| Massive Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games or | | | | Real time chat is usually available, typed messages |
| MMORPG's as they are more commonly known, | | | | can be displayed to other players in and round |
| are role playing games which bring together large | | | | your location. Additionally it is common for |
| numbers of players via the internet. | | | | MMORPG's to allow trade between players as well |
| A defining feature of MMORPG's is that they all | | | | as combat, duels and team work. |
| offer a persistent virtual world in which to play. | | | | Playing As A Group |
| These worlds often support thousands of | | | | A great aspect of playing an MMORPG is that |
| simultaneous players, all of whom are playing a | | | | nearly every game provides a system for players |
| single character in the game. | | | | to work together. This can be teaming up to |
| What Does This Mean? | | | | tackle difficult enemies or pooling resources in |
| In a MMORPG you take control of a character | | | | order to advance the goals of the team. Such |
| (often known as an avatar) and guide its actions | | | | groups are known as clans or guilds. |
| within the game. Most games offer an experience | | | | Games Within Games |
| based level system - a player guides their | | | | MMORPGS provide players with many different |
| character through certain tasks, such as killing a | | | | paths to follow and the players of the game |
| monster, and in return their ability to repeat | | | | literally define the world they play in. This includes |
| similar tasks increases. This is usually represented | | | | many items within games being created by the |
| by an overall skill level associated to the | | | | players themselves using gathered resources. |
| character, and sub levels representing individual | | | | This process is called Crafting, and is a very |
| skills. | | | | popular alternative to playing a combat orientated |
| As the worlds are persistent your skills are saved, | | | | character. Rather that dominate physically, |
| meaning that the time and effort invested into | | | | crafters are usually very wealthy in terms of |
| the game is permanently reflected in your | | | | in-game assets - selling their goods for game |
| character. | | | | currency or other items. |
| For example if you played a combat orientated | | | | Online or Offline? |
| game your overall ability to fight may be | | | | Offline games are great for relaxation and |
| represented by a Combat Level - this level would | | | | enjoyment, but they can not offer the |
| increase each time you gained a pre-determined | | | | combination of depth and social interaction that |
| number of experience points, granting more | | | | MMORPG's provide. Character progression is the |
| powerful abilities and skills. When you logout of the | | | | essential ingredient letting you concentrate on the |
| game everything is remembered so next time | | | | aspects of the game you enjoy without worrying |
| you play you can start from where you left off. | | | | about those you don't. |
| Online | | | | Every character starts with similar levels and skills, |
| As MMORPG's connect thousands of players with | | | | but quickly you will personalize your character |
| the same virtual world central game servers | | | | meaning few others will be exactly like you. |
| provide a synchronized experience for everybody. | | | | If you love playing computer games then try an |
| This means if you killed a specific monster then it | | | | MMORPG. Once you start playing you will never |
| would not only vanish from your screen, but also | | | | look back. |
| from that of all the other players. | | | | |