Metal Gear Online Change The MMO World?
By: Eric M. Martin |
Wednesday November 05, 2008 |
 |
A look into the squad-based online sensation that has already spawned tournaments worldwide. |
| While Metal Gear Online is not an MMO, is it possible that it could be the beginning of an online revolution? Currently, Metal Gear Online is on a much smaller, yet numerous scale. Up to sixteen players can compete online in squad-based, tactical, real-time combat through online options in the award-winning Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots. With the addition of the SOP system that allows teammates to track squad locations, status and current opponents and an extensive training system, there is certainly a lot to entice curious gamers. Take a look at the enormous growth of popularity through a blurb from a Konami press release that mentions the current growth status of the system as well as a special launch campaign set to begin at the end of November. “Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. Konami's online action game, "METAL GEAR ONLINE," has gained over 1 million members worldwide since the launch of the service in June 2008. To commemorate this achievement, Konami will launch a special campaign, "METAL GEAR ONLINE: Commemorative Campaign," that will officially begin on November 25, 2008, awarding reward points to gamers who access METAL GEAR ONLINE during the promotion. These reward points can be used to purchase new online gear from the in-game reward shop. During the Commemorative Campaign period of November 25, 2008 from December 9, 2008, all players who own a METAL GEAR ONLINE account (Game IDs) and access METAL GEAR ONLINE will receive 10,000 reward points each. The 10,000 reward points will be updated to account owners on the last day of the campaign, December 9, 2008.” So, what are we looking at? We’ve got a massive incentive offering of reward points, which can be used to buy gear and expansion packs from the MGO store. That alone will give new players the chance to catch up to current happenings. At a million strong already, MGO is making all of the right moves to cause a potential population explosion. Inherent downsides? Overinflation of numbers, quick surges in popularity and the instant “boost” for new players may disappoint those who’ve been there in the beginning and have “worked hard” for their rewards. Aside from that, there will always be honeymooners. Many of those numbers may decline just as sharply, leaving the truly interested behind. After about a few months, we’ll start to see some solid numbers and get a better growth projection. Either way, it’s not a bad move. You’ve got a truly unique take on online play, rivaled only by titles such as Call of Duty and, to a lesser extent, Medal of Honor should a new title come out of the bushes in 2009. Even so, there won’t be any serious competition between franchises because they’re both going to do well independently of each other. Why is that? Quality of product is at an all time high. No one will argue of the type of gameplay that Call of Duty offers, and the same goes for Metal Gear Solid. Even though there are variations, and always some complaints about how the company handles one title over another, these are great products. Great products that focus on reasonable modes of expansion without relying on ridiculous advertisements and peripherals are going to get an honest turnout. That’s what we’ve got here. Currently, the stage is being set for bigger coverages. It wouldn’t be hard to imagine Call of Duty Online as a separate MMO title, nor would it be the same for MGO or even something like Medal of Honor Online. There’s an untapped, WW II-era genre that is rarely explored in the MMO field. Quite frankly, we’ve got two prime candidates in two prime positions, if their respective companies choose to explore these avenues further. I think we’ll continue to see MGO grow because it’s not trying to get bigger than it’s own britches too soon. Tournaments are sprouting up everywhere, so there’s obvious interest. Add to that Konami’s obvious commitment to excellence, and it’s a formula for easy success. |
|
|
|
|