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As a long-time fan of the Ragnarok Online franchise, I was excited to dive into nerdSlayer Studios’ latest “Death of a Game” series, which takes a critical look at the factors that led to the demise of various video game franchises. And in the latest episode, they tackled the Ragnarok Online series, specifically Ragnarok Online and Ragnarok Online 2.
As a gamer who spent countless hours in the world of Rune-Midgard, I was all too familiar with the many failures that contributed to the downfall of the franchise. The first failure that the video highlighted was how Gravity, the publisher of the game, mishandled the intellectual property. While Ragnarok Online was initially a huge success, Gravity’s decision to license the game to other publishers in various regions resulted in a fragmented player base and inconsistent experiences across different regions.
Another major failure was the loss of the initial developer, who was instrumental in creating the unique and charming world of Rune-Midgard. Without this key figure, the subsequent sequels and spin-offs failed to capture the magic of the original game.
Speaking of failed sequels, the video also delved into the shortcomings of Ragnarok Online 2. Despite being highly anticipated, the game failed to deliver on expectations, with many players citing clunky gameplay and a lack of content as major issues.
The video also touched on the issue of server shoguns and the war against private servers. While private servers were a response to the shortcomings of official servers, they also contributed to the fracturing of the player base and ultimately undermined the game’s revenue streams.
Perhaps most damning of all was the assertion that Gravity had simply lost the magic that made the original Ragnarok Online so special. The company’s focus shifted to the mobile market, resulting in games that lacked the heart and soul of the original.
Finally, the video touched on the issue of age. As Ragnarok Online approaches its 20th anniversary, it’s clear that the game is showing its age. While the game still has a dedicated player base, it’s unlikely that it will attract many new players in today’s crowded and competitive gaming landscape.
As a fan of the Ragnarok Online franchise, it’s hard not to feel a sense of disappointment when looking back on the many failures that led to its decline. But at the same time, it’s important to remember the joy and excitement that the game brought to so many players over the years. While the franchise may be dead, its legacy lives on in the hearts of its dedicated fans.
I highly recommend checking out nerdSlayer Studios channel here! He provide very critical analysis on video games with his “Death of a Game” series.
