The grind used to be the point. It was a shared rhythm, a reason to meet up, and a badge of patience. Now most modern MMOs try to compress that time into clean, predictable paths. The result is smoother, but often less memorable.
Why It Worked
Grinding was never just about the numbers. It created social gravity. You sat in the same zones, saw the same names, and learned who was reliable. It made the world feel occupied.
Why It Failed
The downside is obvious. Grind can be joyless if the reward curve is too slow or the activities feel repetitive. It also punishes players with less time, which is a real trade-off in 2024.
The Middle Path
The best games keep the shared rhythm without wasting your hours. You can have meaningful progression that still respects your time, but it takes strong systems and clear pacing.