Is the Metaverse Here? The Continuous Rise of MMOs and Virtual Worlds (Part 1)
Massive Multiplayer Online Games already have “metaverse” characteristics, such as real-time, 3D, interactive, social, and persistent environments. Could they become “the metaverse”?
Massive multiplayer online games (MMOs) have existed for more than 30 years, from the earliest text-based adventures like Island of Kesmai (1985)— although not “massive” by current standards — to huge, lore-filled 3D worlds such as World of Warcraft (2004); online virtual worlds have grown in significance over time.
The metaverse is usually described as “the evolution of the internet in 3D”, or, as Unity CEO John Riccitiello puts it, “the next generation of the internet that is always real-time, mostly 3D, mostly interactive, mostly social, and mostly persistent”. Given that MMOs already share some of these characteristics, the question arises: Are MMOs “metaverses”?
They are certainly preliminary versions, or “betaverses”. Within these persistent virtual worlds, users control avatars and interact with each other in real-time, whether it’s for socializing and community building, competition and achievements, or gameplay and immersion (see more in Jon Radoff’s Game Player Motivations).
Throughout history, there have been numerous iterations of MMOs, each one growing in audience and immersion while getting closer to the ultimate “metaverse” vision that rivals reality. With the recent hype surrounding the concept, virtual worlds are once again in the spotlight, and their impact is more relevant than ever.
So, dear reader, buckle up for a journey through time that will provide you a glimpse into the future of “the metaverse” as we explore virtual worlds that defined eras (and consumed significant portions of our lives) while examining how they laid the building blocks for the metaverse.
Pioneers (1980s–1990s)
From text-based online games to the first 2D and 3D virtual worlds, this generation of visionaries set the foundations for decades to come.
We start off with Avalon (1989), a text-based multiplayer online game that has been online ever since, earning the title of the longest-running online role-playing game.
It pioneered features now common in virtual worlds, such as player-run guilds and cities with working economies, persistent worlds, and player versus player (PvP) combat.
Despite the lack of graphics, Avalon’s rich player-driven history demonstrates the power of human connections on the internet to shape and influence a virtual realm.
Then came graphics in Neverwinter Nights (1991), recognized as the first MMO to display them. For the first time, players could customize their avatars, explore graphically rendered environments, and interact with others online.
During its peak, the game had 115,000 players, and its popularity grew in part due to player-led events. Unfortunately, Neverwinter Nights was shut down in 1997, but its impact on the evolution of MMOs cannot be overstated. Its pioneering use of graphics, as well as the success of guild-hosted events, demonstrated the value of social interaction and community building in MMOs.
Ultima Online (1997) was one of the first MMOs that allowed players to explore a vast and open fantasy world, complete quests, and engage in PvP combat.
At its peak, it had an estimated 300,000 active subscribers and was recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the first MMORPG to reach 100,000 players. It still has an active community and loyal fan base, and several books (1, 2, 3) written on the adventures and stories of old.
Ultima Online’s success demonstrates how virtual worlds and communities can thrive beyond the confines of the game world and last for decades.
Tibia Online (1997), another pioneer in open-world fantasy games, reached an estimated 250,000 active players at its peak. One of its standout features was its intense PvP combat, where player killing and wars were commonplace, demonstrating that the human traits for conflict and escalation are also present in the virtual realm and will probably be in the metaverse.
Like other MMOs, it is filled with its own unique set of lore and stories, as well as long-lasting communities, with guilds celebrating their 24th anniversaries, a testament to the enduring power of the virtual realm.
EverQuest (1999), one of the first massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) to gain widespread popularity, had an impressive half a million active subscribers at its peak. With 29 expansions released to date, it is one of the longest-running MMOs of all time.
With a focus on player versus environment (PvE) combat and its challenging gameplay, it allowed players to cooperate to overcome bosses and dungeons. EverQuest inspired many MMORPGs, such as World of Warcraft and still has a dedicated player base that continues to play the game to this day, despite its age.
More pioneering MMOs from this era include Meridian 59 (1996), Furcadia (1996), Nexus: The Kingdom of the Winds (1996), The 4th Coming (1998), Lineage (1998), Asheron’s Call (1999), and many more, some still running today.
All in all, despite technical challenges of the time, such as low graphic quality, unreliable and expensive internet connections, and a small user base, virtual worlds from this era left a valuable lesson:
Without players, virtual worlds are nothing but meaningless pixels. It is the players’ stories and communities that give them meaning.
In Part 2, we will explore virtual worlds (2000–2010) that built on the foundations of these pioneers, reaching new record-breaking audiences on increasingly immersive and complex virtual worlds.
Subscribe to stay tuned for Part 2, follow me on Twitter, or connect on LinkedIn.
Bonus
Neopets (1999), although not an MMO, is a browser-based 2D virtual pet world that allows players to create and take care of virtual pets.
With many pets and items available, this is a preliminary version of how digital items can have value when paired with a user base that actually spends time in the game (a valuable lesson to the NFT craze).
As of 2021, it registered a trillion page views. With frequent updates and events, Neopets has managed to maintain a loyal following for over two decades.
