MUD

Draft

Definition

• A 'MUD is a "Multi-User Dungeon", i.e. a text-based virtual reality within which one can fight monsters and other players. If used in a different context, MUDs can also mean "Multi-User Dimension". In this case you can "play" being someone else or just socialize...

Too large definition (DSchneider doesn't agree with it:

• Short for Multi-User Dungeon (or Multi-User Dimension) a cyberspace where users can take on an online identity in the form of an avatar and interact with one another. Originally, MUDs tended to be adventure games played within enormous old castles with hidden rooms, trap-doors, exotic beasts, and magical items. Nowadays, the term is used more generically to refer to any cyberspace. MUDs are also known as 3-D worlds and chat worlds. (WeboPedia retrieved 15:23, 27 May 2006 (MEST)).

Too short definition:

• A computer program, usually running over the Internet, that allows multiple users to participate in virtual-reality role-playing games. (answers.com)

History

• Interestingly enough, it seems the the first MUD-like system ran on the educational PLATO system.
• The first known MUD was created in 1978 by Roy Trubshaw and Richard Bartle at Essex University.
• Late 80' and early 90', birth of many systems to support either Dungeons and Dragons gaming or social role playing
• Early 90' increasingly sophisticated internal programming langauges (i.e. players could not just play but program the system from within the system (see e.g. MOOs.
• Late 90's: MMORPGs (although the concept was pionneered much earlier by Lucas Film Habitat (see virtual habitat).

Systems and technology

Variants

(more needed)

• A popular variant in education are MOOs.

Clients

Must MUDs can be accessed with a generic client. However, some MUDS work better with certains clients (e.g. that support extra features). Before you select a client, better consult recommendations from people run a MUD server (or build the server technology being used).

• The Mud Connector has somewhere a large list.
• Mac OS MUD Zone

Links

• Wikipedia: MUD (read this for a good overview and further pointers to other interesting Wikipedia articles).
• The MUD Connector Large portal, within you find lots of informations from now dead sites, e.g. the MUD FAQ.