massively multiplayer online game
Quick Summary
A massively multiplayer online game (MMO) is an online game that supports a very large number of players simultaneously in a persistent virtual world. These games require an internet connection to log into a server that hosts the game world, often needing many servers for large player bases.123
Key characteristics of MMOS include:
* Persistence: The game world continues to exist and evolve even when players are not logged in.2
* Social Interaction: Players interact with thousands of others worldwide, making social networking a significant aspect of the experience.3
* Economic Systems: Many MMOS feature virtual economies where in-game items and currency can be earned, traded, and sometimes exchanged for real money.3
* Subscription Models: While some games are free-to-play with advertisements, many operate on a subscription basis, requiring a monthly fee.3
MMOS have evolved from early text-based "multiuser dungeons" (MUDs) to sophisticated graphical environments, with games like World of Warcraft achieving massive popularity.3
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
