I think Seed is the dawn of a new age for MMOs — after spending one month building a metropolis with strangers, this imperfect yet addictive life sim feels like the next big thing

In the year 2026, I found myself drawn back to the world of massively multiplayer online (MMO) games, a genre I had previously set aside. As part of Under the Radar, a series dedicated to highlighting lesser-known games, I revisited Seed, a life simulator released by Klang Games. This new title, I believe, has the potential to spark a new renaissance for MMOs.

Klang Games, co-founded by former CCP Games developers, brought their experience to the table when creating Seed. With its roots in games like Eco, The Sims, and Factorio, it's no surprise that fans of these titles would find themselves equally engaged with Seed.

Early adopters have already formed a dedicated community, with thousands of active players logging in daily. While there is still work to be done to maintain and grow this audience, the game's addictive appeal has already inspired a sense of excitement among its players. As someone who has invested a month into the game, I'm eager to see what challenges and opportunities await me next.

In Seed, players work together to establish a thriving community on the planet Avesta, building a local economy and eventually engaging in global trade. The game's 24/7 servers ensure that your Seedlings continue working and caring for themselves while you're offline, provided you set them up with proper automations and basic necessities. This system adds an extra layer of challenge, especially for new communities struggling to balance resources and maintain a healthy environment for their inhabitants.

As an elected mayor within my Seed society, I've had a unique opportunity to witness the game's complex ecosystem firsthand. Societies evolve in stages based on shared goals, with each advancement unlocking new roles in government, features such as legislation, and the ability to invite more Seedlings to join the community. The immediate task of ensuring your Seedlings' well-being, from providing clean water and cooked food to managing production lines, storage, and trade, is a constant struggle.

The game's world map is a sprawling landscape, and as societies grow, they vie for territory and resources, as well as attract new players to their community. However, for now, these challenges seem distant as many societies are still in the early stages of development. Seed's potential as an MMO lies in its ability to evolve alongside its player base, and the decisions made by other societies have already directly impacted our own community.

Trust and collaboration among strangers are essential, but finding the right balance to keep the game enjoyable for all involved remains a constant challenge.