I get what you say, but RPG in MMO-RPG is not the classic role playing. Its a game gender now, and still you are in some type of role in those mmos, your a warrior or healer or whatever, those are roles too even tough you don't play it out anymore in the classic waySure, why not?
I do have a question though. Where is the relation between making RPG's and MMO's? I ask because, in my opinion, MMO's aren't RPG's. Even in most cases where they're referred to as MMORPG's they're not RPG's. Most MMORPG's basically consist of loot treadmills and group challenges. People play them to acquire more better shiny toys and work together as a team to overcome the latest available obstacle. Very few people, if any, play them to "role play" a character. There are exceptions but, for the most part, this has been the truth of the matter.
Why do I bring it up? Well, a single-player RPG, even if it has some multiplayer capabilities, and a MMO are very different concepts. I don't see how a developer being good at designing one would translate to the other. It would be like expecting your typical FPS developer to be good at designing a RTS. They might be able to do so. They might not. There is no reason to anticipate success or failure in one game type based on another.
I do have a question though. Where is the relation between making RPG's and MMO's? I ask because, in my opinion, MMO's aren't RPG's. Even in most cases where they're referred to as MMORPG's they're not RPG's. Most MMORPG's basically consist of loot treadmills and group challenges.
I said basically same thing while back I have to disagree with one thing though MMORPGs arnt going to die out completely. they just are not popular at this point in time and there so many of them already out there still clinging to life that wont really be profitable to make a new one. and fact that MMORPGS can basically only fit into one of two categories just by the nature of what they are Either be a WoW clone or A FO76 dumpster fire repeat1) Who cares about MMORPG these days?
2) Making online games in this age really stupid idea. Most of the players play only 1 online game at the same time and considering all big multiplayer games that hold players, it will be extremely hard to establish huge player base.
3) Again really who the hell cares about MMORPG, this genre is dying.
Let's tone it down, please. I couldn't agree more. But that's still dangerously close to pointing fingers and getting personal.
I'd say that the ultimate solution to this is allowing private instances / servers. I avoid most MMOs for the same reason. Almost impossible to invest in the experience, as every time I get into it, I'll be one-shot from behind for no reason by some half-naked barbarian with a rapid fire crossbow and pink, fairy wings, bunny-hopping around, followed by a pet mushroom spraying lightning.
I get it. Totally.
But mostly, I'm not sure that a Witcher MMO would be a good platform to further the universe in any meaningful way. Or, building bigger narratives into an MMO may limit the audience, as it would probably play out a lot more slowly than most MMOs in terms of the amount of interactivity. Then again...Star Wars: The Old Republic might be a good analog for the type of structure that could work well. It's worth at least brainstorming about.