Pretty safe predictions all round there, I reckon. I do think we’ll see more MMOs moving into different territories/genres though (think western, steampunk, pulp, etc).

I also predict that CO will be given a lukewarm review by Eurogamer…

Good luck in the States, RJ, and make sure you keep in touch!

Nice interesting set of predictions, there. I think it will be worth keeping an eye on them, to see how many of them come true.

Not sure I believe you on the “not insider-trading style guesswork” thing, though

Moving to the good ol’ US of A is a heck of a step. Just remember that the 4th of July is the day on which they celebrate their independence… and the day we celebrate having got shot of them.

I’m still harbouring the deep belief that (despite the dire predictions of some of the CoH forum-goers) CO will launch in a whirl of hype and excitement… and then be a bit of a damp squib as they try to do too much with it, and fail to do any of it *well*.

You may keep playing WoW (aren’t I gracious?), as long as you pop into CoH every once in a blue moon and see how it’s going.

As for Aion, well, it depends when it launches. Right now I don’t think a subscription based MMO (especially one with a distinctly asian feel) will get the numbers it needs in ’09. I’ll be there though, the whole flying/pvp/item customisation thing really interests me and, well, it looks snazzy!

About Aion I predict it will be better then I thought it would be, it really seems like they are taking some good ideas and talent from what NCSoft knows already and that flying thing is actually going to be working out pretty well, like parts of CoX, Guild Wars and Lineage put together. I predict it will make for a great combo of PvPvE, but they will learn from any mistakes that I suppose were made with other games they have had.

I’m looking forward to GW 2 but I just got into GW 1 so I don’t mind waiting a year and 1/2 for GW2

I’m taking a brake from CoX for a while but I’ll be back in 2009

I also predict in 2009 that more games will wave the monthly fee, because for example, I would still be playing CoX, but 1 time a week or 2 is not worth the $15 for any game. And I predict some game companies might see that in order not to loose people all together for most of the year at a time.

About WoW, it is at least just as awesome as any other mmo, I would play it if I was not so interested in these other games and I just have not gotten to it yet.

I predict the anouncment or leak of a Star Craft mmo too anyware from WoW’s 5 to 10th year.

(NCsoft has never had a Western game above 160K (ish) in subscriptions, and that was CoH at peak. Sold more boxes than that – Guild Wars, hello – but not active, paying subs.)

On Guild Wars 2, btw – I think they’re just keeping quiet because they don’t want to give anything away. Look at WAR: a bunch of their announced features ended up in WoW. I don’t think the GW team want the same thing to happen to them.

@Extremus: I’m playing a Dwarf Hunter, which is great for solo’ing. I started as research, but it’s hooked me quite hard, I have to say.

Also Blizzard will announce something, but it’ll just be the next WoW Expansion. I dunno, World of Warcraft: Underwater Seal Extravaganza.

DC Universe Online: When they actually get all the people involved to talk to be on the same page, then we might know something, but 2010 sounds good to me (look to above though)

City of Heroes: Best prediction I have heard, and definately something to look forward to. Maybe something similar to Guild Wars 2 of when you can take achievements (maybe even your existing character) over to the new game.. another “CoV” styled release as well.

Guild Wars 2: Been too quiet on this front, we *know* its coming, just want to know something at all about it. Too quiet on this front though.

Jumpgate: Evolution: Cynical over Codemasters? Surely not… but yes, i do share similar thoughts as well. Probably wouldnt attract 85K though, it does depend on their subscription model though (and how many Eve players are willing to give it a shot)

One that you missed though was “Aion” (i was honestly waiting for you to comment on this one)

Will release in Europe/NA; wont be the HUGE hit that NCsoft are expecting for the the Western market, but likely to get about 200K subs at launch (IF, and i mean IF they advertise it hard).

Am intrigued by Carbine Studio’s though… i seriously wonder how much we will hear, and if it will get closed down in development hell etc…

I agree with most other things you posted as well…

Shame you are leaving the UK, but if its for work reasons then its best for you…. will miss you and you *will* have to have a leaving party as well (tell us and we shall come, oh yes we shall)