There’s a certain “ick” that comes with the term “live service game.” It immediately conjures up images of soulless, microtransaction-filled cash grabs that many would rather not remember, let alone honor. Fortunately, the best titles in this field are (usually) exceptions to this norm.
When done right, a good live service game is like a second home. Ideally, these games are hubs where you can party up with friends and enjoy new content and features at a steady pace. If the presence of microtransactions and paywalls are kept in check, these titles can offer unforgettable experiences. Of course, I imagine some of you will argue that certain picks below don’t meet that bar. But that’s why we’re here to choose which ongoing game is the best of the best. After all, why should you invest your time in anything less than that?
Here’s our list of nominees.
Fortnite
First up, we haveFortnite. And I know,I know, there’s a good chance you have a strong opinion on this game one way or another. That said, there’s no denying thatFortnitehas become a cornerstone of gaming thatcontinues to offer substantial updates every season. Just this past month alone, we saw the inclusion of experiences likeLEGO FortniteandRocket Racingthat continue to expandFortniteinto new genres. Sometimes these new modes are pretty fun too! You don’t have to love it, but there’s certainly nothing else like it on the market.
Final Fantasy XIV
Coming up next isFinal Fantasy XIV, and youdohave to love it. That’s what the community behindgaming’s best free trialhas told me, anyway. I kid, of course; Destructoid is full ofFinal Fantasy XIVnerds, myself included. This year has been unique for the game following the release ofthe explosiveEndwalkerexpansion. The lack of a core story to wrap up let the subsequent patch storyline follow its own unique narrative, and we’ve seen the developers experiment with new types of content like the Criterion Dungeons. We’ve passed the 10-year anniversary ofA Realm Reborn(AKAwhenFinal Fantasy XIVreally started), so it will be interesting to see how the game will grow heading intoDawntrail.
Genshin Impact
Shifting to what is technically a mobile game, let’s talk aboutGenshin Impact. HoYoverse has generally continued the game’s usual trajectory this year. That is to say, we saw a steady stream of updates alongside new characters, withsome quality-of-life improvementsthrown into the mix here and there. The main story continues to grow, as the launch of Version 4.0 of the game saw the addition of the new Fontaine region. There are certainly grievances to be had aboutGenshin Impact‘s monetization and time-limited content. But for those who can at least tolerate those aspects of the game, not many other titles can compete with this free-to-play open world adventure.
Path of Exile
Path of Exilehas also kept its gears grinding this year. In fact, likeFinal Fantasy XIV,Path of Exilecelebrated its 10-year anniversary in 2023. It’s honestly surreal thatPath of Exilewas originally hailed as an alternative toDiablo 3at launch, and today fans continue to pitch it as an alternative toDiablo 4. On one hand, we’re a year away from the closed beta forPath of Exile 2, which will (hopefully) serve as a fresh starting point for new players. On the other hand, the original game is still going strong here, with new updates andleaguesthat continue to add new twists to the game. Even if I’ve only ever dipped my toes into this one, I’m very curious to see what 2024 brings.
Warframe
Speaking of games originally released in 2013,Warframehas had an exciting year too. Back in April,The Duviri Paradoxdebuted in the multiplayer space ninja shooter sim. And regardless of your feelings on that expansion, we saw other tantalizing quality-of-life additions like the inclusion ofcross-save. Heck, by the time you read this, the game’sWhispers in the Wellsupdate should be out too.Warframeis one of those games that just keeps growing and growing, and it has been wild to see how far it’s come. I personally have my eyes onSoulframe, but that’s neither here nor there.
No Man’s Sky
Did someone say “famous redemption arcs in gaming?” No? Well I’m going to pretend you did, becauseNo Man’s Skyis next on our list. I’m sure you’re well familiar with howNo Man’s Skyoriginally launched in a rough state, only to see update after update that has taken this space exploration adventure to heights no one ever originally expected. 2023 was a surprisingly robust year for the game in particular, as we saw theFractal,Interceptor, andSingularity Expeditionupdates hit the game. Despite the announcement of Hello Games’ upcomingLight No Fire,No Man’s Skydoesn’t show any signs of slowing down. It’s certainly come a long way since it was announced in… 2013? Another 10-year anniversary? Was that just the year for better-than-average live service games?
World of Warcraft Classic
Last but maybe not least, we haveWorld of Warcraft Classic. Yes, once upon a time,World of Warcraft Classicwas a fun nostalgia trip that convinced many lapsed players to return to the long running MMORPG. But now, withtheCataclysmexpansion soon hitting the gamewith player feedback in mind,Classichas become its own entity. Notably, this year has closed out with the Season of Discovery, which reworks older content and focuses on a level 25 endgame. It’s an interesting pivot forWorld of Warcraft Classic, and it goes to show that you can never know what to expect from a live service game. For better or for worse.
