The Increasing Popularity of Online Role Playing

Players or participants of Role Laying Games assume the role of different fictional characters, more popularly known as avatars, and try to make these characters victorious with each challenge it faces.

These avatars can be customized and built according to the preferences of the player. They may determine where their character may excel. However, as the game progresses, the character may built up more strength and powers or otherwise.

Online role playing games also have guidelines and a formal system of rules and mechanics that needs to be met. Working around these rules, participants can shape the outcome and direction of their games.

Background

It was in the mid 1970s when it all started. Online role playing games was developed from its traditional counterparts (computer role playing games and video games). In this year, the earliest multi user games started to appear. In 1980, Rogue, a very famous dungeon crawler was released. It was quite different back then because monsters, items, and settings were represented by letters. Form then, development of a new genre of similar clones.

One of the most influential games among all online role playing games is Dungeons and Dragons. It has a big effect in the development of online RPGs. The success of Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest console games divided the genre of role playing games into two: the console role playing games and the computer role playing games. Cultural differences are the reason behind this classification. Game consoles are produced primarily for personal computers in Japan and role playing games in the Western World.

When it was introduced, Online Role Playing Games began as single player games. However the arrival of the internet and the virtual world made developments in online role playing games. After that, players from all over the world began to enjoy the games in this genre. They were able to participate in multiplayer games with players from all parts of the globe.

These games have grown to be an online gamer sensation that RPG companies discover ways to make it better. These improvements led multiplayer gaming into massively multiplayer online role playing games (MMORPGs) that continued to make online gaming more popular each year.

Challenges

These games are centered on stories which are more often than not, adventure and fictional in type. There are also centered on fantasy and mythological genres. Players have to reach a certain goal or complete a mission in order to advance further into the game. These missions and challenges are often called "quests".

Some of these involve chasing off dragons, fighting evil wizards and masters, and saving damsels in distress. The outcomes of these games are dependent on the characters strengths, characteristic, and skills.

Little More About the Avatars

As stated, players have the power to customize their characters according to their preferences. However, the improvement of there characters are highly dependent on the course of the game. Enhancing their character's skills, attributes, equipment, and special abilities are important so as to achieve the goal of the game.

Improvements and achievements are often given as rewards for accomplishing their quests and overcoming obstacles. In short, these rewards have to be earned.

Multiplayer Modes

Among the online role playing games, Diablo was the first to come up with multiplayer options. Multiplayer modes became popularity during the mid1990s. Then after, they became massively multiplayer online role playing games (MMORPGs) because of its popularity.