Raph Koster, known for his work on Ultima Online and Star Wars Galaxies, is developing a new MMORPG called Stars Reach with his studio, Playable Worlds. He believes there’s a strong desire for more immersive virtual experiences, drawing inspiration from titles like Animal Crossing and the anime series Sword Art Online.

In Sword Art Online, characters find themselves trapped in a virtual reality game, facing real-life consequences if they fail. This concept, known as Isekai in anime and manga, involves protagonists being transported to alternate worlds. Koster points to the popularity of such stories as evidence that players are eager for deeper, more immersive game worlds.

He observes that the games depicted in these stories aren’t typical theme park-style games but are instead immersive alternate realities. This suggests that players are looking for experiences that offer a sense of being in a parallel world.

Koster also notes the success of sandbox-style games, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. He mentions how Animal Crossing became a viral hit during this time, indicating a significant appetite for such immersive experiences.

Stars Reach is described as a sandbox science-fantasy MMO set in a shardless galaxy, featuring deeply simulated living worlds and a fully player-driven economy. While a release date hasn’t been announced yet, the game’s concept sounds promising for those seeking a modern, immersive sandbox experience.

In summary, Koster aims to create a game that offers players a more immersive parallel world, reflecting the growing demand for such experiences in the gaming community.