First of all, data about subscribers sometimes can be varied according to many sources.  (I recommend MMOSite to upload a better image for the chart).  If you really want to take a look at clear chart about Mike’s data quickly, maybe you can visit here. 

But if you read this article, you will read that Lineage II has surpassed it’s predecessor by many times.  And even if the data must be debated for the sources have their own reasons, just take this into your consideration:

Releasing products in nowaday MMORPGs market, would be really different compare to previous old day, because of one thing: COMPETITION!  During 1998, when Lineage I was released, I can barely see a new MMORPG in 6 months.  While today, I am even confused to try which new game to start because sometimes a new MMORPG can be released in a spread of days!  Lineage II was also has to compete with private server, a problem that never occurred in 1998.  So you can’t judge a sequel is bad because the number of subscribers are declining (although it is not, according to some articles and opinion)!

Enough about the number of Lineage subscribers, and let’s take a look at Mike’s points.

Starting Over

I don’t see anything wrong with starting over in a new game.  MOST of MMORPGs, until today, basically will have the same repetitive gaining levels, items, guilds, quest, and friends.  So what’s wrong with that???  Even if you don’t release a sequel, somebody out there will make a “new” game that require players to do that also!  And I have to add that Lineage I and II really have some differences in terms of game features.

Basically The Same Game

Is it?  Please ask RO players who already try RO2, most of them will say IT IS different.  I have to say that playing Lineage I and Lineage II IS different.  It is not basically the same!  A new feature will means a new game!  So a sequel is not bad as long as they offer new feature.

Dying Game

Hey, if you know that your products is going to die, you will release a new one rite?  And what’s wrong with a sequels?  One of the power where you put an effort to a sequel is people already had a “connected feeling” with previous title.  So use the power in the right way.  What really put an off to a sequel is because people already have hopes that it will surpass the predecessor features.  When they found out the features is just a graphic enhancement, they leave for another title.  I never feel that RO 2 and Lineage II are titles that on their way out.  If we pay attention on how saga is built, they always consist of the main stage with sequels!  Take a look at Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and more.  Well, some people might argue that movies and MMORPGs are different.  Yes, they are.  There are still much more factors to consider in building an MMORPGs sequel.  But, rather than building a new one and introducing something from scratch, for me, it’s better to add a new features to an existing title!  Look at stand alone PC games.  How many people are waiting for Starcraft II now?  Diablo 3 everyone?  Yes they are not MMORPGs, but can we remember how many sequels of stand alone PC games were failed?  Many!  But we never said that sequels for stand alone PC games equals death.

New Games

I have asked many people about this, and I found out that sequels with NEW FEATURES will eventually bring a NEW atmosphere.  As for NEW stories, most players in my country, prefer to have something that they’ve already knew.  They even dream about it.  No wonder there’s an effort to develop Star Wars, LOTR, and many more WELL KNOWN OLD stories based title.  So I really don’t see this as a reason not to release a sequel.

So what has make the sequels failed?  Basically, it will come back (again) to what we call game features.  It is also happened in stand alone PC game.  It is also happened in console game.  When new features are STRONG enough to boost a game, sequel or not, IT WILL success.

I, myself, will encourage developers who want to build a sequel to their successful title.  As long as they remember, keep the good things, enhance them, and add new or even revolutionary features.  I believe, sequel can capture a large number of players.