Since they rose to popularity in the 1970's, role-playing games (or RPG's) have evolved considerably. Originally packaged similarly to classic board games, RPG's have adapted to the internet age and are now mostly enjoyed online. Here are some resources that will clue you into the hottest RPG's online today.
Games
World of WarCraft is one of the most popular online role playing games. This is a graphics based game that players must pay to play.
EverQuest is similar to World of WarCraft in that it focuses on combat and it is graphic and fee based.
Gemstone is a a multi-user dungeon game, or MUD. This game is text based instead of graphics based. There is also a fee.
Second Life is a graphics based game that is free to play. Interaction between players is the central point of the game experience.
Webkinz is an online graphics based role playing game for children.
Conventions
BlizzCon is a convention that is dedicated to the gamers who love Warcraft, Diablo, and StarCraft. The website updates in the summer with new information about the upcoming convention which is typically scheduled for October.
The Second Life Community Convention is a place for those devoted to Second Life to gather and learn more about fellow players and the game.
SimuCon is a convention for players of all the Simutronics games. Their homepage has information about past conventions as well as information about upcoming conventions as it becomes available. Features of SimuCon include a costume contest, song contest, and the infamous “Sound-Alike Contest”.
Forums
The official Gemstone IV forums have updates from the company as well as information on professions, races, and news. The unofficial forums have much of the same information as well as player sponsored auctions of items, in game money, and characters.
The official World of Warcraft forums have the latest game information as well as areas for specific guilds, races, and professions. The unofficial WoW forums offer much of the same information but are not monitored by Blizzard.
The official Second Life forums are a place for players to learn more about the game and fellow players.
The official EverQuest forums are a great place for new players to gather information on specifics of game play and for more experienced players to share tips. The unofficial EverQuest forums have an even wider selection of topics for fans of the game.
Fan Sites
World of War is a fan site for players of World of Warcraft. Players can find the latest news and gossip and search through various WoW help guides.
Casters Realm has a fansite for EverQuest where players can learn the latest news and learn more about the game itself.
Tsoran is a Gemstone player who maintains a website that offers players free maps of all areas of the game including festival maps for new or temporary in game locations.
Second Life Universe has a variety of blogs, frequently asked questions, and forums for fans of the game.
Fan Pop has quizzes, news, and images for fans of the Webkinz game.
Article written by Janice D. McDonald