It's the game units.  I know I bought 2 of them...but it was still a great accomplishment.  Let's say they sold the same expansion to the same group of players...that's still 1.75 users.  Not to knock the game, as I beta it, AND bought 2 units, but the game got stale quickly for me.

ff14 but i think at this point no one can touch world of warcraft but a call of duty mmo...

Only time will tell what will 'topple' WoW.

I still don't think one game is going to come along to 'defeat' WoW. Its going to be a combined picking away at WoW until al its fans leave for a number of other MMOs like Old Repiblic, DC Universe, Agency, etc. And don't forget WoW biggest competition upcoming, Diablo III.

But also, there's many other MMOs not even listed in OP, including a number of Korean MMOs. Including the MMO that has been in development almost 6 years now. Dragon Ball MMO. That is sure to take at least Asia by storm and possibly be a big hit in America too.

well we know FF will be better =), as in quality, beat WOW.

same for aion.

If it's anything like FFXI, I disagree.

As much as some of you like to bash WoW, it's accessible. For those of us without the time (nor patience) to dedicate 40+ hours a week to an MMO, it's the best thing going.

On the other hand, I hate MMOs and cancelled my WoW subscription in 2007.

well i mean something like FF14 it actually having deep storyline this time around.

aion have caimpaign too just require too much grinding indeed. but again both games have bigger budget and development quality than Wow.

WoW is what, four years old now? Any new game should have better graphics, though I doubt Alon or FFXIV has a larger budget. WoW is the most successful and profitable game in video game history; Blizzard's budget for the game is whatever they feel like spending on it.

Star Wars and Star Trek are the only ones that have chance. They are based off brands that have established fanbases. The key will be how the build upon that base. I have never played WOW but from what I hear its easy to play and doesn't have a ton of grinding to it. Those are the types of things that pull in casual players. Despite that it also offers everything that hardcore player could want a mountain of quests, PVP, and a large solid community. Those two games have solid developers behind them hopefully they know what they are getting into. Knocking off the king will be hard but out of the games you listed I believe those have the best chance.

5 years...and still growing!  WoW is an absolute phenom, and people often fail to grasp that...there is a huge emotional attachment to the game for players, and to have someone forgo 3-5 years of work...to start on the bottom with a new game...you can forget it.  Blizzard doesn't even need to develop a whole new MMO (eventhough they are)...all they need to do is launch a newer, prettier WoW in 2-3 years.

Everquest 3 or Ultima Online 2