Innovation of the Week: Network & Online Multiplayer

This week, let's talk about something that has truly revolutionized the way we play video games - Network & Online Multiplayer. Online play in particular has become the norm ahead of local multiplayer and taking turns to play, a transformation that really became noticeable on PC during the mid-late '90s but - as with many other innovations - has much older roots. This innovation has transformed previously solitary or local gaming experiences into social (in its own way) and competitive events on a global scale, allowing players from around the world to connect and play together.

Empire (PLATO, 1973) is one of the first in-depth strategy games for computers. It is also significant for being probably the first networked multiplayer game (although Maze War is another candidate for this category).

Empire I, the first version of the game, was created by then student John Daleske at Iowa State, as part of a project for an educational course during the spring of 1973. This early version of the game was a turn-based experience that allowed for a maximum of eight players. Each player assumed the role of a government leader, overseeing ships for both trade and warfare, industrial operations, and financial budgets. Players needed to maintain their budgets to construct more ships, sustain industry, generate raw materials for goods, and engage in trading. The next version of the game, Empire II, was more combat-oriented, and the third and final version by Daleske (completed in 1974) allowed for up to seven teams and fifty players at once! A later version by a different team, Empire IV (1976), even allowed for live chat between players.

Other Notable Examples:

moria (1975) - RPG which featured multiplayer parties connected over a network (the game continues after a character dies). Players are able to combine into a party or separate in-game

Neverwinter Nights (1991) - MMORPG

Doom (1993, network and one year later online as well) - FPS

Some SNES and MD/GEN games via the XBAND, a 3rd party peripheral (1994) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/XBAND

Diablo (1996, network and online) - Isometric ARPG

MSN Games (1996, online service) - Previously known as The Village, Internet Gaming Zone, and MSN Gaming Zone this site launched in the mid '90s and was acquired by Microsoft in 1996. Initially focused on card and board games, it was later rebranded and over the next five years, gained popularity with the addition of popular retail games like MechWarrior, Rainbow Six and Age of Empires.

What are your favorite memories from the earlier days of network or online multiplayer gaming? Did you play any of the games mentioned or are there other titles that hold a special place in your heart? Share your experiences!