Dec
31
Predictions for 2008
I’ve been kind of inspired by Michael’s predictions for 2008. I thought it was quite a fun read to see how close he was to his predictions for 2007…and the point system was a nice touch. So, knowing a good idea when I see it, I thought I would give this a try…so here we go:
1. WARHAMMER: Will come out in the summer of 2008, not the spring. Yes, I think we’ve got one more delay to go before we see this thing come out. It will be a big hit, but like all releases it will have it’s issues. The first issue will be server stress. I don’t think they’ll have the infrastructure to handle the demand and we’ll see the forums full of queue complaints and other “wait in line” issues. I also think that by the end of the summer, some will start to wonder what the big deal was, but most will be having a great time with it.
2. Conan: This one won’t do as well as some think it will, but it will get the niche market that it was looking for. It will not be the “mature” title for adults only and will probably have one of the most frustrating General Chat channels to date. I’m almost willing to bet that this one doesn’t get released until 2009. It will not be pretty for Conan if it releases anywhere near Warhammer. The reason they’ll give for the delay? Of course….polish.
3. WoW: The next expansion will be announced for Q4 2008. This expansion has kind of bugged me. I think Blizzard is holding back on something…big time. Looking at the details of the expansion that we know of right now, it’s more of the same formula and I have to keep telling myself that this can’t be it. Also, WoW’s numbers will start to go down in a very measurable way.
4. Tabula Rasa: Will be the big winner of 2008, despite the release of Warhammer and Conan. This game is just fun. By the end of 2008, this game will have the benefit of either an expansion or several free content patches…or both. Word of warning: TR has the monumental task of fighting to keep it’s players from going to Warhammer…not just going to Warhammer, but staying and not coming back. I think they will pull it off. I will also reach max level with this game.
5. Vanguard. I’m still very hopeful for this title. In fact, I will also put Vanguard as a winner for 2008. By end of 2008, I think we’ll see a) the player base grow by 100-150%, b) more staff put on it, c) it be a place to go for EQ/EQ2 players. By that time…gawd…I’m hoping the character models are completely redone. Vanguard will see it’s “relaunch” in 2008.
6. At least 5 more MMO titles will be announced for 2008, most will be sci-fi…we’ll only really care about one of them. *cough* Bioware *cough*
7. The Star Trek IP will be taken away from Perpetual (…or whatever the the f^%$ they call themselves now…) and given to someone who actually knows and cares about the license.
8. Out of all the new studios that were formed this year, none will go under but all will be going to the mat with the hype machine. We’ll be excited, but guardedly so.
9. Brad McQuaid will say something about what happened with Vanguard and Sigil in an interview. His journey back to the MMO scene will slowly begin in 2008. Wow…this prediction is waaaaay out there.
10. Agency will be the first and only microtransaction title that anyone will care about in 2008. I will still probably not be sold on the idea. 2008 will be a rough year for this model in North America.
11. I will still not like Anime (…heh…had to give myself a chance of getting at least one point…).
12. Jumpgate: Evolution will be the sleeper hit of 2008.
…and following Michael’s style of winners and loosers:
Winners for 2008: Warhammer, Vanguard, Tabula Rasa, Jumpgate
Losers for 2008: Conan, WoW, Anime, RMT/Microtransactions
D out
