Best overlooked MMO mechanics that modern games forgot

[ArcaneArchivist]

I have been cataloguing game mechanics that existed in older MMOs but have been completely abandoned by modern ones. My top picks:\n\n1. Player-run economies (SWG)\n2. Allegiance chains (Asheron Call)\n3. Skill-based progression without classes (UO)\n4. Monthly world-changing events (AC)\n\nWhat mechanics do you think modern games should bring back?

[VaultKeeper]

The UO vendor system. You could set up a shop anywhere and stock it with crafted goods. Real player economy, not just an auction house interface.

[CosmicCrafter]

Player housing that actually matters. In SWG your house was part of the world. Other players could visit your shop, see your decorations. Modern instanced housing is so soulless.

[MythMapper]

Exploration rewards. Old MMOs hid actual content in remote corners of the world. Secret dungeons, rare NPCs, unique items. Modern games just put a marker on the map.

[LoreHunter]

Environmental storytelling without quest markers. In Asheron Call you had to actually read the lore and figure out where to go. The journey of discovery was the content.

[OracleOwl]

Server identity. When your server had 2000-5000 people, you knew the major guilds, the famous players, the server villains. Now with megaservers everyone is anonymous.