As might be expected, a multiplayer online video game is one in which more than one person can play at the same time, over the Internet.
Multiplayer games use the networking capabilities of the Internet to allow different players to play together in the same game environment, working cooperatively with another human player or team of players, or competing against other players. Multiplayer games allow players to interact with other people in the game, in partnership, rivalry, or competition, and generally, include a means of player communication within the game.
In contrast, early video games were single-player games, pitting one human player against preprogrammed challenges or opponents powered by artificial intelligence. Competition, where it existed, was turn-based or involved players competing for high scores. Fairly early on, two-player games were developed, in which two players compete against one another, using dual game controllers. In 1985 and 1986, Gauntlet and Quartet introduced four-player gaming through arcade devices with consoles broad enough to allow for four sets of controls.
These types of games still exist and continue to be popular, but multiplayer games can allow thousands or even millions of players to be involved in the same game, the larger multiplayer games known as massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPG), which are covered in a subcategory of this category.
Multiplayer games include asynchronous games, in which players do not have to be playing at the same time, allowing players to compete when they are able to play.
The first large-scale multiplayer games used a single computer, a DECsystem-1090, at the University of New Hampshire. A space-themed game (STAR), a dungeons-and-dragons game (CAVE), and a warfare game using ships, submarines, and helicopters (OCEAN), allowed multiple players to compete using hundreds of terminals, using shared memory technology.
One of the first multiplayer video games played over a Local Area Network (LAN) was Spectre, released for the Apple Macintosh in 1991, which supported up to eight players. Originally played over BBS networks, Doom allowed four players to play simultaneously.
Networked multiplayer games, known as netplay, eliminated problems of lag and anonymity. Play-by-email multiplayer games used email to communicate between computers, and turn-based variations didn't require players to be online at the same time.
Many games include both single-player and multiplayer modes. Others, such as MUDs and massively multiplayer online games (MMOGs) don't include a single-player mode. As first-person shooter games have become popular multiplayer games, some of them have little or no single-player capabilities.
Many multi-player games are played through web browsers, while game consoles also support networked gaming over LANs and the Internet, and mobile phone play takes place through Bluetooth or similar technologies.
Whatever the technology or platform, the focus of resources in this category is on multiplayer games, while role-playing games or massively multiplayer online role-playing games are sorted into a subcategory.
Another type of game that will be listed here, at least temporarily, are massively multiplayer online (MMO) games. Simply put, an MMO is an online multiplayer game which a huge number of people can play simultaneously. Rather than playing against a handful of players, you play against thousands or millions of other players at the same time.
MMO games differ from MMORPG games in that massively multiplayer online roleplaying games are role-playing games, while an MMO game is not necessarily an RPG. While an MMORPG is an MMO, an MMO is not necessarily an MMORPG.
Multiplayer Online Roleplaying Games (MORPGs) and MMORPGs are listed in a separate category in order to differentiate them as being in the roleplaying genre.
Most MMO games are roleplaying games, but an MMO isn't necessarily a roleplaying game. For the purpose of categorization, MMOs that are not roleplaying games will be listed here. If we list enough non-roleplaying MMOs to justify separating them into their own category, we will do so.
So, as it stands, multiplayer online games (MOGs) and massively multiplayer online games (MMOGs) will be listed in this category, while those of the roleplaying genre will be separated into the MORPGs/MMORPGs subcategory.
Categories
MORPGs/MMORPGsMUD Games |
Recommended Resources
Featuring a multiplayer snake game in 3D. Based on the light cycle sequence from Tron, the open-source game is available for the AmigaOS, Linux, macOS, Microsoft Windows, and OpenBSD operating systems. The game includes a customizable playing arena, HUD, unique graphics, and artificial intelligence bots, with new game modes and a wide variety of tweak able physics settings for advanced players. The game can be downloaded from the site.
http://www.armagetronad.org/
Named for Battle Zone capture the Flag, the free, open-source multiplayer tank game was created in 1992, originally as a simple shooter game with no other modes, but added the capture the flag mode in 1993, adding a requirement of strategy, teamwork, and skill to the game. Currently, the game is still centered around tanks, which players drive through a server-defined world, the objective being to destroy the tanks of opponents, which are tanks of another team's color.
https://www.bzflag.org/
Creating games for girls of all ages, many of which are based on the Nancy Drew book series or on the Nancy Drew character, including scary games, mystery adventure games, and shop games, which may be played online. The site also includes a blog, membership message boards, a newsletter, and social media links. Games are built for computer or mobile use, Windows or Mac, iOS, Android, or Kindle, and may be purchased online, along with other promotional products.
https://www.herinteractive.com/
The free-to-play browser game is a breeding simulation with horses. Developed by Owlient, the game is currently maintained by Ubisoft. Endorsed by prominent equestrians, the online multiplayer game has millions of players, with versions in English, French, German, and Spanish. New players may sign up through Facebook, and the game is available for iPhone and Android mobile devices, as well. Within the game, players can purchase passes for in-game purchases.
https://www.howrse.com/
Created in 2003, Kings of Chaos is an online multiplayer game in which each player is in command of an army of humans, elves, dwarves, orcs, hobbits, or the undead, the objective being to manage the army and defeat enemies. Players may register for the game and play through this portal. Other resources include player rankings, a guide to playing the game, an online discussion forum, chat, and a store offering promotional apparel and other items.
https://www.kingsofchaos.com/
Featuring more than twenty virtual worlds and dress-up dolls, MaraPets is a free virtual pet site visited by children, teens, and adults, who play games, socialize and take part in online community events and contests. Each player is encouraged to customize their own profile, create their own player website, and dress up their own cartoon doll. Virtual worlds are populated with games, shops, and activities, and players may train, teach, battle, and look after their own MaraPets.
https://www.marapets.com/
Released in 2003, the turn-based strategy video game is set in a fantasy world in which players attempt to assemble a powerful army by controlling villages and defeating enemies for experience points. The free software is available under the GPLv2 license, and for a variety of operating system platforms, including Steam. A full instruction manual and tutorial is featured in several languages, news and updates are posted, and a community discussion forum is included.
http://www.wesnoth.org/
Abbreviated 2PMode, the site is targeted toward fans of two-player games, offering hundreds of two-player mode games, although some multiplayer games are included, as well. Offering games that cover a wide range of video game genres, its site include browser games based on Flash, HTML 5, Shockwave, and Unity, intended to be played online, as well as downloadable games for the PC. Games are sorted by genre, as well as multiplayer and download. Editor's picks are highlighted.
http://www.twoplayermode.com/
Owned by Ganz, Webkinz World is a virtual world game for boys and girls aged six and up. Within the game, players will discover a virtual world of fun, caring, and learning, while they adopt and play with virtual pets, decorate rooms, play games, collect prizes, and chat with their friends. Featuring more than a thousand virtual pets to adopt, more than fifteen thousand items to collect, and more than a hundred games and activities. Membership options are defined.
https://www.webkinz.com/
In business since 1999, WorldWinner is a cross-platform gaming site that sponsors tournaments for web and mobile web platforms, offering competitive cash prizes. Players are required to make a deposit, with no subscription fees or obligations to make future deposits. They then pick a tournament, compete on a level, skills-based, playing field, and withdraw their winnings. Players may practice for free, and promotional offers may be available.
https://www.worldwinner.com/
