I look at the change more pessimistic. After a short amount time, like three to five years, there will free and well-made MMORPGs around.. even building them will be much easier and cheaper. I doubt MU* will able to find new players to survive, and they will turn into Virtual ones. There is a second scenario; Muds may turn into more chat rooms then games as they are now. OR vise versa, mud style games can be added to IMs.. but that's a far possibility.
Actually I only see chance for RPIs. IMHO many H&S mud styles can be dublicated, replaced and virtualized, but RPIs are not profitable and very (staff) demanding so they will keep their playerbase for a long time.
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