Multi-user dungeon: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 08:47, 8 July 2002

Revision as of 08:48, 8 July 2002

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'''MUD''' is a [[acronym]] for ''m''ulti-''u''ser ''d''ungeon (or ''d''imension), a [[role-playing game|role-playing]] [[computer]] [[game]] that runs on a [[bulletin board system]] or [[Internet]] server. Many people may connect simultaneously. Once connected, players control a character. They see textual descriptions of rooms, objects, other characters, and computer-controlled creatures or NPCs (''n''on-''p''layer ''c''haracters) in a virtual world. Players may interact with each other and the surroundings by typing commands that resemble plain [[English]].

Most MUDs implement a [[fantasy]] world populated by [[elf|elves]], [[goblin]]s, and other [[mythology|mythical]] beings. Players pretend to be [[knight]]s, [[sorcerer]]s, and the like. The goal of the game is to slay [[monster]]s and complete quests. Some MUDs have a [[science fiction]] setting. Most MUDs are run as [[hobby]] and are free to players. Still others, especially thoses which are based on [[MOO]]'s are used in [[distance learningeducation]] or to allow for virtual conferences.

The popularity of MUDs escalated in the [[USA]] during the [[1980s]], when (relatively speaking) cheap, at-home PCs with 300 to 2400 baud [[modem]]s enabled role players to log into multi-line BBSes. In [[Europe]], MUD development and use centered around academic networks around the same time. The MUD scene is still very much alive on the Internet, accessed via telnet. Specialized telnet clients exist that give a more pleasant user experience.