Make Your Own MMO!

April 29, 2008 LHStaff General 77

As an MMORPG gamer I have often thought to myself how I could make one truly awesome MMORPG. Not a big surprise, I am sure you have thought the same thing at one point or another. Let’s face it, there is nobody out there who knows what you like better than you and, as such, it only makes sense that only you could make your own perfect MMORPG, right? Well if you’ve got even the brains, will power, and determination now’s your chance.

Over the last few days I have been doing a fair amount of research on a couple of programs that allow for you to build your own MMORPG. They probably aren’t the only ones out there, but they are certainly the most prominent amongst the DIY games crowd. Of course, I am speaking of none other than PlayerWorlds and Realm Crafter. Each vary in different aspects and technological know how, but each is fairly capable at building either an MORPG or MMORPG. So, let’s get on with it:

PlayerWorlds

For those of you who have little knowledge of programming and an overall plan for an MMORPG that is less grand than, let’s say, World of Warcraft, then PlayerWorlds is right up your alley. Designed a few years ago the system offers you a nice combination of 2d graphics with a very easy to use system of script editing. Graphics are completely modifiable, to a certain extent of graphics rendering, and the code can be influenced directly through the SadScript file. All fascinating information for people who knows what exactly that means, I am sure.

The engine is completely free to download and use, however it comes with an EULA, basically there are stipulations of use. Sporting a healthy community many games running off the PlayerWorlds engine can be found today, such as:

All of them seem to be pretty competent games in terms of how they were created, especially the Secrets of Mirage game. I am actually going to be testing that one out sometime later. Regardless, there are many more games out there to explore (a quick Google search should help) and, while they all sport the same style of graphics, they look like they could actually be fun.

Realm Crafter

This engine is not quite as easy to use as PlayerWorlds. In fact, you should really only look at this option if you have a group of dedicated volunteers ready to help you make a game. The plus side is, however, that you’ll be able to create a fully 3d world, as opposed to the 2d worlds of PlayerWorlds. Another thing to consider is that Realm Crafter is not a free program. Coming in at $100 the game engine isn’t overly expensive, but for those who don’t want to drop a dime on their MMORPG this might not be the right choice for you.

Aside from those nitpicks, Realm Crafter definitely looks to be the better of the two engines. With a “sequel” of sorts in development now, the next version is promising to include DirectX9 graphics, dynamic lighting, bloom and tone mapping, dynamic shadows, realistic water, ripples and reflections, and a customizable GUI. No word yet on the release date or the pricing, however standard Realm Crafter owners will be able to upgrade for free.

Despite being the better engine of the two I could only find one game that is live and running off the Realm Crafter engine. However, there are reportedly many games in development using it. For those who wish to see the game in action head on over to the Apocalypse Online website. The game is 100% free, and while the graphics are certainly a bit dated the actual game doesn’t actually sound that bad.

Anyways, these are the two options I can find that will probably best suit any would-be MMO developers out there, whether you are one person or a team of volunteers. While the big games may be fun and exciting, it really is the indy games that live through the community. Support your local indy MMO scene by checking out one of these fine games today.

50 Comments

  1. You actually missed one of the biggest ones out there — Multiverse. As far as I know, the engine is completely free and there are over a dozen games that are being developed (at least that are on their website) and I’m sure many others that haven’t made it that far yet. As for the quality of the engine I have no idea how it stacks up with these, but you can go check out their site at http://www.multiverse.net

  2. Ya I knew there were going to be programs like multiverse that got left out… I found Realm Crafter and PlayerWorlds and decided to write about them and I am happy about that decision. While Multiverse is the same deal as the others, it looks to be a bit more advanced and the projects that it has as examples aren’t volunteer per say but actual indy studios working on MMOs… suffice it to say I don’t think a group of friends would be able to create much with Multiverse.

  3. Torque MMO is also out there and great to ‘play’ with. Pretty easy to use and develop with.

  4. I’ve done programming in college and i always find it fun. I recently got Microsoft’s XNA program and gave it a try; for the most part, it was straight forward but not for the faint of heart. I haven’t tried any MMO editors but I would like to, something free of course as I know this isn’t going into any serious.

    My big interest is driven by the fact that I’m a SQA engineer by trade for over 15 years. When I started plying my knowledge to MMOs, it was a pleasure but frustrating not knowing the actual or approximate requirements, having no way to determine if a potential issue was already reported, or having a way to track my issues and make updates.

    I’ve mad this same comment in our forums in the hopes that someday, companies that want good beta testers will supply more tools/methods for us to be effective.

  5. I left off with playing mmorpg before there was such a thing… good to know roleplaying has progressed this far. I am going to check out some of these engines. Thanks for the information. Its much appreciated…

  7. My question is the same as Andrew’s here i would like to know if you could create a game like runscape or wow while using Multiverse.

  8. what if your computer doesnt work with mutiverse and can someone give me the link because i only found world browse

  9. well i was wondering if there is a way to use realmcrafter to make a mmo with no rpg like (habbo and zwinky were you just hang out and make freind while being able to change your cloths around and make your own room) and to be a member and get speical items on cloths,rooms,and funiture for your room you ha to pay real money kids from age 10-16 would spend all kinds on money on that thing…any way i can do that??

  10. I read your make your own mmo and im having problams with playerworlds it not connecting to the sever

  12. People, Realm Crafter, Player Worlds, and The Unreal Engine, or Multiverse are able to do whatever there users can do. There is no “Make a WoW”, “Make a Runescape” button here. Sure you can make basic MMO’s with things such as Realm Crafter, but your not gonna make a “WoW” or RuneScape, or even Everquest 1 for that matter. MMO’s are not easily built. And usually require a team. So good luck to all.

  13. Anyone know where to make a 3d game like Tribal Wars or Travian, except that u can control your own caracter with arrow keys?

  15. hi,

    i would like to develop a management mmog. this will not involve any 3D graphics only tables and numbers. it will be a mathematic/statistic/game.

    i am not sure were to start from. i am familiar with the market were i would like to situated on, but from the technical point of view i have no clue how to start.

    i know which is the mathematical model behind all the statistics and calculus, but i need a hint were to start for the interface/link/website.

    if you could give me a hint, i will buy you a pinned. ;)

    regards
    avprowebeden

  16. It never says how to download the MMO creator and i have checked the whole site and nothing says where to download. where is the downloading thing?

  17. Hi i am lokking for a mmo maker for free that you do not need to download you see this computer i am using is not working that well so i am trying not to download to much so if any one could find 1 it would be very greatfull

    thanks

  18. Making your own WoW-style MMO should certainly be possible with any respectable game engine. But remember that an engine is nothing more than a programming base — it’s not a game yet. Far from it. The engine takes care of some basic game mechanics — movement, physics, XYZ based positioning and so forth, but has nothing to do with HP, leveling, equipment balancing, enemies, PvP, any of the basics of the MMORPG.

    If you really want to take on building an MMO, go for it — if nothing else, it will be a learning experience. Do not expect to make WoW by yourself. Do not expect to have more than a few players, most of whom you will probably know in real life, unelss you’re willing to invest a few million into development and marketing.

  19. A-ha! I knew there was a game creator. Thanks dude, I’ll get players world and Realm Crafter, but after Players World, 8 years later from now, will a 3D game from my company be published mwahahaha!
    Oh wtf… Anyways nice list.

  22. Okay, first- Will these give a virus? Second, i’m slightly interested in PlayerWorlds, and I was wondering if it could be worked on by several people from different computers and locations at the same time? If so, could a group of 12-year olds (let’s say…5) complete it? How long would it take?

  23. And, I know my answer’s probably up there, but- Do you NEED to work on code or NEED to work without code? Or could you work either way, or choose whichever one you prefer?

  27. dude what about nity 3d it good in 3d and all other stuff man y forget unity it can be used to make fps rpg and mmo

  29. I am interested in player worlds or multivers but i was wondering could a 12 year old make it by himself and if so how long would it take? I also was wondering if they have a thing on them so the players can make characters and earn currency and items that i design?

  30. Hey!

    Some of this has been around for quite a long time, [url=”http://www.mmoworkshop.com/trac/mom/wiki/Documentation”]particularly the torque mmokit[/url] and recently some 3D mmorpg engines have gone open source like ryzom but really there is no complete package out there for general people like you and me who doesn’t want to spend alot of money on licensing. Fortunately though torque mmokit is lesser known and over the last few days when i’ve got seriously involved with this i’ve found it to be really easy to modify and prototype ideas with.

    I have had some great discussions with you all in 1-9 over what an mmorpg should be and alot of you really do want to make games and this is a great way to expose yourself to game development if you prefer to learn by modding instead of learning the theory first.

    I’ve looked into making an mmorpg in the past, dabbled with emulators and even looked at the more expensive sdk’s you can get out there but really nothing is as complete and as easy to begin making changes straight away or with as much documentation.

    Making MMORPGs is a HUGE task and we often take for granted how much time is put into probably one of the largest and most complex software projects and company could ever take on. The guy that wrote the torque mmokit has basically saved you all the work of getting the core systems done like

    * chat

    * combat

    * inventory

    * skills/spells/abilities

    * terrain

    * grouping/guilds/raiding

    And really it’s just a matter of you creating content (which is a big enough task in itself – 3dsmax, maya, milkshape, lightwave) and tweaking the game engine to your like.

    It’s made up of several systems that work together to provide what most players would expect in an mmorpg these days and to give you a quick overview the client side 3d is handled by the torque game engine (which is mainly for placing objects on the screen and manipulating them around 3d space) and then the server side is python which informs the clients where those objects on the screen should be and what will happen when a player interacts with them.

    The software is completely free and you can get up and running in your first zone in about an hour or so then it’s really down to sculpting the terrain, adding npcs and items and then some basic quests which you could easily get going in a day.

    The hardest part i’ve found really is finding others to help you out in adding all the content (which really is a mammoth task) – and i must admit gives you alot more understanding of what happens when companies like soe have to push out an expansion like velious in 6 months (ok well, they do have money but still the amount of work involved)

    So anyway! Have fun with it, please post some screenshots of anything you’ve done here i’m sure everyone would love to see what ideas mmo gamers come up with when they have the power to mod the game themselves – and most of all try something new! Too many clones of other games out there atm and we need some innovation

  31. There are some great video guides for beginners on how to use Unity 3D (Free game creation software) and there starting a new series on how to make your own MMO step-by-step. I have been looking for a feasible way to make an MMO for sometime now and this is the closest I have come BY FAR! I am having a blast watching the videos and learning a lot! So much better than grinding through text manuals to learn. The videos are very engaging and easy to understand. I’m so glad I stumbled upon them. Your welcome, in advance ;)

  33. People im a girl and i dont like games with blood squirting out so i want to make my own games because the other games if i get stuck on sumthin i cant fix em so if create a mmorpg game maybe i get to be the boss of it and do anything i want and its for boys and girls i tried other websites but those take forever to create a little game and stuff dont pop up when they are surpose too so yea you guys get now??? so if you read this and you went to a website and made a mmorpg game real easily please leave a comment about it! if you do you helped me alot!

  37. Hello all i am wondering if anyone could tell me where to start at, if i wish to build a game site like immortal night? i have all of the different types monsters,health,weapons,levels,tasks to make levels, and fully drawn up images for the game, i followed the ideas and made and came up with all my own, so now what should i do so that i can get it on to the web/net and get my friends and anyone else wishing to,to play it, i need to know if someone can explain where or what to do as the next step for me can someone help? Thank you for your time much respect to you all.

  39. Hello all.
    I tried realmcrafter but found it a little old.
    I have put alot of time into finding a MMORPG make button.
    Im talking about an MMORPG like WOW. After alot of searching I found the Torque MMO Kit. It’s all I ever wanted and best of all it has no royalties at all and all you need is a torque license for commercial use!
    If you want information on how to start using and what it is all about check out this article I wrote. http://gameolosophy.com/games/adventure/making-an-mmorpg-for-free/ I wish you alot of succes on creating it!

  42. It takes a team to make any game that’s launchable. Someone has to pour a lifetime of pro bono work into the game to do all the sound effects, music, programming, writing, art, etc. that goes into a game. Notch did Minecraft alone until it gained popularity and following. It was a side project that he was doing in between jobs until people started begging him and asking him to continue on the project. After a short while, he added people onto his small team to make it into what it is today.

  43. To all those interested, avoid player worlds, use G2D engine, much better. As far as realm crafter goes, it is possible to make an immortal without a team, i am doing so now. RC comes with enough resources out of the box, to make a basic game. Sure it takes work, but I’m a high school drop out, taught myself to program, 3d model, and what not. RC is worth the money.

  48. hey mister i want to thank you for your help although what about a mmo programing system that allows you to do a 3d version and is free cause i’m broke and hoping to get some money you know how in realm of the mad god a free mmo you can buy realm gold i just want to make something kinda like that.

  50. I’m writing a book about how to make an MMORPG using HTML5 and PHP. If you are interested you can check it out here: jemgames.com/makeammorpg

Comments are closed.