Is Destiny 2 Truly an MMOFPS?

Destiny 2, the popular shared-world shooter developed by Bungie, has been a subject of much debate within the gaming community. While it is undoubtedly an FPS (first-person shooter) game, the extent to which it can be considered a true Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) title is a point of contention. In this comprehensive article, we'll delve into the MMO elements of Destiny 2 and explore whether it can truly be classified as an MMOFPS (Massively Multiplayer Online First-Person Shooter).

The Shared-World Concept

One of the defining features of Destiny 2 is its shared-world approach, where players inhabit a persistent online environment and interact with each other in real-time. This shared-world concept is a hallmark of MMO games, where players can encounter and collaborate with other individuals in the same virtual space. In Destiny 2, players can seamlessly transition between solo and cooperative play, participating in public events, strikes, and other activities that bring them together with other guardians. This level of player interaction and shared experiences is a key aspect of the game's MMO-like nature.

Persistent Progression and Character Development

Another characteristic of Destiny 2 that aligns with MMO games is the persistent progression and character development system. Players create a customizable guardian, which they can level up, equip with various gear, and advance through a skill tree. This continuous character progression, combined with the ability to acquire and manage an ever-expanding arsenal of weapons and equipment, is a hallmark of MMO-style gameplay. As players delve deeper into the Destiny 2 experience, they unlock new abilities, gain access to more powerful gear, and ultimately become more capable and effective in combat. This sense of progression and character growth is a central element of the game's design and a key factor in keeping players engaged and invested in the long term.

Cooperative and Competitive Multiplayer

Destiny 2's multiplayer component is another area where the game exhibits MMO-like features. The game offers both cooperative and competitive gameplay modes, allowing players to team up with friends or engage in PvP (player-versus-player) combat.

Cooperative Gameplay

The cooperative aspect of Destiny 2 is a significant part of the overall experience. Players can team up to tackle challenging activities, such as Strikes, Raids, and Dungeons, which require coordinated effort and communication to overcome. These cooperative experiences often involve complex mechanics, demanding teamwork, and a high degree of strategic planning, mirroring the group-based gameplay found in traditional MMO titles.

Competitive Multiplayer

Destiny 2 also features a robust competitive multiplayer component, known as the Crucible. In this PvP environment, players can engage in various game modes, such as Clash, Control, and Trials of Osiris, where they compete against other guardians. The Crucible offers a fast-paced, skill-based gameplay experience that is distinct from the cooperative PvE (player-versus-environment) activities. The presence of both cooperative and competitive multiplayer elements in Destiny 2 contributes to the game's MMO-like atmosphere, as players can engage in a variety of social interactions and activities with other members of the community.

Expansions and Seasonal Content

One of the hallmarks of a true MMO game is the continuous development and expansion of content over time. Destiny 2 follows this model, with the developers regularly introducing new expansions, seasons, and updates that expand the game's narrative, introduce new activities, and provide players with fresh challenges to overcome.

Expansions

Destiny 2 has seen the release of several major expansions, such as Forsaken, Shadowkeep, and Beyond Light, which have significantly expanded the game's scope and narrative. These expansions often introduce new destinations, exotic weapons, and powerful enemy factions, keeping the game's content fresh and engaging for long-term players.

Seasonal Content

In addition to major expansions, Destiny 2 also follows a seasonal content model, where new storylines, activities, and rewards are introduced on a regular basis. These seasonal updates often include limited-time events, new exotic items, and other content that encourages players to remain active and engaged with the game over an extended period. The continuous stream of new content and the ever-evolving nature of Destiny 2 are hallmarks of the MMO genre, as they provide players with a sense of a living, breathing world that is constantly changing and evolving.

Endgame and Gear Progression

Another aspect of Destiny 2 that aligns with the MMO genre is the endgame content and gear progression system. Once players have reached the level cap and completed the main campaign, they are faced with a wealth of endgame activities and challenges that require them to acquire more powerful gear and equipment.

Endgame Activities

Destiny 2's endgame content includes activities such as Raids, Dungeons, and high-level Nightfall Strikes, which often require coordinated teamwork, strategic planning, and a deep understanding of the game's mechanics. These endgame activities are designed to provide a significant challenge to players and offer valuable rewards, such as exotic weapons and armor, that are essential for further progression.

Gear Progression

The gear progression system in Destiny 2 is a crucial aspect of the game's endgame. As players participate in various activities and earn new gear, they can constantly improve the power and capabilities of their guardian. This pursuit of better equipment, combined with the ability to customize and enhance gear through various systems, is a core element of the game's long-term appeal and aligns with the gear treadmill commonly found in MMO games.

Social Features and Player Interaction

Destiny 2's social features and player interaction mechanisms are another area where the game exhibits MMO-like characteristics. The game provides players with various ways to connect and engage with the broader community.

Social Hubs and Matchmaking

Destiny 2 features social hubs, such as the Tower, where players can gather, interact with non-player characters (NPCs), and access various services and activities. These hubs serve as central meeting places for the community and facilitate social interactions between players. Additionally, the game's matchmaking system allows players to easily join activities, such as Strikes and Crucible matches, with other guardians, fostering a sense of community and cooperation.

Clans and Guilds

Destiny 2 also supports the formation of player-organized clans or guilds, which allow groups of players to band together, share resources, and collaborate on various in-game activities. These clan systems are a hallmark of MMO games, as they encourage players to form lasting social connections and work towards common goals.

Key Takeaways

After examining the various MMO-like elements present in Destiny 2, it becomes clear that the game exhibits a strong, albeit not fully realized, MMOFPS identity. While it may not reach the same level of massively multiplayer scope as traditional MMO titles, Destiny 2 effectively incorporates many of the core features and design principles associated with the genre. The game's shared-world concept, persistent character progression, cooperative and competitive multiplayer, continuous content updates, endgame activities, and social features all contribute to an MMO-like experience. However, the relatively limited player counts (compared to true MMOs) and the predominance of first-person shooter mechanics may prevent Destiny 2 from being fully embraced as a pure MMOFPS by some players and critics. Ultimately, Destiny 2 occupies a unique space in the gaming landscape, blending FPS gameplay with MMO-inspired elements to create a distinctive and engaging shared-world experience for its players.

Final Thoughts

Destiny 2's incorporation of MMO-like features, such as shared-world environments, cooperative and competitive gameplay, persistent character progression, and regular content updates, demonstrates a conscious effort by the developers to create a game that appeals to both FPS enthusiasts and MMO fans. While the game may not fully embody the scale and scope of a traditional MMOFPS, it successfully leverages the strengths of both genres to deliver a compelling and immersive experience for its players. As Destiny 2 continues to evolve and expand, it will be interesting to see how the developers further refine and enhance the game's MMO-inspired elements, potentially moving it closer to a true MMOFPS designation. For now, Destiny 2 stands as a unique and innovative hybrid that offers a thrilling, shared-world shooter experience with a strong emphasis on community, progression, and endgame content.