Was EverQuest the First MMO? Unraveling the History of Massively Multiplayer Online Games
The short answer is no, EverQuest was not the first MMO. While it undoubtedly revolutionized the genre and brought it to the mainstream in a way few other games had before, it stands on the shoulders of giants – specifically, the pioneers who tinkered with online worlds long before Norrath ever existed. EverQuest was certainly the MMO of its time, a formative title for countless gamers, and the first introduction to the genre for many, but it arrived on the scene after several other games had already established the foundations of what we recognize as a massively multiplayer online game.
Tracing the Roots: From MUDs to Graphical Worlds
The lineage of the MMO can be traced back to the humble MUDs (Multi-User Dungeons) of the late 1970s and early 1980s. These text-based adventures allowed players to interact in a shared virtual space, battling monsters, solving puzzles, and socializing with other players. Think of it as a digital role-playing experience akin to a tabletop game, but played entirely through text commands. Games Learning Society explores the intersection of games and education, a concept born in these early digital spaces. You can learn more about these dynamics on the GamesLearningSociety.org website.
Islands of Kesmai: A Commercial Precursor
One crucial milestone on the path to EverQuest was Islands of Kesmai, launched in 1984 on CompuServe. This is widely considered the first commercial multiplayer online role-playing game. Kesmai, while still relying on text-based graphics (ASCII art), offered players a persistent world to explore and a character progression system that foreshadowed later MMORPGs.
Neverwinter Nights: The First Graphical MMORPG
Then came Neverwinter Nights, the first graphical MMORPG. Developed by designer Don Daglow and programmer Cathryn Mataga, it went live on AOL in 1991 and remained active until 1997. This wasn’t the BioWare Neverwinter Nights you might be familiar with; this was a groundbreaking title that offered PC owners a real-time graphical world to explore with others. This alone puts it well ahead of EverQuest in terms of groundbreaking features.
Avalon: The Legend Lives
Another crucial precursor, though less widely known, is Avalon: The Legend Lives. Released in 1989, Avalon holds the distinction of being perhaps the oldest MMORPG still in operation today. It’s entirely text-based, but its complex systems and dedicated community have allowed it to thrive for decades. Avalon is a testament to the enduring appeal of shared virtual worlds.
EverQuest’s Legacy: Revolutionizing the Genre
While EverQuest wasn’t the first MMO, its impact on the genre is undeniable. Released in March 1999, it arrived at a time when personal computers were becoming increasingly powerful and internet access was becoming more widespread. This created the perfect storm for EverQuest to capture the imagination of millions.
EverQuest improved upon the ideas laid out by previous games, and brought the concept of a shared virtual world to a far wider audience than ever before. It was also the first popular title to emphasize group play and the development of complex character builds. Its stunning visuals and challenging gameplay helped establish the standard for future 3D MMORPGs. Raiding, heavily inspired by the text-based MUD DikuMUD, became a defining feature of EverQuest and subsequent MMOs like World of Warcraft.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the History of MMOs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the history of MMOs, covering topics such as their origins, important milestones, and the evolution of the genre.
1. What does MMO stand for?
MMO stands for Massively Multiplayer Online, referring to a game capable of supporting hundreds or thousands of players simultaneously in the same persistent world.
2. What is the difference between an MMO and an MMORPG?
An MMORPG is a specific type of MMO that incorporates role-playing game elements, such as character progression, quests, and a focus on narrative. Not all MMOs are MMORPGs; for example, a massively multiplayer online first-person shooter would be an MMO but not an MMORPG.
3. Who created Neverwinter Nights (the first graphical MMORPG)?
The first graphical MMORPG, Neverwinter Nights (the AOL version), was created by designer Don Daglow and programmer Cathryn Mataga.
4. When was EverQuest released?
EverQuest was released in March 1999.
5. Was EverQuest the first MMO with raids?
No, raiding originated in text-based MUDs, specifically DikuMUD, which then greatly influenced EverQuest. EverQuest then popularized raiding within 3D MMORPGs.
6. Which MMORPG has the biggest game world?
According to available data, Minecraft has the largest theoretical game world, estimated at 4 billion km2. However, in practical terms, the explorable area is usually much smaller in most implementations. Other notable large worlds include World War 2 Online and Lord of the Rings Online.
7. Which is the biggest MMORPG of all time (by popularity)?
Based on current player base and historical impact, World of Warcraft is generally considered the biggest MMORPG of all time. Final Fantasy XIV and Elder Scrolls Online are close contenders.
8. What are MUDs and why are they important to MMO history?
MUDs (Multi-User Dungeons) are text-based multiplayer online games that served as precursors to modern MMOs. They established core concepts like persistent worlds, player interaction, and character progression, providing the foundation upon which graphical MMOs were built.
9. Is Guild Wars 1 an MMO?
Yes, while Guild Wars 1 has instanced areas, and not a large open world like other MMOs, it still retains several standard tropes of the MMORPG genre, like exploring the game-world, killing monsters, performing quests and completing missions.
10. Is EverQuest still around in 2024?
Yes, as of 2024, EverQuest is still active with new content still being added and it maintains a dedicated player base.
11. What was Square Enix’s first MMORPG?
Square Enix’s (originally Square Co., LTD.) first MMORPG was Final Fantasy XI, which launched before Square merged with Enix to form Square Enix.
12. What is Square Enix’s best-selling game?
The Final Fantasy franchise, which is property of Square Enix, is their best-selling series, with over 173 million units sold as of March 2022. However, the best-selling individual Final Fantasy game is Final Fantasy XIV, with over 24 million registered players as of October 2021.
13. What is the oldest multiplayer game still running?
Avalon: The Legend Lives is considered the oldest multiplayer game still running, having launched in 1989.
14. Why was EverQuest so popular when it was released?
EverQuest was popular due to its immersive 3D world, challenging gameplay, strong emphasis on social interaction and group play, character creation, and the ability to craft a unique character to suit ones play style. It created a compelling and engaging virtual world that resonated with a large audience during the rise of the internet.
15. How did MUDs influence EverQuest?
EverQuest’s design and concept were heavily inspired by text-based MUDs, especially DikuMUD. EverQuest is considered a 3D evolution of the MUD genre, incorporating the core elements of exploration, combat, social interaction, and character progression into a graphical environment.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Innovation
EverQuest, while not the first MMO, played a crucial role in popularizing the genre and shaping its future. It’s a testament to the power of shared virtual experiences and the enduring appeal of online role-playing. From the text-based realms of MUDs to the expansive worlds of modern MMORPGs, the evolution of this genre is a fascinating story of technological innovation and the human desire for connection and adventure.