While we expect grimdark themes in certain MMOs — such as Secret World, Mad World, or Star Stable — even the most light-hearted among the bunch can sport the occasional quest or area that dabbles in the macabre. I’ve always thought it was far more shocking to have an otherwise agreeable MMO suddenly dip into harsh topics or display gruesome visuals.
One example that comes to mind was a quest series in one of the RIFT expansions where the player investigates — via ghosts — a high estate. Over the course of the arc, certain atrocities, including sexual abuse, come out of that investigation. It left me sitting back in my chair and going, “DANG, Trion! Having a bad day, are we?”
Do any examples spring to your mind as well? When has an MMO gotten too grim and dark for your tastes?