It will be a long time until anything catches or even gets close to the popularity of WoW (especially with an expansion just around the corner). Maybe it will stand on level terms with MMO's such as GW though...

GW isnt an MMO, its more diablo style, everything is instanced

GW is listed as an MMORPG over at "mmorpg.com" therefore, in my eyes, its an MMO. (They have sold over 3 million copies,, so Mass-Multiplayer-Online definitely sums up GW).

GW is listed as MMORPG. It doesn't make it a MMORPG though. It doesn't really qualify to be one. Ryzom is MMORPG, EVE, WOW... but not GW. It will never be MMORPG. Ever!

Besides WOW is not that good that you need to compare new games to it. It's hyped and pumped, and it certanly has something good in it... mosty 'borrowed' from other games... well all of it is stolen from other games, WOW is not original in any way.

So a game should be judged by it's originality rather then compared to WOW. Since we all know who's making LOTR Online I think we need a very powerfull prayer to make it be any good.

Ive played WoW since launch in 2005 and yea it's great and addictive, but now it bores the shit outta me, Even with the burning crusades around the corner, It just doesnt hold any appeal anymore, I just cancelled my 2 accounts. Blizzard are tight arses. NO vet player rewared for loyalty or anything. Im looking for some new exciting and DX10 now :D . Age of Conan looks cool and the feature readups look inviting. Pirates of Burning sea too :) . But ive set my heart on Lotr online for sure... My dear brave samwise.. :)

A game should be judged against its greatest competition, WoW whether you like or not is the biggest MMO at the moment and ALL upcoming MMO's will be compared to WoW.