Why the heavy focus on instance only?

[Wolfie]

That's totally subjective.

No, it really isn't. Instances are easier to deal with from both a technical and design point, and the list of things that can be done with instances as opposed to open world content far outweighs the list of things that can't be done.

[Sephrick]

No, it really isn't. Instances are easier to deal with from both a technical and design point, and the list of things that can be done with instances as opposed to open world content far outweighs the list of things that can't be done.

Well said!

[Llewelyn]

No, it really isn't. Instances are easier to deal with from both a technical and design point, and the list of things that can be done with instances as opposed to open world content far outweighs the list of things that can't be done.

Instanced content turns MMO into MO. This is the reason Guild Wars isn't any good, IMO.

While it may be easier to develop, that doesn't mean it's better for players.

When you're creating mission-based dungeons, sure, go ahead and make them instanced. But just general purpose dungeons... there is NO reason to instance them. I'm talking about stuff like Shposae, Nanawa Mines, etc.

Similar regions to those in XI have many of my favorite memories.

[Wolfie]

Instanced content turns MMO into MO.

Nope, sorry. FFXI was, by mid-TOAU, mostly instanced and it was still an MMO. The definition of an MMO is that it's online, it requires multi player gameplay to complete it 100%, and that it has a persistent world. Nothing more; no mention of open world vs instanced content.

[Betelgeuzah]

The definition of an MMO is that it's online, it requires multi player gameplay to complete it 100%, and that it has a persistent world. Nothing more; no mention of open world vs instanced content.

Well maybe you consider PSO the same as FFXI/V but I don't. If that's the definition of an MMO, we need another definition to separate the likes of PSO and Monster Hunter.

Although I think a good definition for games like these are that they are Online RPG's, but that inevitably is in conflict with your definition of an MMO.