This article originally appeared in Pyramid #29
Rosele, IL - Roleplaying gamers can now play real-time games over the Internet using a new system, WebRPG Online, developed by WebRPG Inc. The system, available as a download from the site (www.webrpg.com), allows, the designers claim, for the same excitement and player interaction as in face-to-face games.WebRPG Online provides a basic roleplaying game, Free Quest, as part of the package, or individuals can adapt any of their favorite games to the system. Currently, WebRPG says they are negotiating with several of the leading roleplaying game publishers for the rights to distribute their games on the site as plug-ins to WebRPG Online.
The heart of WebRPG Online is a Java-based game system that allows players to join an existing game or host one of their own over the Internet. A central system server keeps track of all current games and allows players to search for all open games across a variety of subjects. The games feature game boards, sound effects, dice and game pieces that move on each player's screen in response to its owner's wishes. And players can fully express themselves on a live chat area that's on the screen in conjunction with the game.
"Roleplaying games are unique among games in that players live the game through the eyes of their character," says Alex Bratton, creator of WebRPG Online. "Players actually take on the persona of a hero, heroine or creature, complete with assigned strengths and weaknesses. Unlike the hand-eye coordination required for most . . .
This article originally appeared in the second volume of Pyramid. See the current Pyramid website for more information.
Article publication date: January 2, 1998
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