Aion being a success in Asia means everything. If they game is not successful over there then it probaly wont even be released over here. Its good to see that this game already is much larger world wide then any other game not named World Of Warcraft and this game is not even 6 months old yet and already has over 1 million subs, still yet to even be released in other countrys. The thing I dont understand is what do you expect will happen when Aion is released over here? This is comming from a Lineage 2 player thats still playing a game that people called a Korean Grinder but 5 years later the game is still going strong with a new expansion that was just released today.
While I agree with you that if Aion wasn't a success in Asia that it probably wouldn't be released here, the point I was trying to make is that even though it's well recieved in Aisa doesn't mean it'll be so here. That was all I was trying to say.
I know what you are saying. What I am asking is what is well recieved? How many subs does a game have to have to be considered well recieved?
To me there is no doubt the game will be well received, meaning it will have a sub close to LotrO or FFXI, but it won't reach WoW. And that's ok, a lot of people will look at the box and not buy it because of it's graphics I can guarantee that which is a retarded shame but not much to be done about it. Word of mouth is most likely what will make this game popular over time. It won't be an overnight success, it won't reach critical mass at launch, but it might just keep on growing as more people hear how awesome it is and how much fun players are having.
There will only be one 'next big MMO' and that will be Blizzard's next MMO release.
You don't have to like it, but denying it is just deluding yourself.
When SoE announced their plans to make EQ2, everyone believe it will rule the world.
So while its reasonable to expect Blizz to succeed, and its well known they have not yet failed, ... well just wait and see, I say.
Yes you're right that Blizzard's next offering could well be a flop, I'm not disputing that.
I just find it highly unlikely that another company would be able to take Blizzard's customer base. This was the point I was trying to make.
Possible, but no likely. When was the last time they released a flop? They are an amazing developer, despite what all the irrational haters say. The only other developer on their level to me is Bioware.
As for Aion, I am getting more and more hyped up for this one as more positive feedback comes back from people playing the Team Asia version. Hurry up NA release!!
There will only be one 'next big MMO' and that will be Blizzard's next MMO release.
You don't have to like it, but denying it is just deluding yourself.
When SoE announced their plans to make EQ2, everyone believe it will rule the world.
So while its reasonable to expect Blizz to succeed, and its well known they have not yet failed, ... well just wait and see, I say.
Yes you're right that Blizzard's next offering could well be a flop, I'm not disputing that.
I just find it highly unlikely that another company would be able to take Blizzard's customer base. This was the point I was trying to make.
Possible, but no likely. When was the last time they released a flop? They are an amazing developer, despite what all the irrational haters say. The only other developer on their level to me is Bioware.
As for Aion, I am getting more and more hyped up for this one as more positive feedback comes back from people playing the Team Asia version. Hurry up NA release!!
I have similar faith, in that Blizz can at least sell a few more games, no matter what. The reputation of Blizz alone will carry a few titles, and unless they are major disappoinment, customers will generally tolerate and accept the games.
I, for one, will definitely buy the next Blizz game (D3, from the looks of it). No matter what.
What I am trying to say is, I am not sure the next Blizz MMO can repeat the phenomena of WoW. WoW's success is unique, and it will be another unique story to see the next major game like that. Maybe a new technology or a new game device, that brings a new generation of gamers in? Imagine a wearable game console, or some really fun technology, say exercise as you game? I dunno, fact is, during the Apple II days, who would imagine a mouse?
There will only be one 'next big MMO' and that will be Blizzard's next MMO release.
You don't have to like it, but denying it is just deluding yourself.
When SoE announced their plans to make EQ2, everyone believe it will rule the world.
So while its reasonable to expect Blizz to succeed, and its well known they have not yet failed, ... well just wait and see, I say.
Yes you're right that Blizzard's next offering could well be a flop, I'm not disputing that.
I just find it highly unlikely that another company would be able to take Blizzard's customer base. This was the point I was trying to make.
Possible, but no likely. When was the last time they released a flop? They are an amazing developer, despite what all the irrational haters say. The only other developer on their level to me is Bioware.
As for Aion, I am getting more and more hyped up for this one as more positive feedback comes back from people playing the Team Asia version. Hurry up NA release!!
I have similar faith, in that Blizz can at least sell a few more games, no matter what. The reputation of Blizz alone will carry a few titles, and unless they are major disappoinment, customers will generally tolerate and accept the games.
I, for one, will definitely buy the next Blizz game (D3, from the looks of it). No matter what.
What I am trying to say is, I am not sure the next Blizz MMO can repeat the phenomena of WoW. WoW's success is unique, and it will be another unique story to see the next major game like that. Maybe a new technology or a new game device, that brings a new generation of gamers in? Imagine a wearable game console, or some really fun technology, say exercise as you game? I dunno, fact is, during the Apple II days, who would imagine a mouse?
But still we're all psyched about Aion. And I'm playing it right now and as soon as the NA version comes out this game is going to own. All the issues with Aion people have right now. They still have to realize that it is still an incomplete game until the release date.
What people don't consider is that Blizzard is based in America and that Ncsoft is based in Asia.
It's no surprise that NCsoft has a large number of subscribers to their games in Asia more than in American and vis versa for Blizzard.
Many MMOs in Asia (excluding World of Warcraft) have been mentioned on tv a number of times and that Asian super stars also play it.
For example a number of famous Japanese Actors play Mosnter Hunter Online and televsion spots pick this up and Conami uses this as a means of advertising in Japan as well.
A company always targets their our country first before the export it to other countries, so it's no surprise that the game developers would first think about developing the game for their countries standards first.
So i beleive that the only way a game that will beat WoW (apart from Blizzard) is a MMO compan based in the States that think of the same standards and customers as Blizzard does.
after playing chinese beta with english patch for 2 weeks i can say yes im sure about aion being the next big mmo.
its amazing..
same here i have been playing the chinese server for around 2week+ and i dont like it..
I also dont like WOW. So is that mean AION going to be the next big MMO? lol
This is really what everyone said about Warhammer and it ended up failing. BUT....with the success in Asia, even if Aion is a failure in the English market, the servers won't be shutdown like Tabula Rasa and even if they are. All of the hardcore English players can gather somewhere.
But after this quote, Aion will have a successful launch in NA/EU, but can they hold the subs?
1st off, too everyone body saying "it's not going to beat WoW"... Just stop, that was never the point.
You don't have to beat what already exist to be the next big thing. I still think SW:TOR is going to be bigger then Aion, here in the US, but Aion is going to release well before it.
The title of this thread is 'Will Aion be the next big MMO?'
Apologies for interpreting that as questioning whether or not it would 'beat WoW', but World of Warcraft is the current 'Big MMO'.
So to address your new point, I think that Aion will be a flash in the pan. People will be saying things like 'OMG this is the most amazing MMO ever!' for a couple of weeks.
After the first initial love affair begins to wear thin and the newness wears off, the quick and satisfying rewards and progression begin to become less and less frequent then people will start to see the imperfections and what really lies beneath.
Warhammer Online is a great example of this. It is full of innovation and initially people were amazed with it (and rightly so), but after a month or so it turned out there really wasn't all that much depth to it after all.
We'll see how it goes, but I predict big hype initially, followed by silence and then inevitable hate.
Originally posted by Joppari Warhammer Online is a great example of this. It is full of innovation and initially people were amazed with it (and rightly so), but after a month or so it turned out there really wasn't all that much depth to it after all.
We'll see how it goes, but I predict big hype initially, followed by silence and then inevitable hate.
yea...
The biggest problem with WAR was lackluster PvE, pass the 1st tier, and the fact ORvR almost never happen.
WAR PQs were great, at 1st, then they quickly became a grind...
Scenarios were fun... but you got more or less got forced into to doing them, just to level.
well see what happen with Aion is higher levels...
I just hope PvP is fun, that is what will keep me playing the game.
I do see one problem with Aion atm... a single starting area for each faction.
I can't see rolling at alt because of this, but that is just me.
I can see your issue about the same starter area being a problem to some but I personally love it. I only have to memorise those quests. Warhammer saved people from being bored with this but I always memorised one starter zone and always went to that one with any character so I don't personally have a problem with this.
I can see your issue about the same starter area being a problem to some but I personally love it. I only have to memorise those quests. Warhammer saved people from being bored with this but I always memorised one starter zone and always went to that one with any character so I don't personally have a problem with this.
Aion is looking like it will be a strong game. At this point however im convinced unless a game has some serious lore already surrounding it, it will never be the next big thing. Look when WoW was released some saw it coming but most where clueless untill the guilds started falling apart and disappearing on EQ. What killed EQ and cemented the legacy known currently as WoW was lore. Sony destroyed the IP when they released planes of power effectively allowing you to kill most all the gods depicted in the current lore. Thus making Sony's writers create new lore at every turn. Blizzard was ripe with almost a decade of lore from its Warcraft franchise and they knew it and they turned out the best casual friendly game to date. Gamers as a whole have grown and matured through the years. They want chilling storylines and lush environments coupled with an easy to manage game engine
Whether you want to accept it or not, most gamers don't give a rat's ass about lore.
I don't agree. It's more like the developers don't so there really isn't anything for gamers to even try and care about it. Very few mmos put an effort into this and it shows.
1. For god's sake mmo gamers, enough with the analogies. They're unnecessary and your comparisons are terrible, dissimilar, and illogical.
2. To posters feeling the need to state how f2p really isn't f2p: Players understand the concept. You aren't privy to some secret the rest are missing. You're embarrassing yourself.
3. Yes, Cpt. Obvious, we're not industry experts. Now run along and let the big people use the forums for their purpose.
after playing chinese beta with english patch for 2 weeks i can say yes im sure about aion being the next big mmo.
its amazing..
same here i have been playing the chinese server for around 2week+ and i dont like it..
I also dont like WOW. So is that mean AION going to be the next big MMO? lol
This is really what everyone said about Warhammer and it ended up failing. BUT....with the success in Asia, even if Aion is a failure in the English market, the servers won't be shutdown like Tabula Rasa and even if they are. All of the hardcore English players can gather somewhere.
But after this quote, Aion will have a successful launch in NA/EU, but can they hold the subs?
WAR shot themselves in the foot when they had the itemization/RvR rewards all backwards accompanied by performance issues. I'd say so far in Aion (from what it seems and I've read) is the set up looks good (similiar to DaoC from a glance) and all the best gear comes from The Abyss and/or crafting which is nice.
after playing chinese beta with english patch for 2 weeks i can say yes im sure about aion being the next big mmo.
its amazing..
same here i have been playing the chinese server for around 2week+ and i dont like it..
I also dont like WOW. So is that mean AION going to be the next big MMO? lol
This is really what everyone said about Warhammer and it ended up failing. BUT....with the success in Asia, even if Aion is a failure in the English market, the servers won't be shutdown like Tabula Rasa and even if they are. All of the hardcore English players can gather somewhere.
But after this quote, Aion will have a successful launch in NA/EU, but can they hold the subs?
Yea that is true there were people who said that WAR was going to be the next big MMO. I think the problem here is telling the difference between a fanboy and someone who is giving a factual account of an upcoming game. Not an easy thing to do.
I don`t post very much and I generally don`t get involved in pre game hype. However although I`ve never played AION beta, I do know a couple of people who have. Both have said some very nice things about AION, and that’s coming from two cynical long term MMORPG gamers.
Is it going to be the next big MMO? No one knows, but from what I have heard I think it’s at least possible. No one ever imagined that WoW would so totally blow everquest out of the water and hit 11 million subs.
We'll see how it goes, but I predict big hype initially, followed by silence and then inevitable hate.
That's not such a bad thing, usually people really hate things that are really successful, things that are not usually gets this reaction: "Meh. it's ok but I don't like it"
They also hate things that were supposed to shine and didn't, judging from the majority of mmo players who have not followed the game or played it yet no one expects this to be much of anything other then being pretty. Therefore there's no disapointment to counter.
WAR disapointed as it came with it's own fan base and an IP people were familiar with so that's hype already right there, then they went further with their marketing campaign. The game at launch had some really nifty new ideas, but the rest of their features were half assed and not so well implemented. Pretty much unforgivable nowadays. It's a mistake to concentrate on one or two neat things and put the rest of the game on a back burner. Maybe that's ok for single player games but not for mmo that should please a great number of people at once.
What people don't consider is that Blizzard is based in America and that Ncsoft is based in Asia. It's no surprise that NCsoft has a large number of subscribers to their games in Asia more than in American and vis versa for Blizzard. Many MMOs in Asia (excluding World of Warcraft) have been mentioned on tv a number of times and that Asian super stars also play it. For example a number of famous Japanese Actors play Mosnter Hunter Online and televsion spots pick this up and Conami uses this as a means of advertising in Japan as well. A company always targets their our country first before the export it to other countries, so it's no surprise that the game developers would first think about developing the game for their countries standards first.
So i beleive that the only way a game that will beat WoW (apart from Blizzard) is a MMO compan based in the States that think of the same standards and customers as Blizzard does.
If you mean sub base as the measurement to beat WoW, I would not start in the states.
As a market, US sucks, I mean it. Tax, cost of operation and sometimes even the law jades. European tax is the only tax system which is heavier. AND the US market size is only a very fraction of the size of China, Russia, India (not yet a major MMO market, so potential there). In terms of fanatism Japan and Korea rules.
So games targetting Asian markets have a better chance to hit the multi-million mark. Blizz and WoW is wonderful, indeed, but the other american or european MMOs ever since are not doing well. On the other hand, the Korean MMOs and Japanese console games are still growing steadily. No one ever reaching the steady revenue from WoW yet. No one. If there is another one coming close in the future, its more likely to be one based in Asia.
One thing you are very correct, the standard, the polishness, the wide appeal, the variety in-game, everything in Blizz is well done. A serious competitor will have a lot to learn from Blizz.
This thread was made a few months ago, but it's still relevant and we now have alot more information on Aion and it's much closer to the release date, so rather than making another thread this is a bump
I've been looking around for new upcoming MMO's, and it seems that alot of people really think Aion will be the next big MMO. I decided to research abit more about Aion and it's the first game I've seen in a long time to have good, smooth gameplay, like WoW. I'm not saying that WoW is the best MMO out at the moment, though it does have the most subsribers, but I think part of the reason it is so popular is the gameplay, movements, smoothness of combat, etc. Aion looks very promising, but I also notice it is by the company, playNC, which has a number of different MMO's which have not been very successful (Lineage 1 & 2, Guildwars, City of Heroes/Villains). So, do YOU think Aion will be the next big MMO?
I think your find that they the games u say havent been very successful were , Guildwars and Lineage 2 and City of heroes/villains did very well and still are.
Comments
While I agree with you that if Aion wasn't a success in Asia that it probably wouldn't be released here, the point I was trying to make is that even though it's well recieved in Aisa doesn't mean it'll be so here. That was all I was trying to say.
I know what you are saying. What I am asking is what is well recieved? How many subs does a game have to have to be considered well recieved?
To me there is no doubt the game will be well received, meaning it will have a sub close to LotrO or FFXI, but it won't reach WoW. And that's ok, a lot of people will look at the box and not buy it because of it's graphics I can guarantee that which is a retarded shame but not much to be done about it. Word of mouth is most likely what will make this game popular over time. It won't be an overnight success, it won't reach critical mass at launch, but it might just keep on growing as more people hear how awesome it is and how much fun players are having.
(,,,)=^__^=(,,,)
When SoE announced their plans to make EQ2, everyone believe it will rule the world.
So while its reasonable to expect Blizz to succeed, and its well known they have not yet failed, ... well just wait and see, I say.
Yes you're right that Blizzard's next offering could well be a flop, I'm not disputing that.
I just find it highly unlikely that another company would be able to take Blizzard's customer base. This was the point I was trying to make.
Possible, but no likely. When was the last time they released a flop? They are an amazing developer, despite what all the irrational haters say. The only other developer on their level to me is Bioware.
As for Aion, I am getting more and more hyped up for this one as more positive feedback comes back from people playing the Team Asia version. Hurry up NA release!!
거북이는 목을 내밀 때 안 움직입니다
1st off, too everyone body saying "it's not going to beat WoW"... Just stop, that was never the point.
You don't have to beat what already exist to be the next big thing.
I still think SW:TOR is going to be bigger then Aion, here in the US, but Aion is going to release well before it.
When SoE announced their plans to make EQ2, everyone believe it will rule the world.
So while its reasonable to expect Blizz to succeed, and its well known they have not yet failed, ... well just wait and see, I say.
Yes you're right that Blizzard's next offering could well be a flop, I'm not disputing that.
I just find it highly unlikely that another company would be able to take Blizzard's customer base. This was the point I was trying to make.
Possible, but no likely. When was the last time they released a flop? They are an amazing developer, despite what all the irrational haters say. The only other developer on their level to me is Bioware.
As for Aion, I am getting more and more hyped up for this one as more positive feedback comes back from people playing the Team Asia version. Hurry up NA release!!
I have similar faith, in that Blizz can at least sell a few more games, no matter what. The reputation of Blizz alone will carry a few titles, and unless they are major disappoinment, customers will generally tolerate and accept the games.
I, for one, will definitely buy the next Blizz game (D3, from the looks of it). No matter what.
What I am trying to say is, I am not sure the next Blizz MMO can repeat the phenomena of WoW. WoW's success is unique, and it will be another unique story to see the next major game like that. Maybe a new technology or a new game device, that brings a new generation of gamers in? Imagine a wearable game console, or some really fun technology, say exercise as you game? I dunno, fact is, during the Apple II days, who would imagine a mouse?
When SoE announced their plans to make EQ2, everyone believe it will rule the world.
So while its reasonable to expect Blizz to succeed, and its well known they have not yet failed, ... well just wait and see, I say.
Yes you're right that Blizzard's next offering could well be a flop, I'm not disputing that.
I just find it highly unlikely that another company would be able to take Blizzard's customer base. This was the point I was trying to make.
Possible, but no likely. When was the last time they released a flop? They are an amazing developer, despite what all the irrational haters say. The only other developer on their level to me is Bioware.
As for Aion, I am getting more and more hyped up for this one as more positive feedback comes back from people playing the Team Asia version. Hurry up NA release!!
I have similar faith, in that Blizz can at least sell a few more games, no matter what. The reputation of Blizz alone will carry a few titles, and unless they are major disappoinment, customers will generally tolerate and accept the games.
I, for one, will definitely buy the next Blizz game (D3, from the looks of it). No matter what.
What I am trying to say is, I am not sure the next Blizz MMO can repeat the phenomena of WoW. WoW's success is unique, and it will be another unique story to see the next major game like that. Maybe a new technology or a new game device, that brings a new generation of gamers in? Imagine a wearable game console, or some really fun technology, say exercise as you game? I dunno, fact is, during the Apple II days, who would imagine a mouse?
But still we're all psyched about Aion. And I'm playing it right now and as soon as the NA version comes out this game is going to own. All the issues with Aion people have right now. They still have to realize that it is still an incomplete game until the release date.
WoW sucked when it first launched
거북이는 목을 내밀 때 안 움직입니다
Yeah, since there are those who aren't
What people don't consider is that Blizzard is based in America and that Ncsoft is based in Asia.
It's no surprise that NCsoft has a large number of subscribers to their games in Asia more than in American and vis versa for Blizzard.
Many MMOs in Asia (excluding World of Warcraft) have been mentioned on tv a number of times and that Asian super stars also play it.
For example a number of famous Japanese Actors play Mosnter Hunter Online and televsion spots pick this up and Conami uses this as a means of advertising in Japan as well.
A company always targets their our country first before the export it to other countries, so it's no surprise that the game developers would first think about developing the game for their countries standards first.
So i beleive that the only way a game that will beat WoW (apart from Blizzard) is a MMO compan based in the States that think of the same standards and customers as Blizzard does.
after playing chinese beta with english patch for 2 weeks i can say yes im sure about aion being the next big mmo.
its amazing..
same here i have been playing the chinese server for around 2week+ and i dont like it..
I also dont like WOW. So is that mean AION going to be the next big MMO? lol
same here i have been playing the chinese server for around 2week+ and i dont like it..
I also dont like WOW. So is that mean AION going to be the next big MMO? lol
This is really what everyone said about Warhammer and it ended up failing. BUT....with the success in Asia, even if Aion is a failure in the English market, the servers won't be shutdown like Tabula Rasa and even if they are. All of the hardcore English players can gather somewhere.
But after this quote, Aion will have a successful launch in NA/EU, but can they hold the subs?
The title of this thread is 'Will Aion be the next big MMO?'
Apologies for interpreting that as questioning whether or not it would 'beat WoW', but World of Warcraft is the current 'Big MMO'.
So to address your new point, I think that Aion will be a flash in the pan. People will be saying things like 'OMG this is the most amazing MMO ever!' for a couple of weeks.
After the first initial love affair begins to wear thin and the newness wears off, the quick and satisfying rewards and progression begin to become less and less frequent then people will start to see the imperfections and what really lies beneath.
Warhammer Online is a great example of this. It is full of innovation and initially people were amazed with it (and rightly so), but after a month or so it turned out there really wasn't all that much depth to it after all.
We'll see how it goes, but I predict big hype initially, followed by silence and then inevitable hate.
yea...
The biggest problem with WAR was lackluster PvE, pass the 1st tier, and the fact ORvR almost never happen.
WAR PQs were great, at 1st, then they quickly became a grind...
Scenarios were fun... but you got more or less got forced into to doing them, just to level.
well see what happen with Aion is higher levels...
I just hope PvP is fun, that is what will keep me playing the game.
I do see one problem with Aion atm... a single starting area for each faction.
I can't see rolling at alt because of this, but that is just me.
I can see your issue about the same starter area being a problem to some but I personally love it. I only have to memorise those quests. Warhammer saved people from being bored with this but I always memorised one starter zone and always went to that one with any character so I don't personally have a problem with this.
That's the thing. I hate that.
Whether you want to accept it or not, most gamers don't give a rat's ass about lore.
I don't agree. It's more like the developers don't so there really isn't anything for gamers to even try and care about it. Very few mmos put an effort into this and it shows.
1. For god's sake mmo gamers, enough with the analogies. They're unnecessary and your comparisons are terrible, dissimilar, and illogical.
2. To posters feeling the need to state how f2p really isn't f2p: Players understand the concept. You aren't privy to some secret the rest are missing. You're embarrassing yourself.
3. Yes, Cpt. Obvious, we're not industry experts. Now run along and let the big people use the forums for their purpose.
same here i have been playing the chinese server for around 2week+ and i dont like it..
I also dont like WOW. So is that mean AION going to be the next big MMO? lol
This is really what everyone said about Warhammer and it ended up failing. BUT....with the success in Asia, even if Aion is a failure in the English market, the servers won't be shutdown like Tabula Rasa and even if they are. All of the hardcore English players can gather somewhere.
But after this quote, Aion will have a successful launch in NA/EU, but can they hold the subs?
WAR shot themselves in the foot when they had the itemization/RvR rewards all backwards accompanied by performance issues. I'd say so far in Aion (from what it seems and I've read) is the set up looks good (similiar to DaoC from a glance) and all the best gear comes from The Abyss and/or crafting which is nice.
same here i have been playing the chinese server for around 2week+ and i dont like it..
I also dont like WOW. So is that mean AION going to be the next big MMO? lol
This is really what everyone said about Warhammer and it ended up failing. BUT....with the success in Asia, even if Aion is a failure in the English market, the servers won't be shutdown like Tabula Rasa and even if they are. All of the hardcore English players can gather somewhere.
But after this quote, Aion will have a successful launch in NA/EU, but can they hold the subs?
Yea that is true there were people who said that WAR was going to be the next big MMO. I think the problem here is telling the difference between a fanboy and someone who is giving a factual account of an upcoming game. Not an easy thing to do.
I don`t post very much and I generally don`t get involved in pre game hype. However although I`ve never played AION beta, I do know a couple of people who have. Both have said some very nice things about AION, and that’s coming from two cynical long term MMORPG gamers.
Is it going to be the next big MMO? No one knows, but from what I have heard I think it’s at least possible. No one ever imagined that WoW would so totally blow everquest out of the water and hit 11 million subs.
That's not such a bad thing, usually people really hate things that are really successful, things that are not usually gets this reaction: "Meh. it's ok but I don't like it"
They also hate things that were supposed to shine and didn't, judging from the majority of mmo players who have not followed the game or played it yet no one expects this to be much of anything other then being pretty. Therefore there's no disapointment to counter.
WAR disapointed as it came with it's own fan base and an IP people were familiar with so that's hype already right there, then they went further with their marketing campaign. The game at launch had some really nifty new ideas, but the rest of their features were half assed and not so well implemented. Pretty much unforgivable nowadays. It's a mistake to concentrate on one or two neat things and put the rest of the game on a back burner. Maybe that's ok for single player games but not for mmo that should please a great number of people at once.
(,,,)=^__^=(,,,)
If you mean sub base as the measurement to beat WoW, I would not start in the states.
As a market, US sucks, I mean it. Tax, cost of operation and sometimes even the law jades. European tax is the only tax system which is heavier. AND the US market size is only a very fraction of the size of China, Russia, India (not yet a major MMO market, so potential there). In terms of fanatism Japan and Korea rules.
So games targetting Asian markets have a better chance to hit the multi-million mark. Blizz and WoW is wonderful, indeed, but the other american or european MMOs ever since are not doing well. On the other hand, the Korean MMOs and Japanese console games are still growing steadily. No one ever reaching the steady revenue from WoW yet. No one. If there is another one coming close in the future, its more likely to be one based in Asia.
One thing you are very correct, the standard, the polishness, the wide appeal, the variety in-game, everything in Blizz is well done. A serious competitor will have a lot to learn from Blizz.
This thread was made a few months ago, but it's still relevant and we now have alot more information on Aion and it's much closer to the release date, so rather than making another thread this is a bump
BUMP
I think your find that they the games u say havent been very successful were , Guildwars and Lineage 2 and City of heroes/villains did very well and still are.