Those “PvP” mmo’s, that aren’t ofc strictly PvP per say, they are more easily known as “the grind fests” are automatically low due to, infact, the grind fest, I quit Archeage Unchained not so long ago even though I had a decent monopoly over a decent portion of the playerbase (thanks mainly to a good friend), simply because I’m working to hard to meet the levels of competition + a lack of verstality when it came to gearing (not anyting to do with content weaponry like how WoW does its business, I’m talking about diversity in equipment that broaden the scope of class builds).
As a supportive player, I deem it unfair as hell, I don’t like competeting when there is people weaker than me, this is why Archeage Unchained is a failure, which has nothing to do with the PvP aspect, it’s all to do with the game’s growth and versatility systems (1 prime example of where korean mmo’s fail for the west is that there are usually classes that are way more optimal for PvE grinding, I’d confidently say that the west has a more versatile and passionate mindset regarding this).
It’s disgusting of me to weigh them simply because they there are aspects of these games I’ll mention that have some great strengths over western mmo’s but the likes of BDO, Archeage and Lineage 2 die in popularity because primarily they are grind fests, that has nothing to do with the PvP aspect. The reasons they succeed in Korea is that they are listening to korean feedback, while the west can’t do anything while they are published over here due to limitations with communications and changes from their seller.
PLUS It’s an accepted culture over there to spend more time on tech, increasing success of these mmo’s.
These are the 3 main reasons why and again, I say, nothing to do with the PvP aspects.
@Bars ofc you’re right, based off what I’ve said they would still very much be low numbers!
If a more systems were introduced to publisher’s or a western made game, PvP could easily be a main feature alongside the rest of the game (however much PvE is deemed necessary), not just as a game mode like the Arena’s in WoW and GW2. Obviously those systems can’t stretch too far from what you enjoy from an mmo, a pleasent experience, so things like “We’ll give PvP these rewards or PvE these rewards” would have to be closely and carefully looked into. The simplest systems for PvP reward are obviously player rankings much like what has kept the LoL base addicted as it doesn’t hurt the 1 hour or 2 a day player not participating in any of the “meaty sweat lord action” (dunno why I said this but anyway) for some shitty many reward based alternative.
I really do want something to which everyone can be connected, the current top of the mmo genre almost completely fucks off the mindset of the competitive and sports type players, although I’m sure yourself don’t mind interacting with such things from time to time, some of us couldn’t stomach being a part of the likes of ff14 at all.