Edit: I've edited much of this post, not because it was incendiary, but because it's been better addressed by Richard Bartle's own response. Even edited, this is still a bit meandering, I think my followup is better.

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The debate of the day seems to be revolving around a recent Massively interview with Richard Bartle, where he lumps Age of Conan and Warhammer into the same pile as World of Warcraft. This offended some folks who are particularly passionate about this specific genre. Keen went as far as to call out Dr. Bartle to educate himself better on the differences between games in the genre.

Keen has a point, if you're going to speak out on something, it helps to know the details.

The thing is, Massively's Michael Zenke was obviously looking for another perverse quote like last years "I'd shut down WoW". Richard Bartle isn't interested in any game based on the EQ / WoW model and whether you're hyped for WAR or not, you have to admit that's the genre it's in. He keeps getting asked, so he's forced himself to play the games and of course playing that way he's had a horrible time.

Are we stuck with the Everquest model?

You probably know the basics of most MMORPG gameplay from WoW, but it's essentially the same model that was Everquest.

The real question: Is the EQ-derived model a Wheel-like invention that's essential for these games? There's this big assumption that's what an MMORPG should start with, then patch in all of the features to differentiate. I don't think it's the Wheel, not even close. We need more games built on new models, that's what Richard Bartle is getting at.

I enjoyed WoW and even moreso AoC. I have huge respect for the evolutionary changes that will be in WAR, but I cannot help but think I'd enjoy these games even more if their core wasn't so much the damn same thing over and over. So while Keen insists that WAR != WoW, I have to say, WAR is more like WoW than it isn't.

So much time and energy is spent at Mythic and elsewhere to fix the deficiencies in the genre's basic model but the concept of changing the model is lost on people. Partly because it's not going to happen, the grind and trap of leveling up equates to pure cash and it's easier to take tried-and-true and just slap some extra fun on top.

Why not change what's broken instead of applying bandaids?

Burdens inherent to the EQ model drag down the fun factors. The MMORPG market has a lot of room to grow, but it could just as easily shrink as players feel disenfranchised because sooner or later they realize that some elements in this genre are nothing more than a dip into their wallets.

Tycho @ Penny Arcade put a similar perspective into better words, of how the entire MMORPG market is leaving him feeling dry:

It hits home the same way Richard Bartle's observations have for me, which is a paradox because Tycho's more interested in gameplay and I'm pretty sure he wouldn't find Dr. Bartle's virtual world simulation perspectives as much fun.