Yesterday’s revelation that Final Fantasy XIV is up to four million registered accounts globally (not counting trials, Square insists!) is impressive to me not because it’s proof that subs are a brilliant idea in 2015 but because this game was a total dud at launch. Half the reason we’re all cheering for its comeback is that it’s clawed its way out of a dark and muddy hellhole. To rise again with the A Realm Reborn relaunch is actually amazing and admirable. Very few games ever get that chance at all, let alone nail it so well.
Marvel Heroes had a pretty striking turnaround last year with its do-over, too, such that pretty much everyone I know is now playing it. I’m thinking Star Wars Galaxies‘ NGE, however, will not make the cut. But surely there are other successes that deserve to be on the list. What’s the most successful MMO do-over, other than FFXIV?