Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs) have dominated the gaming scene, offering intricately crafted worlds, detailed narratives, and rich social interactions, attracting millions of players globally. But over the years, how many people have truly played these games? With data provided by developers and publishers, we compiled a list of MMORPGs that have optimistically exceeded 4 million players. While this is not a conclusive list, it helps us understand which titles have benefitted greatly from being publicly available. 

• 1. Dungeon Fighter Online
• 2. RuneScape
• 3. MapleStory
• 4. World of Warcraft
• 5. Black Desert
• 6. Tibia
• 7. Final Fantasy XIV
• 8. Nexus: The Kingdom of the Winds
• 9. The Elder Scrolls Online
• 10. Neverwinter
• 11. ODIN: Valhalla Rising
• 12. Guild Wars 2
• 13. Star Trek Online
• 14. Throne and Liberty

↖ 1. Dungeon Fighter Online

• Setting: Fantasy
• Developer: Neople
• Platforms: PC, Mobile
• Release Date: August 2005
• Model: Free-to-Play

Player Numbers: Over 850 million players since its release, according to their Q2 2023 report. The game has also generated more than $22 billion in revenue.

Dungeon Fighter Online is a unique blend of classic 2D brawler arcade style with MMORPG. With 17 diverse classes and impressive attack visuals, the title has become an absolute hit in Asia. That being said, the Steam version also has a little over 61% positive reviews which is considered subpar.

↖ 2. RuneScape

• - Setting: Fantasy
• - Developer: Jagex
• - Platforms: PC, Mobile
• - Release Date: January 4, 2001
• - Model: Free-to-Play

Player Numbers: Over 300 million accounts created, covering more than $1 billion in revenue. This milestone was celebrated with the 300 Million Party event in August 2022.

RuneScape is one of the oldest active MMORPGs, and offers players a selection of activities, including farming and dungeon exploration. Its classic version, Old School RuneScape, has retro gaming fans and continues to grow in popularity.

↖ 3. MapleStory

• - Setting: Fantasy
• - Developer: Neople
• - Platforms: PC
• - Release Date: April 29, 2003
• - Model: Free-to-Play

Player Numbers: Over 260 million players worldwide with $4 billion in revenue as of Q2 2023.

Featuring charming 2D anime-inspired graphics, MapleStory has one of the deepest MMORPG mechanics. However, it has been criticized for Pay-to-Win aspects, especially concerning monster spawn rates.

↖ 4. World of Warcraft

• - Setting: Fantasy
• - Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
• - Platforms: PC
• - Release Date: November 23, 2004 (EU: February 11, 2005)
• - Model: Pay-to-Play

Player Numbers: By the end of 2013, Blizzard shared estimates of around 100 million cumulative players. This figure has likely increased greatly throughout the years.

WoW is a pioneer within MMORPGs, providing an extensive assortment of activities including quests, raids, and PvP engagements. The game's age is offset by consistent updates which maintain its polish, attracting both new and returning players.

↖ 5. Black Desert

• - Setting: Fantasy
• - Developer: Pearl Abyss
• - Platforms: PC, Consoles
• - Release Date: May 24, 2017 (Global)
• - Model: Buy-to-Play

Player Numbers: Surpassed 38 million players as of May 2024.

Black Desert is a sandbox MMORPG renowned for its dynamic combat and strong player-controlled economy. Lack of level restrictions and abundant life skills such as fishing and crafting make it ideal for those who enjoy unrestricted progression.

↖ 6. Tibia

• - Setting: Fantasy
• - Developer: CipSoft
• - Platforms: PC
• - Release Date: January 7, 1997
• - Model: Free-to-Play

Player Numbers: Cumulative 32 million players since release, generating $200 million by June 2024.

Tibia is one of the oldest European MMORPGs, noted for its retro graphical style and grinding progression. The hardcore mechanics of the game appeal to old school gamers.

↖ 7. Final Fantasy XIV

• - Setting: Fantasy
• - Developer: Square Enix
• - Platforms: PC, Consoles
• - Release Date: September 30, 2010 (Reboot: August 27, 2013)
• - Model: Subscription Based

Player Numbers: Over 30 million registered accounts as of January 2024. 

FFXIV has an ever-expanding exciting story and equally captivating endgame content. It was transformed to one of the most popular MMORPG's worldwide after its reboot under A Realm Reborn.

↖ 8. Nexus: The Kingdom of the Winds

• - Setting: Fantasy
• - Developer: Neople
• - Platforms: PC, Mobile
• - Release Date: April 1996
• - Model: Free-to-Play

Player Numbers: Over 26 million players as of Q2 2023.

One of the oldest MMORPGs, Nexus is based on Korean mythology provides a flexibly character customisation combined with progression through multiple sub-paths. Its long-lasting existence portray its appeal.

↖ 9. The Elder Scrolls Online

• - Setting: Fantasy
• - Developer: ZeniMax Online Studios
• - Platforms: PC, Consoles
• - Release Date: April 4, 2014
• - Model: Buy-to-Play

Player Numbers: Over 25 million players as of December 2024.

ESO allows players more freedom with its open-world scaling and character builds. Frequent expansions and rich lore from the Elder Scrolls universe ensure the game remains engaging.

↖ 10. Neverwinter

• - Setting: Fantasy (Dungeons & Dragons)
• - Developer: Cryptic Studios
• - Platforms: PC, Consoles
• - Release Date: June 20, 2013
• - Model: Free-to-Play

Player Numbers: Over 20 million players as of December 2021. 

Neverwinter is a hub of player-created missions and action-packed combat. Recently, however, the game has come under fire for becoming more monetized.

↖ 11. ODIN: Valhalla Rising

• - Setting: Norse Mythology
• - Developer: Lionheart Studio
• - Platforms: PC, Mobile
• - Release Date (Asia): June 2021 | (West): Expected in 2025
• - Model: Free-to-Play

Player Numbers: Over 17 million accounts as of November 2024. 

Inspired by Norse mythology, ODIN features an open world for exploration and endgame PvP content. Its breathtaking design has gained the interest of users from Asia.

↖ 12. Guild Wars 2

• - Setting: Fantasy
• - Developer: ArenaNet
• - Platforms: PC
• - Release Date: August 28, 2012
• - Model: Free-To-Play

Player Numbers: Surpassed 16 million accounts in August 2021.

Guild Wars 2 is widely recognized for its dynamic events system and horizontal progression model. With regular updates and expansions like Janthir Wilds, it remains a fan favorite.

↖ 13. Star Trek Online

• - Setting: Sci-Fi
• - Developer: Cryptic Studios
• - Platforms: PC, Consoles
• - Release Date: February 2, 2010
• - Model: Free-To-Play

Player Numbers: Surpassed 6 million players in December 2021.

Star Trek Online allows users to take command of their own starships as they explore a rich sci-fi universe. The game continues to receive new content regularly, keeping it relevant for Trekkies and MMORPG fans alike.

↖ 14. Throne and Liberty

• - Setting: Fantasy 
• - Developer: NCSoft
• - Platforms: PC, Consoles
• - Release Date (Global): October 1, 2024
• - Model: Free-To-Play

Player Numbers: Surpassed 4.5 million players one month post-launch.

Throne and Liberty places heavy emphasis on large-scale multiplayer gameplay focused on guild activities. Its modern technology allows for seamless performance even in high population dens.

Concluding Remarks

Among all blockbuster and timeless classics across the years, these MMORPGs take the top-tier slots. Players are sure to find something regardless of whether they remember RuneScape or Tibia, or prefer new generation games such as Black Desert and Final Fantasy XIV. With millions of created accounts and collective income reaching billions of dollars the MMORPG genre benefits with every new title released, regardless of the shifting trends in the gaming industry.