4 MMO Games That Were Supposed to Be World of Warcraft Killers (and What Happened to Them)

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As a longtime fan, I remember when World of Warcraft absolutely ruled the MMO world for over ten years. It was incredible! Every new MMO that came out was instantly compared to it, and everyone wondered if any of them could actually challenge WoW’s dominance. We players, and the developers too, were constantly debating which game had what it would take to pull people away from Azeroth and become the next big thing.

Many online games tried to compete with World of Warcraft, advertising themselves as better or more innovative. Though some gained popularity for a short time, none managed to surpass WoW, and most either found a small dedicated fanbase or disappeared altogether. Here’s a look at four games that were once hyped as WoW killers and what happened to them.

4. WildStar (2014)

WildStar arrived in 2014 with a big idea: a quick-moving MMO aimed at dedicated gamers who wanted a difficult late-game experience and lots of ways to customize their characters. The creators, Carbine Studios, really focused on this ‘hardcore’ aspect, promoting it as a new and exciting option compared to the more familiar fantasy world of World of Warcraft. The game quickly gained attention from players looking for something different, and many online discussions predicted it could rival WoW in popularity.

While initially popular, the online game WildStar quickly lost players. Many found the game required too much repetitive effort and didn’t receive enough new content. Although the publisher, NCSoft, made the game free to play in 2015, it wasn’t enough to save it. The game’s servers were shut down permanently in 2018, ending the game, but it’s still remembered with affection by its fans for its distinctive style and bold ideas.

3. Rift (2009)

Released in 2009, RIFT aimed to be a major competitor to World of Warcraft. What set it apart was its deep character customization, allowing players to create unique playstyles. With a focus on both cooperative gameplay and challenging endgame content, RIFT generated a lot of buzz before and shortly after launch. It appealed to a wide range of players, and was often discussed as a promising alternative to WoW, particularly for its innovative group events and flexible class system.

Like many games that tried to compete with World of Warcraft, RIFT struggled to keep players engaged over time, and its underlying technology wasn’t well-liked. From the beginning, the game was hampered by technical problems and clunky animations, which gradually diminished its popularity. The original developer, Trion Worlds, eventually closed down and sold the rights to RIFT to Gamigo. Even with this change, RIFT is still playable on Steam and has a small, loyal community. Gamigo continues to update the game occasionally, letting fans enjoy its unique events and character customization options years after its initial release.

2. Tabula Rasa (2007)

Released in 2007, Tabula Rasa was Richard Garriott’s attempt to create a sci-fi massively multiplayer online game that could rival World of Warcraft. It stood out from typical fantasy MMOs with its unique combat system, compelling story, and futuristic look. Notably, Tabula Rasa was one of the first MMOs to let players aim their weapons directly at enemies, moving away from the standard ‘tab-targeting’ method. While innovative and ahead of its time – many MMOs now combine action and RPG elements – the game struggled to gain traction. It was initially promoted as a potential ‘WoW killer,’ and many players were excited by the idea of a story-focused, action-packed online world.

Despite having a well-known creator, the MMO Tabula Rasa faced technical problems and couldn’t build a large player base. Low subscription rates and unstable servers hindered its progress, leading NCSoft to close it down in 2009, only two years after it launched. Though no longer available, Tabula Rasa is still remembered as an ambitious and innovative game that dared to stand out in a market largely controlled by World of Warcraft.

1. Aion (2008)

Released in 2008, Aion immediately stood out with its beautiful graphics and exciting combat system that allowed players to fly. It also featured large areas where players could fight both monsters and each other, offering something different from popular games like World of Warcraft. NCSoft promoted Aion as a strong competitor to WoW, emphasizing its distinctive look, unique design inspired by Korean MMOs, and massive player battles. The game quickly gained a following thanks to its impressive visuals and innovative gameplay.

Although Aion never became more popular than World of Warcraft, it has persevered and grown over time, even getting a full sequel that’s currently being made. The game switched to a free-to-play system and still receives updates, particularly in Asia where a dedicated player base keeps it thriving. Aion remains playable today with a consistent community, and it’s a notable example of an MMO that has lasted beyond its initial popularity while staying true to its original design.

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2025-10-23 21:12