Plarium Blog Gaming Knowledge What Are MMOs and MMORPGs?
Characters from the games RAID: Shadow Legends, Mech Arena , and Soldiers Inc.: Mobile Warfare.

What is the difference between MMO games and MMORPG games?

Are they the same thing? How do I tell them apart? Which one am I playing right now, and what does it have to do with rocket-propelled grenades?

You have probably asked yourself at least some of these questions at one point or another. To be completely frank, the answer to all these questions is quite simple: an MMORPG is a type of MMO.

The MMO vs. MMORPG debate can be complex, and this article will help answer some of your questions. But to really understand this answer, you first need to know what exactly MMOs are.

What Is an MMO?

A screenshot from the mobile game Raid: Shadow Legends showing a turn-based battle against a large, central monster with several smaller hero characters surrounding it.

MMO stands for a “Massively Multiplayer Online” game. These games stray away from the usual single-player experience, as they’re meant for a group of gamers.

To put it in simple terms, an MMO is a game that a large number of people can play simultaneously. You don’t play with or against just a handful of players, but thousands, sometimes even millions, of them at the same time. This way, groups of players often have a similar goal.

What Is an MMORPG?

A character in Lost Ark unleashes a powerful, glowing attack with a large sword against a knight-like enemy in a stone arena.

Now, what does MMORPG stand for? MMORPG stands for “Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game.” MMORPG’s meaning lies in the roles players get to assume. It’s like cosplaying as a specific character inside a video game. 

Another somewhat comical definition is “Many Men Online Role-Playing as Girls.” (It’s funny because it’s true.)

Some might say that all MMORPG games are easily recognizable by their fantasy settings, but that’s not at all the case. Though the majority of RPGs do take place in the realm of elves, orcs, and dragons, many choose different worlds to explore, like far-away planets or post-apocalyptic wastelands.

The keen observers among you may have noticed the two types of games have very similar definitions, but not quite the same. That leads us to the key difference between MMO and MMORPG.

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MMO vs. MMORPG: What’s the Difference?

When someone asks what a game is, they often refer to its genre or subgenre. A game “is” a first-person shooter, a survival game, or a role-playing game. It’s the same thing with MMOs. For instance, the difference between an MMORPG vs. RPG may often feel nonexistent. 

No game is just an MMO. It’s like saying a game is a “multiplayer game.” That’s well and good, but it doesn’t really tell you anything about the game itself, apart from the fact you can play it with (or against) other people. The game has to belong to a specific genre.

MMO’s meaning makes more sense in MMORPGs, where MMOs belong to the RPG genre

They are role-playing games that can be played online by a large number of players simultaneously. In fact, some of the best MMORPGs combine shared experiences with features commonly found in an RPG title. 

The difference between MMO and MMORPG is that all MMORPGs are MMOs, but not all MMOs are MMORPGs. 

MMORPG are, by definition, a type of RPG, while an MMO can be anything from a battle royale action title to a real-time strategy game or even a new type of interactive experience that defies genres.

It’s a subtle distinction but an important one. It can be a bit embarrassing talking to a fellow gamer about the new MMORPG you’re playing, only for them to realize you’re actually playing a hardcore multiplayer strategy title with a deep base-customization system and no RPG elements whatsoever.

It might sound a little trivial, but gamers can be pretty sensitive to these kinds of mistakes.

MMOsMMORPGs
DefinitionAny online game with a large number of players interacting in a mutual settingA subgenre of MMO that specifically includes role-playing elements (such as story and character progression)
Key elementsCan include various genres like first-person shooter, racing, strategy, and so onPrimarily focus on a character’s progression, quests, and narrative-driven experiences
Depth of customizationMay have limited character customizationDeep customization that includes skills, gear, abilities, classes, and more
Gameplay durationOften session-based, with less emphasis on long-term player progressionThe universe evolves, characters grow, and choices matter in the long run

What Makes a Game an RPG?

When you break down the core elements of the MMORPG genre to its core components, you get an MMO and an RPG. We’ve already covered what an MMO is, so let’s define RPGs.

RPG video games borrow a lot from their pen-and-paper ancestors. For example, they have the same level of character customization. Players can create and customize their characters, represented by a digital avatar.

They can control pretty much anything, from their appearance, race, and sex to their profession and skills. As the game progresses, players have a chance to improve and evolve their adventurer, making them more and more unique and powerful. For instance, turn-based RPGs allow you to take your time and think about your decisions, especially if you’re in the middle of combat. 

Most modern RPGs give the player not only control over their character, but over the world they inhabit. Players’ actions have a direct impact on how the story progresses and how the world changes around them. It can simply happen by advancing the plot and seeing the story unfolds, but it can also be because of player choice.

The best RPGs allow players to tackle problems and advance the plot in multiple ways, so each playstyle is respected.

MMO Game Examples

MMOs support a large number of players in a shared world, spanning across various genres. Even popular battle royale games (like Fortnite) have started to implement MMO elements. Here are some examples of popular MMOs:

  • Destiny 2: This sci-fi looter shooter has players teaming up for various player-versus-environment (PvE) missions, raids, and more in an evolving universe. 
  • The Finals: This is a fast-paced team-based shooter with highly destructible environments and a stylish tournament-esque gameplay loop.
  • World of Tanks: This tactical multiplayer title focuses on tank warfare, where players need to engage in strategic battles using historically inspired vehicles.

MMORPG Game Examples

Today, some of the best online games are MMORPGs. These are large-scale hubs for players to progress their characters, complete quests, and immerse themselves in powerful storytelling. Here are a few examples:

  • World of Warcraft: This fantasy RPG has players choosing from diverse races and classes as they embark on epic quests and engage in large-scale battles.
  • Final Fantasy XIV: This game is a story-rich MMORPG set in the world of Eorzea, filled with cooperative raids, character customization, and an ever-expanding narrative. 
  • Guild Wars 2: This one’s an action-oriented title with dynamic events, flexible class systems, and player-driven stories that evolve within a fantasy world.

Immerse Yourself in a New MMO or MMORPG Today

Since MMOs and MMORPGs span a wide spectrum of games, you’ll always have plenty of titles to choose from. Whether you want to play strategy games with others or find solo-friendly MMORPGs, there’s a lot to browse through. 

Start by perusing a robust collection of MMORPG options. Or, maybe you want to dive into a collection of MMOs for a more casual experience. There’s a fantastic option out there for every player!

MMO vs. MMORPG FAQ

Now that we know the major differences between MMOs and MMORPGs, it won’t be surprising to stumble upon further questions related to the different genres. This section helps answer some of those questions.

Is WoW an MMO or MMORPG?

World of Warcraft (WoW) is an MMORPG since it features deep role-playing elements, an evolving fantasy world, and character progression.

Why Are MMOs Not as Popular as They Used To Be?

Since the world of gaming faces a constant change in player preferences, the rise of faster-paced games like live-service titles has gained more popularity.

However, if you’re thinking about investing months (or even years) in a game, then MMOs are an excellent choice. Modern MMO games have excellent live-service models that ensure continuous updates and ever-evolving universes.

Does It Cost a Lot of Money To Play MMOs and MMORPGs?

While some MMOs are completely free to play, others may require you to pay a monthly subscription. Most games usually ask you to pay to unlock all the content the title has to offer.

Is Selling MMO and MMORPG Accounts Legal?

Most publishers and developers prohibit this, and doing so can often result in permanent bans. However, some third-party markets do facilitate these kinds of sales.

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