaming today?

[@TygerTyme]

It hit me while I was editing haha! Silly stuff! Yes, I'll be streaming today for sure!

[@TygerTyme]

Do you ever experience this in MMOs? Maybe I'm alone in this.... Wink Wink.

[@Seus-s]

I usually feelonely on the real world, used to be cool that in WoW I was not lonely anymore. But playing in 2024 is just not it, I felt even more lonely, none at starting area, and those few ignore you if you say Hi or /wave...

[@TygerTyme]

First off, I know how being lonely feels so I understand you there. If you ever want to hang out, chat or chill I livestream Mondays, Tuesdays around 5 ET and Fridays around Noon ET. Not saying that to advertise myself but just to let you know I'm always down to chat in those streams or play something with viewers if it works out. I feel you @Seus-s. But, yes, Retail wow is definitely not it. People do ignore a lot more. Classic is much better as some have pointed out but I have experienced exactly what you're saying. Even the starting areas area a little less social and populated.

[@Seus-s]

@@TygerTyme Thx man, not much of a stream viewer, I mostly watch VODs. I appreciate the invitation tho.

[@IIIERILEVIII]

It's because the entire game of an MMO is in whatever current main city exists

[@TygerTyme]

I think I know what you're saying. So, for instance, in WOW you're saying the game is as social as Orgrimmar or Stormwind are? If those cities are dead - the game's probably dead? If that's your point then, yes, I agree. The main hubs are a great barometer for how much social potential there is!

[@jonmacdonald2193]

@@TygerTyme the mmo playerbase grew up, people only have so much time in day, so reward structures have been tailored towards that. Back then people were forced to group up to do certain things, even quests in vanilla WoW, or runescape there wasnt an insaen amount of information on the internet to guide you, so you were naturally drawn towards socializing due to the reward. Now a days you can look up a guide for any quest within a week of a game coming out, socilizing in game has been moved towards discords now

[@TygerTyme]

@@jonmacdonald2193 you summed it up! I miss the days or no guide or even physical guides back in the day! Gamefaqs was cool too. But yes, I agree with you - people have no reason to ask question or for help anymore. That even applies to real life. Why ask someone something when you can look it up? Great points - I agree!

[@galaxybrainjimmy1520]

maybe because its artificial, or you know the loop already kinda like knowing the "magic" in a magic trick.

[@TygerTyme]

Makes sense to me! Gaming is artificial mostly but some games don't ever lose the magic quite like MMOs seem to. . . But I think you're onto something. That's why the character creation is so interesting (because we can sort of forget that 'magic') but then it fades once we remember we know the trick. I like that analogy!

[@MrPBuddyone]

I would say, on WoW parts, its both parts fault. i played Classic and the people played... other than in retail. Player invited each other into parties, without knowing each other. You chatted, talked and then got into Discord and Guilds. but Retail is a big problem... people dont invite each other, because they dont have to because they are strong enough to make all by themselves. And even if there are people looking for other people to play with while questing, who knows if they are in the same phase and all that...

[@TygerTyme]

I found the same to be true in my experience too. Retail is the biggest offender absolutely. There aren't any organic groupings or events together anymore. You just go flying by each other and you don't really NEED each other like you did in classic or vanilla. In retail, you barely know the names of people or anything about them. I agree with you completely. Even classic has those moments though - but it in a much better direction than retail.

[@TebTarget]

Discord and competitive players destroyed MMORPG community

[@TygerTyme]

Interesting theory. It makes sense to me - especially the discord part. But, it feels like competitive players have always been in MMOs. The combination though, yes, Discord is something I hadn't thought about but makes total sense.

[@TheNightmareItachi]

same

[@TygerTyme]

Short and to the point! Thanks for commenting! When I posted this I didn't know if people would agree but it's cool to see others have experienced it too.

[@TheNightmareItachi]

@@TygerTyme its just not the same anymore, we are adults now and have to do adult things

[@TygerTyme]

@@TheNightmareItachi very true my friend. We’re doing what we can but time isn’t the same as it used to be. Thanks for commenting and stopping by!

[@fushey]

haha great topic. atm playing classic wow for the first time twenty years after my friends stopped playing. grim

[@TygerTyme]

Thank you! Man, classic WOW was such a blast. There’s something about knowing what it once was though, right? Played that with my cousin - but even then this feeling was there. Haha grim! It’s such a cool experience - like I said - I do appreciate them even with this feeling.

[@bangkokstallion]

Problem with Wow is it looks exactly the same as it did in 2005.

[@TygerTyme]

Something I didn't talk about - but absolutely true! I would love to see a change there. I wouldn't say that's a big reason why this feeling is there but maybe it looked more modern there would be an even bigger audience or people would come back at least.