Massive multi-player online games have existed almost as long as the Internet itself. A history of MMORPGs would include text-based role-playing games and small multi-player online games, both of which continue to find success within their respective demographics. Many games claim to be the first MMORPG, and an exact chronology can be difficult to trace, particularly when factoring in the beta versions of games along with commercial release dates.
Who Was the First?
Although Ultima Online is frequently credited with being the first official MMORPG, Neverwinter Nights was the real original. Launched in 1991, Neverwinter Nights started relatively small, with servers supporting only 50 players at a time. By its final days in 1997, Neverwinter Nights had over 100,000 active players. Nexus: The Kingdom of the Winds reached massive status quicker than its predecessors after its initial launch in 1996. This game also surpassed Neverwinter Nights' standard for the "massive" qualification. Ultima Online (UO) is frequently credited as the first MMORPG because of its record-breaking popularity and longevity. Though not as popular as it once was, UO can still be played online. Due to the massive success of UO, many more MMORPGs were able to receive attention and funding. As such, many credit Ultimate Online as the actual grandfather of the genre.
What About Free MMORPGs?
Tibia, one of the first free MMORPGs, also predated Ultimate Online by several months. Other early free games include Maple Story and RuneScape. All three of these early free MMORPGs have undergone extensive revisions and are still available for online play.
Where are MMORPGs now?
The culture of MMORPGs has grown rapidly. As Internet speeds and game-developing technology advanced, so did the quality and number of available games. Players flocked to the games that had the most to offer, encouraging existing games to continue creating new worlds, items and quests. User demands explain why games like World of Warcraft have made such advancements within their own platform. Initially a small online game launched in 1994, World of Warcraft is among the most recognizable MMORPGs, boasting one of the largest and most dedicated player bases. By releasing new expansions, World of Warcraft and other MMORPGs are able to keep pace with updates in gaming technology and culture, keeping their customers loyal and satisfied. Despite changes in graphics, subscription costs and virtual contents, the basics of MMORPGs have remained the same and continue to captivate a large and dedicated online gaming audience.