Since Bossa’s announcement that it’s sunsetting Worlds Adrift this summer without even even launching out of early access, there’s been an odd reaction across social media. In spite of the fact that the game had fewer monthly Steam players than even the likes of Bless Online, there’s been a disproportionately huge (but of course heartwarming!) outpouring of support for the game and folks begging rich people to save it. I even saw one earnest fellow declare it “the most tragic loss of potential in gaming history.”
I very much understand the pain of losing a dear MMORPG; we’ve been watching them be born, live, and die for over two decades. Some of those that die have counted hundreds of thousands of players. These deaths often make no sense and have more to do with licensing and corporate politics than with success – and they indeed feel like grossly unfair tragedies.
Was Worlds Adrift one of them? Hmm. We certainly pointed out its many flaws and seeming unwillingness to address them in a timely manner, so part of this feels like it was foreseeable and preventable. Since the studio has other projects and its employees are likely fine, I chiefly feel sorry for the players here losing a home. I probably would agree that it had plenty of wasted potential – it was the foundation for a really interesting sandbox. But it doesn’t top my list.
Which sunsetted MMO would you argue had the most wasted potential?
Every morning, the Massively Overpowered writers team up with mascot Mo to ask MMORPG players pointed questions about the massively multiplayer online roleplaying genre. Grab a mug of your preferred beverage and take a stab at answering the question posed in today’s Daily Grind!
