From the 70s to today

The evolution of multiplayer online games

(Bild: Krone KREATIV)

Passionate gamers are spoiled for choice with the huge variety of multiplayer online games available today. From intense battle royales such as "Fortnite" and "PUBG" to strategic MOBAs such as "Dota 2" and "League of Legends" to captivating MMORPGs such as "World of Warcraft" and "Final Fantasy XIV" - the choice is huge. The free browser games on krone.at, such as Goodgame Empire or Conflict of Nations, are also very popular. The development in this area is rapid, with constant innovations, releases and sequels that are constantly expanding and renewing the landscape of online games. But how did it all begin?

The beginnings in the 1970s
The journey of multiplayer online games began in the 1970s. One of the first games of this type was "MUD" (Multi-User Dungeon), developed in 1978. MUD stands for Multi-User Dungeon and is a text-based role-playing game. The players connect via a computer network and can interact with each other in real time. The special thing about MUDs is that they are completely text-based; there are no graphics or sound effects. The game world, the adventures, the interactions and the story are described solely by text, which the players read and react to. MUDs are considered the forerunners of modern massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs). They laid the foundation for the development of games that bring together thousands of players simultaneously in a shared virtual world.

The 1980s and early 1990s
In the 1980s and early 1990s, technological advances and the increasing use of computers brought significant innovations to the field of multiplayer online games. Games such as "Island of Kesmai" and "Neverwinter Nights" introduced graphical elements and further developed the interaction possibilities between players. These games offered real-time interactions and persistent worlds where players' actions had lasting effects. These worlds continued to evolve even when a player was not online. Additionally, game mechanics became more complex, including improved combat systems and deeper narratives that intensified the player experience. These developments not only made the games more accessible, but also more immersive, laying another foundation for the complex MMORPGs that followed.

Rise of MMORPGs in the 1990s
The 1990s marked the rise of MMORPGs (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games), with groundbreaking games such as "Ultima Online" (1997) and "EverQuest" (1999). These games introduced huge, persistent worlds in which thousands of players could interact simultaneously. The introduction of player economies and ongoing character development set standards that are common in online role-playing games today. Player economies in MMORPGs allow players to collect, craft and trade items, resulting in a player-driven economy. These economies are based on trade between players and pricing through supply and demand. Players can take on economic roles such as traders or craftsmen and interact economically with each other by trading or competing.

(Bild: Krone KREATIV)

2000s and the boom through broadband internet
At the beginning of the 21st century, the spread of broadband internet revolutionized the online gaming industry. Games such as "World of Warcraft" and "League of Legends" benefited greatly from faster and more stable internet connections. These technological advances made it possible to develop games with more complex graphics and more dynamic online interactions. Players experienced less lag and disconnections, resulting in a smoother and more engaging gaming experience. This fundamentally changed online gaming and attracted millions of players worldwide.

The recent evolution of multiplayer
In recent years, multiplayer online games have undergone significant development and now cover a wide range of genres. Particularly popular are battle royale games such as "Fortnite" and "PUBG", which have attracted millions of players worldwide. Technological advances in cloud gaming, represented by platforms such as Google Stadia and Microsoft xCloud, have made it possible to stream games without the need for expensive hardware, increasing accessibility and flexibility in gaming.

In addition, the Steam platform, as the leading digital distribution platform, has made access to a variety of multiplayer games much easier. Steam not only promotes the networking of gamers through community features, but also provides a central platform for purchasing and managing games. At the same time, smartphone apps have broadened the spectrum of online gaming by bringing complex multiplayer experiences to mobile devices. Games such as "Clash of Clans" and "Among Us" show that sophisticated and interactive gaming experiences are also possible on smartphones.

Influence and significance
The history of multiplayer online games is a history of technological innovation and community building. The genre has not only shaped the gaming industry, but also the cultural influence of games. This ranges from epic music to famous voice actors and extensive merchandising.

Multiplayer online games, such as Goodgame Big Farm or other free browser games on krone.at, have developed into a global phenomenon and created a special kind of cross-border interaction. Players form virtual alliances and make real-life friends across language barriers and time zones.