So yes, it's definitely possible to revitalize an MMO. The question I keep asking myself is in what way does a developer go about doing it? Graphical updates certainly seem to help, just look at EVE Online for the perfect example. Sometimes a feature overhaul or addition seems to do the trick, but generally I find that prettier visuals draws in the most crowds.
Of course, that's assuming a game's sufficiently modern when it gets a graphical update. Better graphics don't count for much when a game's controls feel like they're straight out of 1998. Plus, beyond all that, the game has to be stable and perform well when it comes to lag. Yeah, there's a lot to consider when overhauling an older MMO, like for instance...
Missteps
Hey everybody, remember that experience a while back? It brought a "new game" to your computer? Yeah, I'm pretty sure we're all trying not to remember that one. The fact of the matter is that revitalizing an MMO can go very, very wrong. Just as such a venture can restore life to a game's community, it can also demolish it almost entirely.
Games are part subjective and part objective, meaning that what current players have to say about a game does actually matter. Sure, if a feature or system is broken, then it's probably in need of fixing. However, there's a reason any game has a community: they already like the game. Drastically altering an MMO to such a degree that it no longer resembles the game it originally was is definitely the wrong approach. It's about all things in balance; taking a rational look at what could be better.
Fruitless efforts
Of course, I probably don't really need to say that at this point as I'm sure developers have collectively learned a lesson from Star Wars Galaxies. Will it ever happen again? I certainly hope not, which is why I mention it here.
The fact of the matter is that this whole topic is pretty risky for most developers. It's fairly likely that less people will find themselves excited at a revamp of an old game rather than a whole new game. Plus, there's no guarantee that all of a developer's efforts will pay off in the end. Even still, how do you market something like a revamp? There's a lot of question marks at the whole prospect, which probably attributes to the fact that we don't really see graphical/mechanic overhauls too often, if ever.
I'm really happy that Anarchy Online is in all likelihood getting an overhaul, because it deserves the love. Would I prefer a sequel? Sure, but if this is the cheaper path then it's better than nothing at all. At the end of the day, I'm just happy that parts of my gaming past are being restored and preserved in one way or another.
