Multi-user dungeon

Introduction

A Multi-User Dungeon (MUD) is a type of online multiplayer game that combines elements of role-playing games, hack and slash, player versus player, interactive fiction, and online chat. MUDs are part of the larger category of MMO Games, and they were among the first internet-based games to achieve widespread popularity.

A screenshot of a text-based MUD game, showing the game's text descriptions and player commands.

History

The history of MUDs dates back to the late 1970s, with the creation of MUD1 by Roy Trubshaw and Richard Bartle at the University of Essex, England. Inspired by text-based adventure games such as Adventure and D&D, they created a game that could be played by multiple users in real-time over a network.

Gameplay

MUDs are primarily text-based, with players interacting with the game world and each other through typed commands. The game world is usually described in text, and players can interact with objects, NPCs (Non-Player Characters), and other players in the game world. Some MUDs also incorporate graphics or other multimedia elements, but the focus is primarily on text.

Types of MUDs

There are several types of MUDs, each with its own unique gameplay features and focus. These include:

Hack and Slash MUDs

These MUDs focus on combat and loot, with players battling monsters and other players to gain experience points and items. Examples include Achaea and BatMUD.

Role-Playing MUDs

In these MUDs, players are encouraged to develop their characters and interact with others in a role-playing context. Examples include Armageddon and Harshlands.

Social MUDs

These MUDs focus on social interaction, with less emphasis on combat or questing. Examples include FurryMUCK and LambdaMOO.

Educational MUDs

Some MUDs are designed with educational purposes in mind, using the interactive and social aspects of the game to teach various subjects. Examples include Moose Crossing and Diversity University.

Impact and Influence

MUDs have had a significant impact on the development of online games, particularly MMORPGs (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games) like WoW and EQ. Many of the features found in modern MMORPGs, such as guilds, quests, and player versus player combat, were first popularized in MUDs.