I don't think the OP was specifically asking what will be the next big hit, but what will make a drastic change to the MMO landscape successfully. Yes, that game would have to be successful, but that doesn't have to mean WoW numbers, or a WoW killer. I think he was looking for games with the potential for new dynamics that work.
I think the next big thing will be because of expanded "worldliness" features and interaction with that game world. But I also think that it would have to be a world centered around a solid basis, one that's "comfortable" to players. I think this limits it to either fantasy or sci-fi, or great calamity but rebuilt. None of that "dark" stuff, it's just too narrow to attract "big" numbers. That's not to say that kind of game can't be successful, just talking about the "next big thing".
Comments
I don't think the OP was specifically asking what will be the next big hit, but what will make a drastic change to the MMO landscape successfully. Yes, that game would have to be successful, but that doesn't have to mean WoW numbers, or a WoW killer. I think he was looking for games with the potential for new dynamics that work.
I think the next big thing will be because of expanded "worldliness" features and interaction with that game world. But I also think that it would have to be a world centered around a solid basis, one that's "comfortable" to players. I think this limits it to either fantasy or sci-fi, or great calamity but rebuilt. None of that "dark" stuff, it's just too narrow to attract "big" numbers. That's not to say that kind of game can't be successful, just talking about the "next big thing".
Once upon a time....