Change, transition and evolution are concepts which act as the primary foundation for the process of adaptation, this being the acquisition or development of specific attributes or capabilities required for basic survival and also growth and prosperity. Though disputed, the process of evolution is the structure upon which all life was formed and undeniably the path to the future, weather that be social, political, environmental, psychological, creative and artistic or cognitive. Today, during these transitional and contemporary years what we, as a society, are seeing is the process of adaptation and change taking place in a variety of areas that, either directly or indirectly, hold profound ramifications and significance for us all. Though it is without question that such changes and notions of progress spark fear in many sectors throughout the global community and outrage in others, what I shall present to you throughout this essay is but a simple question – A question which I myself, as an academic and a writer, have come to ask myself many times before – Who am I, but a lone individual, to stand against or pass judgement upon natural processes which have been set in perpetual motion since the dawn of time – and who are we, but as grains of sand to the beach, to question that unknowing design which still, despite all our knowledge and achievements, continues to exist beyond our limited understanding? Essentially, as time progresses change comes to all things and as society moves onward in terms of innovation and technology this is becoming more and more apparent. Undeniably computer games and consoles are one of the most popular entertainment commodities, existing as a multi-billion dollar industry and distributed the world over. Nevertheless, with many game designers and publishers setting their focus on previously popular titles and re-creating them in new and more exciting ways, it now seems the next revolution in context to video gaming and online play is upon us.

Perhaps in consideration of the success enjoyed by the World of Warcraft, Blizzard Entertainment’s Massively Multi-Player Online Role Playing Game others are now setting their sights on popular titles of previous years and are not only seeking to re-design them, but to do so in a completely new universe; online. However, though many gamers are in opposition to such concepts and state that they are refusing to endorse these recreations, I question as to weather they are truly examining the gaming industry as it exists today for what soon becomes apparent is that the concept of redesigning games for online purposes is no new concept. What many have forgotten is that four years ago WoW, undeniably the most popular and widely online game of all time, was officially released in 2004. However, one decade prior to this Azeroth, the fantasy world on which the game is based, was also featured in another Blizzard series simply called WarCraft. Not only was the original games designed for solo play only, it was also a RTS or god-sim which is a stark difference from the fantasy RPG adventure game it has come to be today.

In 2002 Final Fantasy online was released in Japan before moving to America in 2003. However, it was back in 1987 the first Final Fantasy game was developed, again for solo-play and utilizing a turn-based combat system. Another example is The Lord of the Rings online game which was published by Turbine in 2007. However, the original story for this game appeared as J.R.R Tolkien’s popular fantasy series; the Lord of the Rings which was first published in 1954 – 1955. Yet, even before it appeared as an online game, we see Lord of the Rings first appearing as an animated feature film, a series of three major-motion pictures and a number of Playstation games including; The fellowship of the Ring, The two Towers, Return of the King and the Third Age, all of which were designed in a manner completely different to the online game being played today. Even so, looking deeper into the online gaming industry reveals even further re-creations and redesigned titles. Dungeons and Dragons was a real-life role-playing game released in 1977 and has appeared as the foundation for many video game titles long before moving online and allowing payers to explore the world for themselves. Star Wars online, The Age of Conan online and the upcoming Star-gate MMO are once again, all ideas which have been re-born in various forms time and time again.

Players cannot deny that such trends have already taken hold and weather through ignorance or lack of research, chances are such people claiming to appose these movements have already experienced them either directly or in-directly in one way or another. Change, growth and Evolution are vital processes required for social, technological and other revolution and if a moment was taken to consider the notion there are countless possibilities for game designers. Ask yourself, as a gamer would you not loved to see Mega Man, Mario, Sonic Metroid, Zelda, Kirby, Star Fox, Donkey Kong or even Metal Slug come online? In any case, I would! Nevertheless, at the end of the day, there is no point getting mad about it. It's already happened. Get over it already!