(Massive(ly) multiplayer online role-playing game). MMORPG is a genre of role-playing video game (RPG) in which a large number of players interact with each other in a virtual world.
As in all role-playing games, players assume the role of a fictional (usually fantasy) character, and take control over many of the character’s actions. MMORPGs are distinguished from RPGs (single player or multiplayer) by the number of players (which is usually large) and by the persistent world of the game. That persistent virtual world is generally maintained by the game’s publisher, and exists independently of the players.
MMORPGs are very popular all over the world, thanks to the massification of the Internet and its addictive nature for many people.
Typical features of MMORPGs
* Theme: they are usually games based on fantasy worlds and characters, science fiction, witchcraft, etc.
* Character Evolution: In almost all MMORPG games, the main objective is the evolution of the character, gaining experience points, skills, levels, tools and/or weapons. The evolution not only serves to have more power and more chances of winning in combat, but also serves as a «status» in that «virtual society» that is generated in the virtual world.
* Sociability: all MMORPGs allow their players to communicate with each other, and all kinds of social relationships can arise between them (with the obvious limitations of the internet on these relationships that rarely become real). Game groups (eg combat groups), friendship groups, enmity groups, clans, and even couples can be formed. For example, the case of the person who killed his friend because he sold his virtual sword (See Dead by a virtual sword) is famous, and it is not the only case.
* Existence of moderators: Game Master, Game Moderators or simply GM, are usually unpaid employees or volunteers, who try to supervise the virtual world. GMs often access features and information related to the game, which are not usually available to other normal players.
* System Architecture: Most MMORGPs employ a client-server system architecture to function. The software that ensures the functioning and persistence of the «world» runs continuously on a server, and players connect to it via software clients.
* Prices: some MMORPGs are free, while others require payment, especially monthly payments.
Brief history of MMORPGs
MMORPGs as we know them now have only been around since the early 1990s. The first MMORPG was Neverwinter Nights, released in 1991.
When the internet became popular, it helped to popularize this type of games. The first hit was Meridian 59, which had first-person 3D graphics. However, another game, The Realm Online, appeared almost simultaneously, expanding the genre even further.
Other pioneering games were Ultima Online (1997) and Nexus: The Kingdom of the Winds.
The biggest paid MMORPG today is World of Warcraft.
Popular MMORPGs
Some of the most popular MMORPGs are:
*World of Warcraft
*hattrick
*Maplestory
*RuneScape
*Final Fantasy XI
* Guild Wars
*Lineage II
* Second Life
*DOFUS
* Ever Quest 2
*KnightOnline
Doubts? needs more information? Write and we will respond to your email: click here