Difference between revisions of "Massively Multiplayer Online Game (MMOG)"

Revision as of 03:45, 10 February 2023

Massively multiplayer online game (MMOG or MMO) is a form of multiplayer video game which contains hundreds to thousands or even hundreds of thousand players on the same server. MMOs usually take place in an open world although there are many games that differ. Gamer can get access to these game by purchasing or installing the game on most network-capable platforms such as video game consoles, personal computer (PC), or even smartphones and many other devices. MMOs enable the ability to cooperate or compete with other players all over the world on a large scale. They includes a variety of online-only gameplay types, representing many video game genres, which overshadows the single player mode that many of the video games were originally designed around.

History

Virtual Worlds

A virtual world is an animated three-dimensional world created with computer graphics imagining (CGI) and other rendering software ^[1]. Users of a virtual world interact with each other through a representation of themselves called "avatars". The avatars are controlled by users input of mouse movement or keystrokes, where they can interact with objects within the virtual world. ^[2][3] A virtual had all the features: multi-user, different points of view, 3D graphics, bots, chat, IM, shooting and scoring. Additionally, a virtual worlds also provides sounds effect, chat, and even instant messaging in the environment, which allow it to be used for interaction and entertainment. Interaction-based virtual worlds are used for socializing, education or training purposes. Users would explore the world with the main ideas like debates, having seminars, or simply connect with other users. ^[1] Entertainment-based virtual worlds represent the majority of virtual worlds to date and are used for gaming purposes. Gaming worlds allow users to explore, cooperate, or even compete with other users. They are often influenced by fantasy or fiction like storylines, where each player can be the protagonist and acquire achievements while conquering the game.

Evolution

Although the most popular type of MMOG is the MMORPG, the first ever multiplayer online video game were Mazewar, coined in 1973. ^[4] Mazewar is a first-person multiplayer shooting game, in which players at different computer could visually interact in the virtual world and compete with each other. Players wanders around the maze and try to shoot the other player first. The ability to move around in first-person view was an innovation that set it apart from the more well known shooter games at the time.^[5] Since online games started with playing on a computer, old school MMOs are generally characterized by mostly mouse and keyboard gameplay, where players click on icons to cast spells, swing their swords, or use their abilities, and communicate with others by typing on their keyboards. As the world evolves, newer MMOs enable more direct control, allowing the players to have a better gaming experience as their avatars can move more smoothly with more realistic movements. The reason for this is because of the birth of video game consoles, newer MMOs aims to allow players to be more flexible with their access to the game, giving more direct control give players the ability to play the game on either a computer or a console.

Genres

With MMOG having hundreds or thousands of simultaneous players connected via the internet, designers and game developers do their best to create games that anyone can have access to. Unlike the old time where all of the online games were predominantly played on a computer, all the new gaming consoles like PS4, Xbox 360, Nintendo Dsi and Wii also provides internet connectivity ^[6]. The ability to play games become even easier with hand held mobile devices like the iPhone, Nokia, Samsung, etc. MMOGs also attract many players because they can meaningfully interact with thousands of people across the world. As Massively Multiplayer Online Games continue to grows and most games cannot be described as a single types, MMOGs were able to be classified as 15 different categories:

Role Playing

This is the most common type of MMOG, known as MMORPG. This type of game allow players to create an avatar and progress the game with it. Most MMORPGs have some type of fantasy theme that take place in the virtual world.^[7] It could be crime fictions, science fictions, sorcery and magic, etc. Developers try to implement thematic materials from comic books or movies and merge the storyline with the characters and quests that player and interact with. Not only that MMORPGs also allows players to select different characters and progress with it. Depending on their decision, they can open up a lot of different playstyles.

Battle Arena

Multiplayer Online Battle Arena or MOBA is a type of MMO that gives a more combat and strategy feel. Players can also select existing characters like MMORPGs, however, they do not need to progress or improve the characters, but rather come up with strategies to defeat other players. Although these games also hold thousands or even millions of players simultaneous, players are typically grouped together in a team of 4 to 5 players with the sole purpose of destroying the enemy base in a form of battle.^[8] Some of the most popular MOBAs include League of Legends, DotA 2 and Smite.

Real Time Strategy

Real Time Strategy is a type of game where players build up a base using various resources and in-game currency. The goal of MMORTS is to expand the base alone or by joining forces and engage with other players.^[9] Players progress simultaneously with each other in "real-time" as opposed to taking turns. In other games such as MMORPGs, the timing are sped up so that players can experience multiple in-game days within a few hours. For games like MMORTS, players have to wait in "real-time" in order to construct buildings and raise armies.

First Person Shooter

MMOFPS is very similar MOBA in the sense of choosing a character and compete against the opposing group using strategies while cooperating with other players within the team. However, MMOFPS requires players to be able to aim in first-person view, which set it aside from other type of MMOG. The game also includes other aspect like breathing or footstep sounds in additional to regular sounds effect. This can make a difference in the gameplay at a higher level. MMOFPS also focus a lot more on player's skill rather than statistic, as players have to aim accurately while moving around and think tactically.

Sports

Massively multiplayer online sports games (MMOS) simulate various sports, usually traditional major league sports, such as football, basketball, baseball, and others, and allow players to compete against each other in real-time. MMOS provide a social gaming experience, allowing players to interact with each other, form teams, and compete in tournaments and leagues. Players can control their own virtual athletes and use strategy and skill to win against other players. Some examples for this type of game including FIFA Online, NBA 2K, Rocket League.

Racing

Rythm/Dancing

Management

Socials

Bulletin Board

Puzzle

Collectible Card

Alternate Reality

Turn Based Strategy

Simulation

Ethical concerns

Cheating

Cyberbullying

Scamming

Violence

References

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1} Kayne, R. (2023, January 11). What is a Virtual World?. https://www.easytechjunkie.com/what-is-a-virtual-world.htm
2. ↑ Terdiman, D. (2006, November 10). A brief history of the virtual world. https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/a-brief-history-of-the-virtual-world/
3. ↑ Panilio, N., & Ali, R. (2020, August 16). What is Virtual World?. https://aciiid.com/what-is-virtual-world/
4. ↑ Olivetti, J. (2012, June 12). The Game Archaeologist: Maze War, the first online multiplayer shooter. https://www.engadget.com/2012-06-12-the-game-archaeologist-maze-war.html
5. ↑ Elmqvist , N. (2021, September 25). The Old Guard vs The New Generation: The Evolution Of The MMO. https://www.mmorpg.com/editorials/the-old-guard-vs-the-new-generation-the-evolution-of-the-mmo-2000123159
6. ↑ Majhi, S. (2011, May 23). 16 Different Types of Massively Multiplayer (MMO) Online Games. https://www.dragonblogger.com/16-types-massively-multiplayer-mmo-online-games/
7. ↑ Khristopher, Y. (2022, January 2). 4 Characteristics That Make MMORPGs Stand Out. https://www.androidheadlines.com/2022/01/4-characteristics-mmorpgs-stand-out.html/
8. ↑ Nelson, H. (2020, March 22). Esports Explained: MOBA. https://www.kemperlesnik.com/2020/03/esports-explained-mobas/
9. ↑ Hoekstra, K. (2022, October 20). What Is an RTS game? A Guide To Real-Time Strategy. https://www.historyhit.com/gaming/what-is-an-rts-game-a-guide-to-real-time-strategy/