Genre-Blending Extraction Shooters, Looter Shooters, Action RPGs, and MMORPGs

Gaming is undergoing an exciting evolution, with genre boundaries becoming increasingly blurred.

Some of the most exciting innovations, in my opinion (after playing and developing, in some cases, games on these segments), are potentially emerging from the fusion of Extraction Shooters, Looter Shooters, Action RPGs, and MMORPGs. When executed right, the “hybrids” of these can offer deep, replayable experiences that cater to a variety of playstyles while enabling innovative monetization strategies.

In this post, I’ll explore how blending these genres together could create unique and compelling games, including how they could work across PC, console, and mobile (with cross-play, as applicable). I’ll also delve into the monetization strategies that fit these experiences — moving beyond simple battle passes to include social-tiered milestones and group-based economy mechanisms, which I’ve written a lot about in my articles here:

On top of monetization side, I’m also taking a dive into having systemic and emergent mechanisms being part of these games, to add more replayability to the experience with surprising elements — making every session really exciting and being about discovery as well. If you’re in general interested about systemic and emergent mechanisms, you can find more what I’ve wrote about such systems here (https://gamesalchemy.substack.com/p/28-systematic-and-emergent-gameplay):

Extraction Shooter + Action RPG

Extraction shooters like Escape from Tarkov or Helldivers 2 thrive on high-stakes gameplay, while Action RPGs like Diablo focus on character progression, loot variety, and skill-based builds. Combining these genres could lead to an intense PvPvE experience with deep RPG mechanics.

How it Could Work:

• Players enter PvPvE zones to complete objectives, defeat AI factions, and extract valuable resources.

• Character builds are influenced by loot rarity, perks, and skill trees, allowing for personalized progression.

• Persistent settlements or hubs serve as social areas where players trade, craft, and upgrade gear between runs.

Emergent and Systemic Gameplay Elements:

• Dynamic enemy AI that adapts to player behavior, making each run feel unique.

• Environmental interactions that can be used strategically, such as destructible cover, fire spreading, or flooding zones.

• Player-driven markets that react to supply and demand based on extracted goods.

Monetization Strategies:

• Cosmetic-only gear inspired by in-game factions and seasons.

• Battle passes with social tiers requiring cooperative extractions or boss raids.

• Group investment mechanics, like upgrading clan safehouses or shared stash spaces.

Looter Shooter + MMORPG

Looter shooters like Destiny 2 emphasize fluid combat and progression, while MMORPGs thrive on persistent worlds and social interactions. Merging these two creates a shared-world game where players experience ongoing narratives (or world discovery if there is less focus on narratives), large-scale raids, and dynamic events.

How it Could Work:

• Open-world PvPvE zones where players encounter enemy factions, world bosses, and rival scavengers.

• Large-scale cooperative raids requiring tactical synergy and unique class-based abilities.

• Player-run guilds with access to faction-based territories and customizable outposts.

Emergent and Systemic Gameplay Elements:

• Player factions dynamically altering world events based on their actions.

• AI-driven factions that grow stronger or weaker based on player interactions.

• Reactive world events, such as invasions, resource shortages, or contested territories.

Monetization Strategies:

• Seasonal battle passes with social reward paths requiring guild-based objectives.

• Cosmetic customization for player hubs, guild banners, and in-game bases.

• Group-based economy systems where investing in in-game infrastructure benefits all members.

Extraction Shooter + MMORPG

This fusion brings the high-risk, high-reward stakes of extraction shooters into a persistent MMORPG world. Players form factions, battle for control over territories, and extract valuable artifacts from contested PvPvE zones.

How it Could Work:

• Large persistent world with evolving conflict between player-driven factions — jumping in to existing missions / raids, and such, really excites me in this concept.

• Extraction mechanics tied to valuable resources, encouraging risk-versus-reward decision-making.

• Base-building elements where guilds (/factions) create strongholds in contested areas, providing safe zones and economy benefits.

Emergent and Systemic Gameplay Elements:

• Unscripted rivalries forming between guilds, shaping the world’s landscape.

• Environmental hazards, such as radiation zones or weather effects, altering extraction strategies.

• Non-playable factions that react dynamically to the ongoing player war.

Monetization Strategies:

• Limited-time extraction events requiring coordinated guild efforts for special rewards.

• Cosmetic upgrades for faction bases and personal strongholds.

• Battle passes rewarding social contributions, such as completing faction goals or organizing extractions.

Rethinking Monetization with Social Engagement

Traditional battle passes are often structured as individual reward paths, but games blending these genres can introduce social-tiered milestones that require group participation. Instead of just grinding solo for rewards, players could unlock unique cosmetics, titles, and gameplay perks by:

• Completing high-risk PvPvE objectives with guild members.

• Contributing resources to faction-based (and/or guild-based) progression systems.

• Achieving milestone-based social goals, such as reviving teammates or participating in cooperative boss fights.

On top of intrinsic monetization, group-based mechanics such as guild investments, customizable strongholds, and shared in-game economies can encourage long-term player commitment and spending.

Hybrid Monetization, or Not.

These games can made possibly work being solely F2P and/or combining Premium Purchase with F2P and DLC monetization. Overall the key would be, whatever the direction and platform choice(s), in balancing player perception and the experience that’s being offered for players.

Final Thoughts

One part of the future of multiplayer gaming lies in genre fusion, where Extraction Shooters, Looter Shooters, Action RPGs, and MMORPGs definitely will blend to create dynamic, high-stakes PvPvE worlds.

By designing these experiences (sometimes also with cross-platform engagement in mind) through social-driven engagement and engagement-monetization mechanics, developers can craft games that resonate with both casual and hardcore players — which ultimately lead to proper business cases for them through social and intrinsic strategies.

Side Note: Interested about exploring more the depths of social games? See my article about this side of things here (https://gamesalchemy.substack.com/p/21-exploring-the-future-of-social):

As these hybrids, however they will be done (e.g., shooter benefitting RPG or RPG benefitting shooter gameplay), the key to success will be balancing accessibility with depth; ensuring each hybrid gets a tailored experience while maintaining best parts of all sides. Those who crack the formula will set new industry standards in engagement, monetization, and cooperative (incl. co-op PvP) gameplay.