In this game, they kinda are. They are more like the groups in the forum. I'm more used to other clan/guild formats from other MMOs where you can access a menu showing all the members. You can see who is online and it shows their character information. It would be a lot better if they completely revamp the clan system in this game to the point where you can create a clan in game by charging us glimmer and giving us the option to invite people in-game.