Interactive Multi-User Computer Games

Dr Richard Bartle,
MUSE Ltd.

email: richard@mud.co.uk

Copyright © MUSE Ltd, British Telecom plc.
December, 1990.

Abstract.

This is a short research report covering the field of interactive, multi-user computer games. Its main component is a comprehensive overview of what presently constitute the most important products in this category. The report ends in a discussion of ways by which existing services may be improved to the benefit of both the user and the vendor.

Author's note: this document grew from a longer report commissioned by British Telecom plc. It is commercially oriented, so was delayed for six months after delivery prior to being made publicly available. Certain commercially sensitive details have still had to be struck out, in particular a comprehensive contact list of leading people in the field. Furthermore, some of the information (particularly that concerning game access) has been superseded since it was written. I hope that what remains is nevertheless of some use.

Contents

• 1. Introduction.
  • 1.1 The Field of Study.
  • 1.2 Narrowing the Field of Study.
  • 1.3 Acceptance Criteria.
  • 1.4 Categories of IMPCGs.
  • 1.5 Brief History (Industry).
  • 1.6 Brief History (Academia).
• 2. Game Architecture
  • 2.1 Technical Aspects
  • 2.2 Operational Aspects
  • 2.3 Managerial Aspects
  • 2.4 Scenarios
  • 2.5 Clients
  • 2.6 Bots
  • 2.7 Indicators
    • Breadth
    • Depth
    • Size
    • Parser
    • Players
    • Role-playing
    • Wiz Powers
    • Age
    • Gameplay
    • Atmosphere
• 3. Reviewing Strategy
  • 3.1 Review Format
  • 3.2 Accuracy
  • 3.3 Locations
  • 3.4 Genealogy
• 4. Reviews - UK
  • 4.1 Federation II
  • 4.2 Gods
  • 4.3 MirrorWorld
  • 4.4 MUD2
  • 4.5 Shades
  • 4.6 AberMUG
  • 4.7 Avalon
  • 4.8 Bloodstone
  • 4.9 Empyrion
  • 4.10 MIST
  • 4.11 Mosaic
  • 4.12 Prodigy
  • 4.13 Quest
  • 4.14 Realm
  • 4.15 Trash
  • 4.16 Void
  • 4.17 Zone
  • 4.18 Chaos World of Wizards
  • 4.19 Rock
  • 4.20 Sector 7
  • 4.21 Other MUAs
• 5. Reviews - Rest of the World
  • 5.1 British Legends
  • 5.2 Gemstone III
  • 5.3 Other Commercial MUAs
  • 5.4 AberMUD
  • 5.5 LPMUD
  • 5.6 TinyMUD
  • 5.7 TinyMUCK
  • 5.8 TinyMUSH
  • 5.9 TinyMOO
  • 5.10 UberMUD
  • 5.11 Other InterNet MUAs
• 6. Reviews - Non-MUAs
  • 6.1 Fantasy Sports
  • 6.2 Island of Kesmai
  • 6.3 Sniper!
  • 6.4 The Spy
• 7. Discussion
  • 7.1 Organisation
  • 7.2 Why Do People Play?
  • 7.3 Why Do People Not Play?
  • 7.4 Why Do People Stop Playing?
  • 7.5 What Does the Future Hold?
  • 7.6 Conclusion