I can think of plenty of reasons someone would want to make an MMO, "indie" or otherwise. There are also at least two examples of companies who have produced relatively low-cost MMOs, of which three rings' Yo Ho Ho Puzzle Pirates! is probably the most widely know (the other is Runestones' Seed, which although it tanked, was both complete and operational for a couple of months).
I realize that according to conventional wisdom it's impossible to create an MMORPG for under $10 million USD. As usual the problem with people saying something can't be done, is that there's always someone else willing and determined to prove them wrong!
So. Is it possible for a small team to develop a successful MMO? Sure - if you find the right niche.
I realize that according to conventional wisdom it's impossible to create an MMORPG for under $10 million USD. As usual the problem with people saying something can't be done, is that there's always someone else willing and determined to prove them wrong!
I don't think it's possible for a 1-3 man team to make an MMO.
While I may be wrong, I'm fairly sure that both Freeworld Online and A Tale in the Desert both started out as one man army type projects. Also Puzzle Pirates (which at the time of writing has 6794 players online) was originally developed by three people, and if I remember correctly Eve Online (which holds the record for most people online on a single server) had humble beginnings as well - although they where originally signed to a publisher, they eventually bought their game (and by extension I suppose their indie cred) back.So. Is it possible for a small team to develop a successful MMO? Sure - if you find the right niche.