The Dawn of Multi-User Gaming: A New Era in the Computer Industry

Strategic Insights -

The computer gaming industry is on the cusp of a revolution, driven by the success of Id Software's Doom and the growing demand for multi-user gaming experiences. Network managers are struggling to cope with the increased strain on their systems, and companies are scrambling to adapt their products to meet this new demand. Microsoft has set up a division dedicated to multi-player games, and other companies, such as Bullfrog Productions and Origin, are also investing in this emerging market. The concept of interlocking worlds, where players can seamlessly transition between different games and experiences, is gaining traction, and the industry is poised to witness a new era of innovation and collaboration.

Key Takeaways:

  • Microsoft has established a division focused on developing multi-player games, with plans to release new titles that support network play, including conversions of existing titles such as Microsoft Golf and Flight Simulator 5.
  • Bullfrog Productions' new game, Theme Park, offers a multi-player mode, and the company's founder, Peter Molyneux, believes in the social factor of multi-player games, citing their ability to provide a more dynamic and engaging experience than computer opponents.
  • Novell, a network specialist, has developed its own networked space-war game, Net Wars, as part of Personal NetWare, which is more exciting than Hearts, the networked card game included with Microsoft's Windows for Workgroups.
  • Origin's Wing Commander is being re-released as Wing Commander Armada, with both network and modem play options, and Blue Byte's Battle Isle 2 is also getting a network treatment, allowing up to seven players to compete.
  • UFO: Enemy Unknown offers a unique CD game experience with terrific gameplay and so-so graphics, taking up where Orson Welles' War Of The Worlds broadcast left off.
  • The Virtual Games Centre in Milwaukee offers a networked gaming experience, catering to those who struggle to find players or access networks.

Statistics:

  • Up to 60 players can be linked in a network version of Bullfrog's Magic Carpet, although 20 is considered more feasible.
  • Microsoft's new division dedicated to multi-player games will release new titles that support network play, including conversions of existing titles.
  • The Virtual Games Centre in Milwaukee has a dozen or so networked PCs available for play.
  • UFO: Enemy Unknown takes up 16-18 MB of space on 4 or 5 floppy disks.

Sources:

  • The Guardian
  • Computer Editor
  • Novell
  • Microsoft
  • Bullfrog Productions
  • Electronic Arts
  • Origin
  • Blue Byte
  • Microprose
  • Virtual Games Centre