That depends. If an MMO is well written (as FFXIV and ESO are for many) then it doesn't make much of a difference. Additionally, all to other people running around make the world feel a bit more alive compared to scripted NPCs, even if one doesn't participate in the actual group content.

[–] acosmichippo@lemmy.world 5 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago) (1 children)

but by nature MMOs are extremely static in terms of the world, NPCs etc because they have to be there for every PC at every stage of their story. To me that always makes them feel less alive despite a bunch of PCs scurrying around.

[–] Essence_of_Meh@lemmy.world 2 points 3 months ago

So are a lot of single-player games. Players running around in the background just add some semblance of "dynamic life" to the world. There's also the possibility of "well, I'm not playing with people right now but I could if I really wanted to".

I'm not saying that your perspective is wrong on that (I tend to bounce between the two views for example) but for some people just being in the same world as other players provides enough dynamism to make it feel more interesting than playing completely on your own.

[–] Cypher@lemmy.world 1 points 3 months ago (1 children)

I would counter that FFXIV is poorly written, has horrible pacing and awful quest design.

The dungeons aren’t the worst Ive seen but offer little challenge.

[–] Essence_of_Meh@lemmy.world 1 points 3 months ago

I'm not saying whether it is or isn't well written, I haven't played enough to have an informed opinion on the game. All I'm saying is, some people like it well enough they have no problem treating it as a fun single-player experience with real people running in the background.