Mafious wrote:but why? is the same game + single player, it doesn't change the mmo at all. it doesn't even split the player base the ones that like the mmo keep playing that and the ones that don't play the mmo have an alternative.
1. it does split the player base
2. it gives access to code that players wouldn't normally have
3. and this is the big one: the development process is different and requires an increased amount of effort to produce both versions.
and then there are the little things that aren't easily quantifiable, but probably more important:
Feel of the game
Game balance
Attention retention
And that's just naming a few of the issues. The list is much more extensive and detailed.
Opinions expressed in this statement are the authors alone and in no way reflect on the game development values of the actual developers.