Mmorpg is a genre in which Grind has long become an integral part of the gameplay. To kill hundreds of monsters for the sake of level, to farm resources for craft, to perform repeated tasks – for some it is a way of meditative rest, for others a real routine.
However, times are changing, and more and more players want to get away from the endless farm, preferring more saturated content with dynamic events and variable progress. The developers also experiment, trying to replace traditional mechanics with other development systems.
So is MMORPG possible without grind? Or is it inevitable, as the law of the genre? In this article, we will try to figure out whether it is possible to create a successful online group where pumping does not turn into work.
Why became Grind’s basis MMORPG?
Grind is an integral part of MMORPG, but where did it come from and why did it take root in the genre? We will understand its origins and causes of popularity.
The concept of grinds is rooted in the classic desktop RPG and early computer role -playing games. In Dungeons & Dragons, players gained experience for killing monsters, and the development of the character was built on repeated actions. Similar mechanics were transferred to the first CRPG, such as Ultima and Wizardry, where progress was required to fight opponents many times.
After the first MMORPG, such as Meridian 59 (1996) and Ultima Online (1997), they inherited this approach. Later, Everquest (1999) fixed the concept, offering complex PVE tests, requiring a clock of the murder of monsters for the sake of experience and Luta.
If the Western Mmorpg tried to introduce the plot and quest activity, then Asian projects made Grind central mechanics. In Lineage (1998) and Ragnarok Online (2002), players spent hundreds of hours, destroying mobs for the sake of levels and a rare drop. This approach is preserved in modern Asian MMORPG, where pumping and economics are tied on an endless farm.
For the Asian gaming market, Grind has become convenient mechanics. It allows players to compete for rare resources, creates social interactions through joint farm and saves resources to developers, replacing complex content with a simple repetition of the same actions.
In the era of the F2P model, Grind became not only a game element, but also part of the business strategy. A long and monotonous farm stimulates players to spend money on accelerators, premium accounts and other types of monetization.
Thus, the grind in Mmorpg is not just a mechanic, but the foundation of the genre, which has developed under the influence of traditions, market and game habits. But is it possible to refuse him? This is what we will consider further.
Alternatives Greendu: What mechanics can replace it?
Grind is the easiest and most proven way to hold players in MMORPG, but far from the only one. Some games are experimenting with alternative mechanics, making pumping and development of the character more diverse and interesting. Let’s analyze the main options.
1. Quest system and plot chains
One of the main ways to replace the grind is plot and quest activity. Instead of an endless murder of mobs, the player leads the chain of tasks, telling the history of the world and gradually developing the character.
The disadvantage of this approach is limited content. After the completion of the main quests, the players still facing the need for repeated participation in other activities for further development.
2. Dynamic events and open activity
Another option for getting rid of routine farm is a living world where random events occur. Players are involved in large -scale battles, help NPC or explore the world without the need to kill thousands of monsters for the sake of levels.
This approach makes the gameplay more alive, but requires the developers of constant renewal of content, otherwise it is quickly boring.
3. Sandbox mechanics: craft, construction, trade
Instead of forcing players to kill monsters, some MMORPG relies on the sandbox. In such games, development depends on the economy, interaction with players and personal goals.
Sandbox projects attract those who do not like linear pumping, but they require high involvement and interaction with other players.
4. PVP-oriented gameplay
Some MMORPG bet on battles between players as the main method of progress. Instead of grinding mobs, players capture the territories, participate in siege and earn resources through PVP active.
The main disadvantage of this approach is not all players love PVP, and it is difficult for beginners to enter the already established ecosystem.
Are players ready to abandon the grind?
Despite the frequent complaints about the grind, it remains the basis of the majority of MMORPG. Some players hate him for monotony, while others find pleasure and even a meditative effect in him. Is the game community really ready to abandon the grind, or is the problem in its presentation?
Pros Grinda: Why plays him players
Although the grind is often criticized, it has objective advantages, thanks to which it remains in demand by mechanics in MMORPG:
- A sense of progress. The regular performance of the same type of actions with a gradual improvement in the character creates the effect of achievement. The player feels that he is moving forward, even if he does the same regularly.
- Simplicity and acquaintance. Most MMORPG are built around the farm of experience, resources and equipment. Grind is an understandable mechanics to which the players are used to, and its absence can cause negative emotions.
- Social aspect. In group MMORPG groups, grinds are often converted into joint activity: farm bosses, hunting for a rare drop or just a joint quality in the company of friends. Communication in the voice chat brightens the routine and makes the process more pleasant.
- The economic component. In games with intra -game markets (for example, Albion Online or Eve Online), the grind is a engine. It allows you to earn resources, trade and interact with other players.
For hardcore players, Grind is an integral part of the genre that provides long -term interest. However, for many, it turns into a barrier.
The disadvantages of grind: why players get tired of him
On the other hand, Grinda has obvious drawbacks, because of which many players would like to get rid of it:
- Monotony. Performing the same actions hundreds of hours, players lose interest if the game does not offer anything new. This is especially noticeable in some Asian MMORPG, where progress is often tied on an endless farm.
- Barrier for casual players. If the player has little time for the game, but he wants to remain competitive, hard grind can cause leaving. Many MMORPG (for example, Lost Ark) is trying to solve this problem by introducing daily limits and alternative ways of progress.
- Forced mechanics. In some games, Grind is an artificial tool for holding players, and not part of an organic gameplay.
- Donata factor. In free games, the grind is often complicated artificially to stimulate players spend money on accelerators, premium accounts and in-game currency. This creates a gap between paying players and F2P audience.
MMORPG developers regularly conduct polls on the topic of grind, and most players do not require its complete disappearance, but rather want to improve it. Here are a few key opinions from different communities:
- Grind should be varied. Many players agree that the problem is not in the grind itself, but in how it is served. If it is diverse (for example, through interesting events or changing enemies), then it may even be fascinating.
- Better short, but rich experience. Some believe that MMORPG should offer a faster, but complex grind, where progress is felt significant, and not smeared for months.
- The main thing is freedom of choice. Players want alternatives: the ability to swing through PVP, quests, craft or other activity, and not just through the killing of mobs.
Thus, the grind is not always perceived negatively, but it should be balanced and interesting.
Conclusion
It is hardly possible to completely get rid of grind in Mmorpg. It remains an important part of the gameplay, providing progress, economics and long -term motivation. However, it can be made less routine, introducing a variety of mechanics: plot tasks, dynamic events, advanced economies and variable pumping paths.
The optimal balance between the grind and alternative systems depends on the audience. Casual players prefer rich content without repeating tasks, while the hardcore community is ready for the long -term development of the character. Modern MMORPG is increasingly moving away from the classic model of an endless farm, offering more freedom and interaction.
In the future, the genre may evade the usual schemes, introducing more flexible progress systems. The main thing is not to get rid of grinds completely, but to make it a natural part of a fascinating game experience.
