Personally, I've seen very few MMORPGs that I'd want to play. I have played EverQuest and UO, and I've seen several others played. None of them are worth paying $10 a month for. For that much, I could buy new books, other games, etc. every couple of months.

I think one of the biggest problems with MMORPGs is, as has been said before, a lack of direction in the game. Anonymous mentioned that it's hard to be a hero in a world with 10000 other heros. It's true, and it's a flaw of MMORPGs to think that players should be heros. If there are 10000 people just like you, doesn't that make you ordinary?

I have to agree that MMORPGs are boring, but that's just my opinion. Like the last post said, there are thousands of people who disagree.

The bottom line is that as long as there is market demand, there are going to be more and more MMORPGs.

As far as indy game programmers, they write MMORPGs because they like them; not because you like them.

The point is, or at least in my opinion, an MMORPG doesn't feel like an RPG at all. It has very few of the qualities of an RPG. That doesn't mean people won't like them, it just means hardcore gamers won't.

I prefer to play RPGs alone. When my buddies come over, it's time for some fighting or racing or shooting. 2+ people means constant chaotic action is better. I think a decent RPG should pull you in and make you forget to eat for 10 hours. This means immersive, detailed, grabbing, and weighing heavily on you for the right decisions.