10 Video Game Universes That Would Make Incredible MMOs

A good MMO will often thrive or struggle based on the strength of its universe. No matter how fun combat may be, or how unique the quests are, it's the world that keeps players logging in. So many video games in existence already have that level of worldbuilding and lore just waiting to go, full of fascinating history and versatile world maps just asking for adventure. Based on this concept, we've rounded up 10 video game universes that would make incredible MMOs below.

Dungeons & Dragons / Baldur’s Gate 3

Dungeons & Dragons, the same universe that games such as Baldur's Gate 3 and Solasta: Crown of the Magister are set in, is about as MMORPG-ready as they come. Technically, the DND Online MMO is still around, but it's severely outdated and struggles to compare to more modern titles. Imagine a fresh revamp of this game, or a brand new MMO adaptation of Dungeons & Dragons - it would be a hit if done correctly. The same kinds of branching storylines, memorable NPCs, and generous range of Races/Classes/Subclasses that Baldur's Gate 3 contains can act as the perfect blueprint, easily expanding into an open online world with progressive levelling, guild and party systems, item trading, and so much more.

The Last of Us

The Last of Us has the perfect post-apocalyptic world to set up an unforgettable survival MMO. Players could create their character, join factions based on the various communities in the main TLOU stories (such as the Fireflies, WLF, or the Seraphites), or create their own communities with one another. The main gameplay loop could consist of scavenging resources, building bases, and fighting to live each day in a world overcome with Runners, Clickers, Bloaters, and everything worse. There's just something really fun about zombie survival games, especially when MMO aspects are added, and there would be a lot of potential to introduce easter eggs from the 2 TLOU games, perhaps in visitable locations. Looting, bargaining with, or fending off other players would also be a given.

Pokemon

Pokémon players have been begging for an MMO game for years now, with the perfect world just waiting to go. Imagine being able to create a Trainer, travel to different regions to explore and make friends, battle and trade with players that you run into in real-time, participating in Pokémon contests and regional gimmicks such as the Battle Frontier in Hoenn or the Galar League Champion Cup. There’s endless potential for factions/teams here, both in the iconic teams such as Rocket, Magma/Aqua, Galactic, Skull, and more (with the ability to unlock costumes), Elite Leagues/Gym Leader status, or simply via custom groups too. There’s also potential to add mechanics such as a breeding system or Raids similar to the Pokémon GO games, where players can team up against Pokémon “bosses” – honestly, something such as this could almost be endlessly replayable and a huge success on every level.

League of Legends / Arcane

We know a League of Legends MMORPG is in the works. But we don't know much about it yet, and there's no guarantee it will be released. Still, Runeterra is absolutely bursting with different cities and environments, which makes it perfect for MMO exploration. There's also endless potential to implement familiar characters in each location, and a lot of appeal for even those who aren't big League of Legends fans, due to the overwhelming popularity of the Arcane TV show. Just imagine being able to join factions such as Piltover's enforcers, Ekko's Firelights, an underground gang in Zaun, a Jinxer, and so much more. Being able to enter co-op missions with PvP and world events would be an absolute blast, and there are so many diverse creatures and environments established that can provide huge chunks of quest content and character customisation options.

Overwatch

Overwatch already has a vast cast of heroes and a story of a world in turmoil, conflict between heroes, villains, and Omnics alike. While it's a more niche idea, an MMO spin-off in the OW universe could be a lot of fun. Imagine creating your own hero, choosing from a series of different abilities that you can combine to create your powers (think similar to the Overwatch Stadium builds system). There's also potential for factions with the various groups in this universe - Overwatch, Talon, Null Sector, Vishkar, the Junkers, the Phreaks, Volskaya, the Hashimoto, and more. Players could visit notable maps/locations from the team-shooter, taking part in missions around the world. Faction battles, co-op /PVE quests, and hero progression systems would create a pretty darn engaging gameplay loop, with potential for expanding on the beloved lore/story and characters that have kept fans loyal despite the Overwatch universe's ups and downs.

Kingdom Hearts

Kingdom Hearts as an MMO is an absolute dream. It would be a massive project, no doubt, so while not the most likely concept, it is a very common wish among fans. Players could create their own Keyblade wielder, travel through Disney worlds, collect different cosmetic outfits or Keyblade variants/charms along the way. There would be fun potential for fights against the Heartless or Nobodies, and teaming up with friends to explore each world would be a blast. A game such as this could truly capture the magic of the series whilst bringing players together across a variety of age ranges and target audiences - the KH fanbase, the Disney lovers, MMO enthusiasts, and more.

The Legend of Zelda

If there's one thing the open world exploration of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom reinforced, it's that Hyrule is a gorgeous world with endless discoveries to be found. From snowy peaks to lush forests or ancient sky islands, there's something interesting around every corner. Players could choose from a few different species and create a character based on classes such as Fighter/Warrior, Archer, Mage, etc. There would be so much potential for dungeon-exploring and looting alongside friends, events with limited time stories or boss fights, puzzles to solve, weapons to collect, and shrines to uncover. On top of that, options for crafting, mounts, and co-op combat could take The Legend of Zelda to new heights.

Fire Emblem

The Fire Emblem universe could offer some really interesting tactical potential for an MMO. Players could select a house/join a faction, train their custom Units, and squad up with others to take on enemy houses/factions in classic turn-based strategic Fire Emblem battles. There could also be optional character quests and narrative stories to keep players invested in the world, or potential for competitive leaderboards/battle modes, and weapon/skill progression systems to help players build their characters for their preferred playstyle. On the surface, this would feel quite similar to the turn-based battles seen in TTRPG games such as DND, where positioning and flanking with your comrades or buffing one another/synergising your abilities massively pays off. In other words, team-based strategy would be at the core of this concept, but there could always be offline/PVE battle modes too.

Sonic the Hedgehog

Players already gained the first glimpse at creating their own Mobian characters in Sonic Forces, though this game had mixed reviews. Now, imagine that same concept of creating your own personalised Mobian, but in a vast MMO world where you can explore different sonic Zones, make friends, and form teams/guilds. There could be co-op missions or races based on various Sonic gameplay, though the way the trios worked in Sonic Heroes could be some interesting inspiration, utilising 3-man lineups. A Sonic MMO could mix that fun thrill of platformer games with combat elements, racing, and social multiplayer fun to give players a new way to explore the franchise.

Cyberpunk 2077

Cyberpunk 2077's Night City is already bursting with intrigue, danger, and it is potentially the perfect environment for an MMO. Once again, factions could easily be implemented, letting players join, take on jobs, hack systems, rise through ranks, and more. City exploration would be a neon-lit dream, with new discoveries found at every towering skyscraper or dodgy, shadow-filled alley. There could easily be a combat system revolving around different skills/weapons, dynamic events, PVP conflicts, co-op combat or looting missions, options to unlock customisation/mods, new blueprints to craft items, new cosmetics, and even decorations or objects to help flesh out your personal room/hideout around the city.

Communication wheels, emotes, sprays, and proxy chats would also be an interesting addition for such an MMO, as it would likely be tailored to a slightly older audience than more all-age-friendly concepts on this list. This would add a whole new layer of fun to the MMO formula - being able to run around, make friends, forge bargains/trades with other players, convince others to squad up with you or join your faction, or even work together to raid other hideouts/bases would only be scratching the surface of potential.