MU* facts for kids

MU* is a special name for a group of online computer games. These games are mostly text-based, meaning you read descriptions and type commands to play. Think of them like interactive stories where you control what happens!

These games are also known as the Tiny family because many of them started from a game called TinyMUD. They are all types of MUDs, which stands for Multi-User Dungeon.

What are MU* Games?

MU* games are online worlds where many players can connect at the same time. Instead of seeing graphics, you read text that describes your surroundings, other players, and objects. You type commands to move around, talk to others, and interact with the world.

For example, you might type "look" to see what's around you, or "say hello" to talk to another player.

How are MU* Games Different?

Unlike many modern video games, MU* games focus a lot on imagination and social interaction. Because there are no fancy graphics, your mind creates the world based on the text descriptions. Players often spend a lot of time talking, building things, and creating stories together.

What Can You Do in a MU* Game?

In a MU* game, you can:

• Explore: Wander through different rooms and areas.
• Chat: Talk to other players from all over the world.
• Build: Many MU* games let players create their own rooms, objects, and even new commands. This means the game world can grow and change with the help of its players.
• Roleplay: Some MU* games are designed for roleplaying, where players act out characters in a shared story.

Types of MU* Games

The "Tiny family" includes several different kinds of MU* servers. Each type might have slightly different features or rules, but they all share the core idea of a text-based, multi-user online world.

• TinyMUD: This was one of the first and most influential MU* games. It was simple but allowed players to build and create.
• MUSH: Stands for Multi-User Shared Hallucination. MUSHes are often focused on roleplaying and storytelling. They give players lots of tools to create detailed characters and plots.
• MOO: Stands for MUD, Object-Oriented. MOOs are very powerful for building. They allow players to create complex objects and programs within the game world.
• TinyMUCK: Similar to TinyMUD, but with more advanced programming features.

These different types show how the idea of text-based online worlds grew and changed over time, with each new version adding new ways for players to interact and create.

Why are MU* Games Still Popular?

Even with all the amazing graphics in modern games, MU* games still have a dedicated following. People love them because:

• They encourage creativity and imagination.
• They offer deep social interaction and community building.
• They are accessible, often playable on almost any computer or device.
• They provide a unique way to tell stories and build worlds together.

MU* games are a cool part of internet history and continue to be a fun way for people to connect and create online.