Massively Multiplayer Online Game (MMOG)

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A 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. Gamers can get access to these games by purchasing or installing the game on most network-capable platforms such as video game consoles, personal computers (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 include a variety of online-only gameplay types, representing many video game genres, which became a lot more popular than 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 . 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. A virtual had all the features: multi-user, different points of view, 3D graphics, bots, chat, IM, shooting and, scoring. Additionally, a virtual world also provides sound effects, chat, and even instant messaging in the environment, which allows 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 connecting with other users. 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 was Mazewar, coined in 1973. Mazewar is a first-person multiplayer shooting game, in which players at different computers could visually interact in the virtual world and compete with each other. Players wander 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.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 aim to allow players to be more flexible with their access to the game, allowing more direct control gives 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 provide internet connectivity. MMOGs also attract many players because they can interact with thousands of people across the world on hand held mobile devices like the iPhone, Nokia, Samsung, etc.

Role Playing

This is the most common type of MMOG, known as MMORPG. This type of game allows players to create an avatar and progress the game with it. Most MMORPGs have some type of fantasy theme that takes place in the virtual world. It could be crime fiction, science fiction, sorcery, magic, etc. Developers try to implement thematic materials from comic books or movies and merge the storyline with the characters and quests that players interact with. Not only that, but MMORPGs also allow players to select different characters and progress with them. 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 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 simultaneously, 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.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 engaging with other players. Players progress simultaneously with each other in "real-time" as opposed to taking turns. In other games such as MMORPGs, the timing is 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 to MOBA in the sense of choosing a character and competing 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 sets it aside from other types of MMOG. The game also includes other aspects like breathing or footstep sounds in addition to regular sound effects. This can make a difference in the gameplay at a higher level. MMOFPS also focuses a lot more on a player's skill rather than statistics, 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 provides 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 of this type of game include FIFA Online, NBA 2K, and Rocket League.

Racing

Massively multiplayer online racing games (MMORGs) are video games that allow a large number of players to participate in a virtual car or bike races over the internet. These games allow players to compete against each other in real time, using a variety of vehicles and tracks. MMORGs often provide a social gaming experience, allowing players to interact with each other, form teams, and compete in tournaments and leagues. These games typically feature realistic physics, graphics, and sound effects, providing players with an immersive racing experience. Besides that, the games also have features like buying, selling, and personalizing a car in the garage with the in-game cash, competing online, unlocking new racing game track designs, driving openly anywhere, and having different game modes like drift, drag, sprint, circuit, time-lapse, and even freestyle are what grab a player's attention and help the game propel to the next level of success and popularity.

Rythm/Dancing

These games challenge players to perform musical actions, such as tapping buttons in time with the beat of a song, in order to score points and progress through the game. MMRGs often feature a wide variety of music genres, from classic rock to hip-hop to electronic dance music, and provide players with a social gaming experience, allowing them to interact with each other and compete in online tournaments and events. Rhythm games demand your attention visually, sonically, and physically in a way that’s wholly unique to the art forms of both music and video games.

Management

Management game types put players in the role of a manager or leader, and make decisions that will impact their virtual organization or community. MMOMGs can simulate various types of organizations, including businesses, sports teams, and governments.

Bulletin Board and Puzzle

Just like a normal bulletin board and puzzle games, these games typically involve players moving game pieces around a board or solving puzzles, with the objective being to achieve a specific goal or reach a certain state. Bulletin board and puzzle games can be played by two or more players and can range in complexity from simple games that are quick to play, to more complex games that require strategy and problem-solving skills. Although it's a type of board game, these games can also be classified as MMOG as nowadays developers have allowed players to enjoy this type of game online by being able to quickly match with other people around the world.

Collectible Card

Massively Multiplayer Online Collectible Card Games revolve around collectible cards from fictional movies or fantasies. These games require players to collect and build decks of cards that represent different characters, abilities, and spells and then use those decks to compete against other players in online matches.

Alternate Reality

Alternate reality games (ARGs), also sometimes called pervasive games or transmedia storytelling, are designed to combine real-life and digital gameplay elements. ARGs are typically designed as immersive, interactive experiences that involve a combination of elements such as websites, telephone numbers, live events, and other real-world elements, along with traditional video game elements such as puzzles and challenges. The goal of an ARG is to create a sense of immersion for the player, making them feel as if they are part of a larger story that is unfolding in the real world. ARGs often have a narrative structure, and players are encouraged to work together and collaborate to solve puzzles and progress through the game. The outcome of an ARG is often influenced by the actions and decisions of the players, making each play-through a unique and personal experience.

Turn Based Strategy

Massively Multiplayer Online Turn Based Strategy Games (MMOTBS) is just like the name suggests. Players take turns in making moves and issuing commands to compete against each other, and the outcome of each match is determined by the choice and tactics made by each player. MMOTBS games often feature elements of resource management and base building, and players must carefully balance their military forces, economy, and technological development in order to succeed. The goal of these games is typically to defeat other players and conquer territory, or to achieve some other victory condition, such as controlling a certain number of cities or acquiring a certain amount of resources.

Simulation

Massively multiplayer online simulation games (MMOS) are video games that allow players to experience and participate in virtual simulations of real-world scenarios and activities. In these games, players interact with a virtual environment and other players in real time, and can control a variety of characters, objects, and systems within the simulation. MMOS games often feature elements of life simulation, strategy, and role-playing, and allow players to get involved in real-life situations and learn more about the processes behind them such as running a business, managing a city, or piloting an aircraft. The goal of these games is often to achieve a specific objective or to advance through various levels and challenges, and players must make strategic decisions and take action in order to succeed.

Ethical concerns

Addiction

MMOs can be highly addictive as players are able to make new friends and immerse themselves in the virtual world of their dreams. Addicted gamers also often find it difficult to separate their game from the rest of their life, which means they may let a loss in the game ruin their day or make them upset enough to break real-world belongings. Addiction can cause harm to both players' physical and mental health. Gamers with an MMO addiction often neglect their health and hygiene, because taking showers, eating, and even sleeping would cut into their game time. Not only that, but players can also become aggressive, due to frustrations or negativity from other players. They may punch holes in a wall, throw their computer monitor or break their desk or even threaten other players.

Exploitation

Many MMOs are free with in-game currency that players can purchase with real money to obtain things or progress the game faster. However, some MMOs are designed to be pay-to-win, meaning players who are willing to pay real money will gain an advantage that usually creates a massive power difference between them and players who just want to play the game to earn what they want. This results in exploitation of vulnerable players and a lack of fairness in the game. Not only that, these kinds of games may also add on to a player's addiction as they will need to put in a lot more time to catch up to players who are putting in money. Young players may also use credit cards or money from family to fund their addiction, which is an issue that tends not to go away until the problem is recognized and treated.

Virtual violence

Some MMOs feature violent content, and players may be exposed to graphic violence or other types of adult content. This ethical concern is particularly problematic for minors and vulnerable individuals. A large group of research psychologists believe that the evidence is clear that people who play violent video games have more aggressive thoughts, beliefs and behaviors than people who don’t.

Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is the most common ethical concern with MMOG. MMOs often feature large communities of players, where the environment is very competitive and adrenaline is at an all-time high. Many MMOs also require cooperation between players in order to win the game, and so players generally face verbal harassment in multiplayer lobbies and in-game chats when they aren't performing as expected. New players are constantly subject to abuse due to their lack of skills, amongst many other reasons. There are also many other forms of harassment and toxic behavior, which can have a negative impact on the game experience and the well-being of other players.

Gambling

Gambling is another ethical concern that can have a large effect on minors and vulnerable individuals. Some MMOs feature virtual economies where players can buy and sell virtual goods, and some games include elements of gambling, such as loot boxes or virtual casinos. Loot boxes is a type of virtual “box” that players can purchase with in-game or real-life money. Players do not know exactly what they will get until they purchase and open the box. This could also cause addiction as players will try to buy multiple boxes to get what they want. Although virtual casinos provide plenty of virtual fun and excitement for those looking to test their skill or try their luck, they can also cause misunderstandings and promote gambling to individuals that are not ready to carry the responsibility of getting into gambling.