List of free massively multiplayer online games

Last updated

This is a selected list of notable massively multiplayer online games which are free-to-play in some form without ever requiring a subscription or other payment. These are commonly MMORPGs or MMOFPSs, but could be of any genre.

Contents

Free play

These MMOGs provide client software free of charge and allow users to play the game without requiring payment. The games' expenses are typically funded by sponsors or through donations (which have no effect in the game itself).

Developer(s)Release datePlatform(s)GenreSynopsisType
Allegiance Microsoft Research March 16, 2000 Windows Space Sim/RTS Hybrid3D Space Combat with teamwork and RTS elements3D
Astonia III Intent Software/open sourceDecember 31, 2001 Windows, Linux Fantasy MMORPGMMORPG with an isometric view, originally was pay-to-play from 2001 until 2014 when the official servers shut down and the creator released the source code; thus, creating free-to-play fan-made communities.2D
Astro Battle Lava Lord GamesDecember 31, 2004 Windows, Linux Multi-directional shooter Overhead multi-directional shoot-em-up where players design their own ships2D
Crossfire n/a1992Multi-platform, including Windows, OS X, Linux and others. Medieval fantasy MMORPG Open source cross between NetHack and Gauntlet.2D
Gekkeiju Online Coolhouse Productions2003 Windows Medieval fantasy MMORPGPlayers control an anime like character in a medieval fantasy world.3D
Infantry Online Harmless Games LLC
Sony Online Entertainment
1999 Windows Action Players take the role of soldiers on an isometric battleground and fight in a variety of gametypes. 2.5D
Meridian 59 Archetype Interactive (original)
Near Death Studios (current)
December 15, 1995 Windows Role playing Play as an adventurer in a medieval sword-and-sorcery world alongside other adventurers3D
Myst Online: Uru Live Cyan Worlds February 8, 2010 (first release November 11, 2003) Windows Adventure MMORPGPlayers explore different worlds, uncover clues and solve puzzles together3D
Omerta Omerta Game LimitedSeptember 26, 2003Browser-basedMMORPG, MafiaText
PlaneShift Atomic Blue2016 (first release 2003) Windows, OS X, Linux Medieval fantasy MMORPGAn open source, fantasy MMORPG with strong emphasis on roleplaying.3D
SubSpace Burst, Virgin Interactive, fan communityNovember 30, 1997 Windows Action Players fly, fight and play a variety of games with spaceships.2D
Terra Kaon Interactive (original)
Terra Outlands (current)
June 1997 Windows Action Play as a vehicle operator in a 24/7 3D virtual world individual or clan based battle game3D
Underlight Lyra StudiosMarch 1998 Windows Medieval fantasy MMORPGPlay as a dreamer in the city of dreams, in a unique role-playing environment (in-character at all times). The game features live action FPS combat, an advancement system where players write quests for other players, and a unique faction system with fixed houses that are player run.3D
Urban Dead Kevan DavisJuly 3, 2005Browser-based Survival horror Play as a human or a zombie trying to survive in the undead-infested city of Malton.Text
Virtual Air Traffic Simulation Network
(VATSIM)
n/aJuly 2001n/a Flight simulation Uses existing flight simulation software with custom plug-ins, players may interact with the network as either pilots or air traffic controllers.
Wyvern Steve Yegge, Cabochon, Inc.February 4, 2001 Windows, OS X, Linux, iOS, Android Fantasy MMORPG Crossfire and NetHack inspired game where players take on the mantle of adventurer and battle monsters in their quest.2D

Free play with advertising

These MMOGs are free to play. They are funded through advertising, either in-game or through pop-ups.

Developer(s)Release datePlatform(s)GenreSynopsisType
Agar.io ZeachApril 28, 2015Browser-based Action Thousands of Cells compete for survival. Eat or be eaten.Web
Anarchy Online Funcom June 27, 2001 Windows MMORPG, Science-fiction Two factions fight for control of a distant desert planet.3D
Jennifer Government: NationStates Max Barry November 13, 2002Browser-based Government simulation game Players build nations and run them according to their political ideals.Web
Slither.io Steve HowseMarch 25, 2016Browser-based Casual Hundreds of worms in the same area eat dots to get bigger without running into each other's tails.Web

Free play with micro-transactions

These MMOGs are free to play, but players may optionally purchase in-game items or currency.

Key
ActiveServers are currently available
ClosedServers have been discontinued
UnknownServer status is unknown
Developer(s)Release datePlatform(s)GenrePaymentSynopsisTypeStatus
Age of Empires Online Microsoft Game Studios August 16, 2011 Windows MMORTS Free play with in-game currency and items that can be purchased from a shop or earned through gameplayGameplay from the Age of Empires series offering online MMO features.3DClosed July 1, 2014
Age of Wulin Suzhou Snail Electronic Co., Ltd.April 10, 2013 Windows MMORPGChinese fantasy martial arts PvP game with persistent characters.3DActive
Albion Online Sandbox InteractiveJuly 17, 2017Windows, OS X, Linux, iOS, AndroidMMORPGAlbion online offers a selection of "Starter Packs" which grant players access to the game and offer a varying amount of gold to get started. Once a player purchases any of the starter packs, they will be granted open-ended access to the game with no extra mandatory fees.3DActive
Allods Online Astrum NivalFebruary 16, 2010 Windows MMORPGFree to play with items that can be purchased from a shopTraditional 3D fantasy MMORPG with quests, NPCs, dungeons, guilds, PvE and PvP.3DActive
Angels Online UserJoy Technology 2006 Windows, PlayStation 3 Medieval fantasy MMORPGFree to play with items that can be purchased from a shopPlayers control an anime like character in a medieval fantasy world.2DActive
ArchLord NHN Corporation October 3, 2006 Windows Medieval fantasy MMORPGFree play with in-game currency that can be purchased from a shop3DClosed January 1, 2014
Atlantica Online NDOORS Interactive October 30, 2008 Windows Fantasy MMORPGFree to play with items that can be purchased from a shopTurn-based battles. Guild-controlled customizable cites. Certain features require guild membership.3DActive
Audition Online T3 Entertainment2005 Windows Casual game Free to play with items that can be purchased from a shopDance competition. Game style is similar to StepMania, Dance Dance Revolution and Bust A Groove.3DActive
Battlefield Play4Free EA Digital Illusions CE, Easy StudiosApril 4, 2011 Windows FPSGame is supported by micro-transactions where players can purchase equipment and weapon upgrades.Free-to-play remake of Battlefield 2 with updated graphics and gameplay.3DClosed July 14, 2015
Cabal Online ESTSoft2006 Windows Sci-fi MMORPGFree to play with items that can be purchased from a shopMMORPG with a combo battle system.3DActive
Castle of Heroes SNAIL Game2009Browser-basedMMORTSFree to play with items that can be purchased from a shopStrategy MMORPG taking place in a medieval fantasy universe.WebActive
DarkSpace PalestarDecember 21, 2001 Windows Sci-fi MMORPGFree to play with purchasable credits to use in game enhancements and special itemsSci-fi tactical space combat with strategy in a team orientated game. Players gain rank and prestige, which expands the ships they can command and the strategic decisions they make.3DActive
Dead Frontier Neil Yates2008Browser-basedHorrorFree to play with purchasable credits to use in game enhancements and special itemsThird-person shooters where players create and build up their character through PvE looting, missions, and trade.3D, 2D and WebActive
DECO Online Rocksoft2007 Windows MMORPGFree to play with items that can be purchased from a shopCombo based combat. Players can earn fame, enhance items and change job.3DClosed April 5, 2011
Domain of Heroes Tandem Games 2008Browser-basedFantasy, Text Based, MMORPGFree to play with items that can be purchased from a shopPlayers create and build up their character through PvP, PvE, quests and trade.WebClosed March 2015
Dragon Nest Nexon, Shanda and Eyedentity GamesJuly 26, 2011 Windows MMORPGFree to play with items that can be purchased from a shopAnime-styled fantasy MMORPG3DActive
Dragon Oath ChangYou2007 Windows MMORPGFree to play with items that can be purchased from a shopPlayers follow one of the nine ancient forms of Kung Fu to gain skills and advance through a fantasy world based on Chinese mythology.3DActive
Dragonica Gravity Interactive, Inc. June 10, 2009 Windows Fantasy MMORPGFree to play with items that can be purchased from a shopAnime/manga styled side-scrolling hack & slash.3DUnknown
Drift City NPLUTOSeptember 5, 2007 Windows Racing Free to play with items that can be purchased from a shopPlayers progress through a linear mission system with multiplayer races.3DUnknown
Dungeon Fighter Online Nexon June 9, 2010 Windows Fantasy MMORPGFree to play with items that can be purchased from a shop.Formerly known as "Dungeon & Fighter" and "Arad Senki."2DClosed
Dungeons & Dragons Online Turbine, Inc. February 28, 2006 Windows MMORPGFree to play with items and privileges that can be purchased from a shopMMORPG based on Dungeons & Dragons.3DActive
Empire & State Novel, Inc. November 2011Browser-based MMORPG Free to play with items that can be purchased from a shopPolitical strategy2DUnknown
Entropia Universe MindArk January 30, 2003 Windows MMORPG, MMOFPS, Science-fiction Free to play with items that can be purchased from a shopMassive virtual universe with a in-game currency linked to the USD.3DActive
Exteel NCsoft December 2007 Windows Third-person shooter Free to play with items that can be purchased from a shopCustomize and control giant mech. PvP and PvE.3DClosed Sept. 1, 2010
Fiesta Online Outspark GamesNovember 7, 2007 Windows Medieval fantasy MMORPGFree to play with items that can be purchased from a shopMMORPG with player classes, levels and housing.3DActive
Flyff AeonsoftDecember 2005 Windows Fantasy MMORPGFree to play with items that can be purchased from a shopFantasy RPG with emphasis on the community.3DActive
Global Agenda Hi-Rez StudiosFebruary 1, 2010 Windows Third-person Shooter Free to play with items that can be purchased from the cash shop and one time buy optionSci-fi shooter mmo with rpg based character advancement and team oriented combat.3DUnknown
Goodgame Empire Goodgame Studios August 14, 2011Browser based (Flash)Middle Ages MMORPGFree to play with items that can be purchased from a shopBuilding a castle, create a powerful army and fight player versus player battles on a dynamic world map.3DActive
Granado Espada imc GAMES2007 Windows MMORPGFree to play with items that can be purchased from a shopControl up to 3 characters at the same time.3DUnknown
Guns and Robots Masthead Studios 2013 Windows Third-person shooter Free to play with items that can be purchased from a shopWide variety of customizable parts, build robots, fight in different arenas.3DUnknown
GunZ: The Duel MAIET Entertainment 2003 Windows Third-person shooter Free to play with items that can be purchased from a shopPlayer characters fight on different levels and kill each other to level up.3DUnknown
Hattrick ExtralivesAugust 30, 1997Browser-based Sports game Free to play with privileges that can be purchased from a shopPlayers manage a simulated soccer team to compete with others.WebActive
Illyriad Illyriad Games Ltd2011Browser-basedFantasy Real-time strategy Free to play with in-game currency and privileges that can be purchased from a shopFantasy MMORTS with city and empire building.WebUnknown
Imperium Galactic War Vavel Games and Kabam 2013Browser-basedFantasy Real-time strategy Free to play with in-game currency and privileges that can be purchased from a shopPlayers manage a star base, build fleets form alliances and conquer the galaxy.WebActive
Jade Dynasty (video game) Perfect World Entertainment May 21, 2009 Windows MMORPGFree to play with items that can be purchased from a shopMartial arts style game with a good vs evil theme.3DUnknown
Kal Online Inix Soft2004 Windows Fantasy MMORPGFree to play with items that can be purchased from a shopFantasy MMORPG3DUnknown
La Tale Actoz SoftSeptember 18, 2009 Windows MMORPGFree to play with items that can be purchased from a shopPlayers take the role of adventurers in a mythological fantasy world.2DActive
Lunia: Record of Lunia War allmFebruary 18, 2008 Windows Action MMORPGFree to play with items that can be purchased from a shopAction RPG with emphasis on combat, storytelling and PvP.3DUnknown
Mabinogi Nexon June 2004 Windows FantasyFree to play with items and privileges that can be purchased from a shopBased on Irish mythology, with an emphasis on life in fantasy world rather than hack and slash.3DActive
MapleStory Nexon April 29, 2003 Windows Fantasy MMORPGFree to play with items that can be purchased from a shopAction RPG elements, quests, party quests and guild quests.2DActive
Miniconomy Trade Games InternationalJanuary 1, 2001Browser-basedMMO Trade GameFree to play with items and privileges that can be purchased from a shopBrowser-based trading game where players all start equal and have to sell to and buy from, each other to become the richest within a given timeframeWebUnknown
MLB Dugout Heroes OnNet Co. Ltd.2009 Windows Sports Free to play with items that can be purchased from a shopSports MMO that revolves around baseball using MLBPA licensed players.3DUnknown
Myth War Online IGG July 7, 2006 Windows MMORPGFree to play with items that can be purchased from a shop2DUnknown
Need for Speed: World EA Black Box July 27, 2010 Windows MMORG, Racing Free to play with items that can be purchased from a shopOnline racing game3DClosed July 14, 2015
PangYa Ntreev Soft 2007 Windows Sports game Free to play with items that can be purchased from a shopAnime style, arcade golf game.3DClosed December 12, 2016
Perfect World Perfect World Entertainment July 2005 Windows MMORPGFree to play with items that can be purchased from a shopGame world based on Chinese mythology.3DActive
Phoenix Dynasty Online Object Software2007 Windows fantasy MMORPGFree to play with items that can be purchased from a shopplayers can learn and practice the Chinese Kungfu to advance their character and rule the dynasty.2DUnknown
Pirates of the Burning Sea Flying Lab Software2008 Windows MMORPGFree to play with items and access to content that can be purchased from an item shopThe game is set in the Caribbean in 1720 and combines tactical ship and swashbuckling combat with a player-driven economy3DUnknown
PoxNora Octopi, Inc.August 2006 Windows, OS X, Linux Real-time strategy, FantasyFree to play with items that can be purchased from a shopUnknown
Priston Tale Triglow Pictures Inc.May 17, 2007 Windows Fantasy MMORPGFree to play with items that can be purchased from a shopFantasy MMORPG3DUnknown
Puzzle Pirates Grey Havens, LLC

(formerly Three Rings Design)

December 8, 2003 Windows, OS X, Linux Pirate-themed MMO based on puzzles.Free to play with items and privileges that can be purchased from a shopPlayers perform tasks as pirates by playing a number of puzzle-style mini games.2DActive
Ragnarok Online Gravity Interactive, Inc. 2003 Windows Fantasy MMORPGFree to play with items that can be purchased from a shopPlayers choose from dozens of character classes to level. Endgame activities focus on acquiring better equipment, hunting boss monsters (MvPs), PvP and large weekly guild vs. guild (War of Emperium) to capture castles.3D/2DActive
Red Stone (video game) L&K Logic Korea2004 Windows Fantasy MMORPGFree to play with items that can be purchased from a shop16 classes to choose from. Has a class transformation & cp system.2DUnknown
Regnum Online NGD Studios May 24, 2007 Windows, OS X, Linux FantasyFree to play with items that can be purchased from a shopPlayers join a realm in a fight against 2 other realms. Other than PvP, players can capture forts and castles.3DUnknown
RF Online Codemasters 2006 Windows Sci-Fi, FantasyFree to play with items that can be purchased from a shopSet in a distant planet where magic and technology co-exist, emphasizes a 3-way race vs. race vs. race PVP system3DUnknown
ROSE Online Gravity Interactive, Inc. 2005 Windows Fantasy MMORPGFree to play with items that can be purchased from a shop3DActive
Rumble Fighter OGplanet2007 Windows Fantasy Fighting Free to play with items that can be purchased from a shop3DClosed
Runes of Magic FrogsterMarch 19, 2009 Windows Fantasy MMORPGFree to play with items that can be purchased from a shop3DActive
Samurai Taisen PST Team2013Browser based MMORTS Free to play with items that can be purchased from a shopMassively-multiplayer online real time strategy game set in Sengoku period.WebUnknown
Secret of the Solstice DNC Entertainment2008 Windows FantasyFree to play with items that can be purchased from a shopSet in the world of Xen, players complete quests and customize characters using branching job trees.3DUnknown
Sentou Gakuen PST Team2012Browser based MMORPG Free to play with items that can be purchased from a shopMassively-multiplayer online role playing game set in high-school.WebUnknown
Shot Online OnNet Co. Ltd.2004 Windows Sports Free to play with items that can be purchased from a shopSports MMO that revolves around golf3DUnknown
Silkroad Online Joymax Co., Ltd2004 Windows MMORPGFree to play with items that can be purchased from a shopFantasy MMORPG set in the 7th century AD.3DUnknown
Spiral Knights Grey Havens, LLC

(formerly Three Rings Design and Sega)

2011 Windows, OS X, Linux Action MMORPGFree to play with purchasable credits to use in game enhancements and special itemsAction MMORPG focusing on instant, fast-paced action.3DActive
Star Sonata 2 Landaeur Games2011 Windows, OS X, Linux MMORPG Free to play with privileges that can be purchasedStrategic Action Space Game with Trading, Colonization, Conqeuring and more3DActive
Star Trek Online Cryptic2010 Windows, OS X Sci-Fi, MMORPG Free to play with items that can be purchased from the cryptic storeStrategic action space combat, with away team ground missions.3DActive
Stronghold Kingdoms Firefly Studios2011 Windows MMORTS Free to play with items that can be purchased from a shopMassively-multiplayer online real time strategy game with a Medieval castle building theme.2DUnknown
Tales of Pirates MOLIMarch 24, 2008 Windows PiracyFree to play with items that can be purchased from a shop3DUnknown
Terra Militaris SNAIL Game2010Browser-basedMMORTSFree to play with items that can be purchased from a shopStrategy MMORPG taking place in a historical universe.WebUnknown
The 4th Coming Dialsoft1999 Windows FantasyA number of licensees provide the game free to play. Usually one can buy characters starting out at higher levels.Fantasy MMORPG 2DUnknown
The Lord of the Rings Online Turbine, Inc. 2007 Windows, OS X MMORPGFree to play with items and privileges that can be purchased from an item shopMMORPG in J. R. R. Tolkien's fantasy world Middle-earth, based on The Lord of the Rings .3DActive
Transformice Atelier 801 2010 Windows, OS X, Linux MMO, Platform Free play with in-game currency and items that can be purchased from a shop or earned through gameplayCollect cheese playing as a mouse and take it back to the hole.2DActive
Travian Travian Games GmbH2004Browser-basedHistorical strategy Free to play with in-game currency and privileges that can be purchased from a shopPlayers interact in a virtual world set roughly in Classical antiquity at the time of the Roman Empire.WebUnknown
Trickster Online Ntreev Soft April 2003 Windows Fantasy MMORPGFree to play with items that can be purchased from a shop3DClosed January 2014
Twelve Sky Aeria Games September 24, 2007 Windows MMORPGFree to play with items that can be purchased from a shopFantasy MMORPG, medieval-styled3DUnknown
Twinity ExitReality2008 Windows MMORPG Free to play, in-game currency can be purchased.Freeform play / chat. Players can sell their own virtual creations.3DUnknown
Vindictus Nexon September 17, 2010 Windows MMORPGFree to play with items that can be purchased from a shopFantasy MMORPG, medieval-styled3DActive
Vikings: War of Clans Plarium Games [1] August 10, 2015iOS, Android, BrowserMMORPGFree to play with items that can be purchased from a shopFantasy MMORPG, medieval-styled2DActive
Voyage Century Online Snail GameDecember 22, 2006 Windows Historical nauticalFree to play with items that can be purchased from a shopSet in the 17th century and features accurate historical representations of several coastal cities.3DUnknown
War of Legends Jagex January 19, 2010Browser-based (Flash)Fantasy MMORTS Free to play with items that can be purchased from a shopMMORTS with a historical Chinese mythological theme.2DClosed January 29, 2015
WonderKing Online NDOORS Interactive June 19, 2009 Windows Fantasy MMORPGFree to play with items that can be purchased from a shopAction RPG elements, quests, party quests and guild quests.2DUnknown
Wonderland Online IGGApril 9, 2008 (Globally) Windows Fantasy MMORPG Points cards can be redeemed in Item Mall.Players work together to survive after a shipwreck2DClosed January 2019
Scions of Fate IGG 2005 Windows MMORPGFree to play with items that can be purchased from a shopBased on a Korean comic of the same name.Unknown

Optional paid subscriptions

These MMOGs offer optional additional game content through paid subscription, but are otherwise free to play.

Developer(s)Release datePlatform(s)GenrePaymentSynopsisTypeStatus
Age of Conan: Unchained Funcom 2008 Windows Fantasy MMORPGFree or premium (paid) accounts available3DActive
Animal Jam Classic WildWorks 2010 Windows, Mac Educational MMORPG, strategyFree or premium (paid) accounts available, premium accounts can access more animals and adventures, also purchase more items.Players can become an animal and roam Jamaa and participate in story adventures2DActive
APB:Reloaded K2 Network (as Gamersfirst)2010 Windows Contemporary, crime & law MMORPGFree to play with optional subscription options for faster game progression and some in-game perks. Clothing, vehicles and weapons available for purchase with secondary in-game currency purchased with real money.Play as criminal ("Crim") or vigilante ("Enforcer") in the fictional city of San Paro. Team- and mission-based Player versus player 3D (TPV) Active
Blood Wars BW Team2006Browser-based Post-apocalypse MMORPGFree or premium (paid) accounts availableBecome a vampire and fight with others in the last city in the world.WebUnknown
Club Penguin Disney and New Horizon Interactive August 28, 2005Browser-based (Flash) Chat Free or premium (paid) accounts available, premium accounts allow purchasing items and customization for the avatar and the avatar's living quarters.Players play mini games to earn coins to spend on things for their character or house2DClosed March 29, 2017
CrimeCraft Vogster EntertainmentAugust 25, 2009 Windows Post Apocalyptic MMO Third Person ShooterFree to play with optional monthly subscription options for extra content; special items available for purchase with secondary in-game currency purchased with real money.Shooter with role-playing elements.3DUnknown
Dofus Ankama Games September 2004Browser-based (Flash)MMORPGFree or premium (paid) accounts available2DActive
EverQuest SOE San Diego 1999 Windows Fantasy MMORPGFree or premium (paid) accounts available3DActive
EverQuest II SOE San Diego 2004 Windows Fantasy MMORPGFree or premium (paid) accounts available3DActive
Face of Mankind Duplex Systems December 29, 2009 Windows Science fiction MMORPGFree or premium (paid) accounts availableOpen PVP Role-playing3DUnknown
Final Fantasy XIV Square Enix August, 2013 Windows PS4 Fantasy MMORPGPermanent free trial with a paid subscription for the full game.Real Time Role-playing3DActive
Forumwarz Crotch Zombie Productions February 2008Browser based Multiplayer browser game, Strategy Free playRPG parodying internet culture WebUnknown
Free Realms SOE San Diego April 28, 2009 Windows, PlayStation 3 Fantasy MMO Adventure game Free to play with optional monthly subscription for extra content; special items available for purchase with secondary in-game currency purchased with real moneyFantasy world designed to be a family friendly environment3DClosed March 3, 2014
Furcadia Dragon's Eye ProductionsDecember 16, 1996 Windows , Third party Mac support2D Isometric Chat and socializing online game.Free-play available but payment options such as purchasing "Digos". Digos include premium avatars, in-game wings of several types and other customizable features. Players may purchase 'Silver Sponsorships', which provide a number of game-enhancing abilities and featuresCommunity-centric chat and Fantasy Role-Play based Anthropomorphic game with user-created content.2DUnknown
Horseland Horseland LLC1998Browser-based Chat Free to play with optional subscription to pay for own stables and other privileges.An online community where players can raise horses and dogs.Closed January 1, 2019
Knight Online MGame Corporation2004 Windows Medieval warSome servers are free to play3DUnknown
NEO Shifters Frima Studio 2007Browser-based Science-fiction strategy Free-to-play game with optional subscription.Players choose their robot faction and fight for resources.2DUnknown
OGame Gameforge ProductionsOctober 15, 2007Windows Science-fiction strategy Advertising-based free-to-play version. Paid subscriptions and premium benefits are also available.Build and maintain a galactic empire.WebUnknown
Pirates of the Caribbean Online Disney October 31, 2007 Windows, Mac OS PiracyCan play free, though paying option offers numerous more upgrades and features.Players create their own pirate, do quests, interact with others, follow a similar storyline from the Pirates of the Caribbean movies.2D and 3DUnknown
PlanetSide 2 Daybreak Game Company November 20, 2012 Windows First-person shooter Futuristic massively multiplayer online first-person shooter 3DActive
Puzzle Pirates Grey Havens, LLC

(formerly Three Rings Design)

December 8, 2003 Windows, Mac OS, Linux Puzzle video game Some servers require a monthly subscription to play on, while others are free but require micro-transactions for some items. (Note that even the monthly subscription servers can be paid for via micro-transactions, without direct cash payment.)Players perform tasks as pirates by playing a number of puzzle-style mini-games.2DActive
Rift Trion Worlds March, 2011 Windows High fantasy MMORPG Play without a paid subscription up to level 60. Storm Legion souls and some game features require subscription or purchase through in game shop.Takes place in the world of Telara. Players' characters of either the noble Guardians or techno-magical Defiants defend their world from the invading elemental planes in non-instanced Rifts.3DActive
Rubies of Eventide Mnemosyne, LLC2003 Windows Medieval fantasy Free play or paid accounts available, with server priority given to the latterPlayers can join different servers according to their play style: RP, PvP or normal play.3DUnknown
RuneScape Jagex 2001 Windows, Mac OS, Linux Medieval fantasy, MMORPGFree play or paid accounts available, paid accounts have access to many more skills, areas, weapons and quests. Additional ingame benefits are available through microtransactions.Features a vast array of skills, quests and mini-games.3DActive
Ryzom Winch Gate Property, Ltd.2004 Windows, Linux Role playing Free to play. A paid subscription is necessary for character advancement beyond a certain level.High fantasy world. Open source code and artistic material.3DActive
Second Life Linden Lab 2003 Windows, OS X, Linux Virtual world Free to play with in-game currency and privileges that can be purchased with a subscriptionFreeform with in-game build system. Players can sell their own virtual creations.3DActive
Shattered Galaxy KRU Interactive 2001 Windows MMORTS Free play or paid accounts available, with gameplay benefits to paying accounts.Command a squad of up to 12 air or ground units in faction vs. faction warfare with as many as 20+ teammates.2.5DActive
Star Sonata Star Sonata LLCOctober 2004 Windows Space MMORPG Action Free to play with optional monthly subscription for extra contentEngage in space exploration, ship-to-ship combat, trade and galactic conquest to claim the seat of Emperor.3DActive
Star Wars: The Old Republic LucasArts /BioWareDecember 2011 Windows Space MMORPG Action Free to play with optional monthly subscription for extra contentEngage in Planet exploration, ship-to-ship combat, trade and questing with up to six different classes and sub classes(empire or republic) and several races to choose from.3DActive
Tibia CipSoft 1997 Windows, Linux, Browser-based (Flash)FantasyFree to play with restricted content. Can upgrade to a "Premium Account" for full content.Character development based on killing monsters and (optionally) doing quests and fighting other players.2DActive
Toontown Online Walt Disney Internet Group June 2, 2003 Windows, OS X CartoonFree to play. Players could purchase membership to unlock items, clothing, neighborhoods, etc.3D child-friendly environment where players took on the rules of cartoon characters in a battle against 'The Evil Cogs'. Completed Toontasks to earn weapon upgrades such as cakes and water squirters.3DClosed September 19, 2013
vSide ExitRealityMay 15, 2006 Windows, OS X Virtual World Free to play with in-game currency and privileges that can be purchased with a subscriptionMusic centered social MMOG.3DClosed
Wizard101 KingsIsle Entertainment September 2, 2008 Windows, OS X CartoonFree to play. Players can purchase membership to unlock locations and quests.Players take on the role of students of Wizardry to save the Spiral (which is the set of worlds this game takes place in) and battle a variety of creatures by casting spells using a turn-based combat system similar to collectible card.3DActive
Wurm Online Mojang OneTooFree AB Sunsplash Creations2006Browser-based Medieval fantasy MMORPGFree or premium (paid) accounts availableCommunity-centric fantasy MMORPG that strives to emulate real life in a medieval fantasy setting.3DActive

See also


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The Multiverse Network, Inc. was an American startup company creating a network and platform for massively multiplayer online games (MMOGs) and 3D virtual worlds. Multiverse's stated aim was to lower the barrier of entry for development teams by providing a low-cost software platform for online game and virtual world development.

The history of massively multiplayer online games spans over thirty years and hundreds of massively multiplayer online games (MMOG) titles. The origin and influence on MMO games stems from MUDs, Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) and earlier social games.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aeria Games</span> German video game publisher

Aeria Games, formerly known as Aeria Games and Entertainment, was an online game publisher. The corporate headquarters were in Berlin, Germany.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Travian Games</span> German video game developer

Travian Games GmbH, based in Munich, is a medium-sized German company in the software industry that has specialized in developing and marketing PC and browser games. Travian Games also acts as an international publisher for selected game titles. Since 2017, the largest company in the video game industry in Bavaria has been a member of the BIU – Bundesverband Interaktive Unterhaltungssoftware. Moreover, Lars Janssen, CEO of Travian Games, has been serving as a board member of Game – the Association of the German Games Industry since 2018.

Kunlun Group or their alternative name KoramGame, is a Hong Kong software developer and publisher.

<i>Dead Frontier</i> 2008 video game

Dead Frontier is a free-to-play, browser-based survival horror game which takes place in a post-apocalyptic, zombie-infested setting. It is operated by Creaky Corpse Ltd. Dead Frontier was released for open beta on April 21, 2008, and has over ten million registered accounts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">David Allen (game designer)</span> American video game designer

David Allen is a video game designer and entrepreneur who is most recently known as the creator of Alganon, a fantasy based MMORPG developed by Quest Online, a company he co-founded in 2006.

Buy-to-play (B2P) is a revenue model for video games where a game can be played after a one-time purchase, as opposed to a subscription model where the player must pay a subscription at regular intervals to continue having access to the game. Buy-to-play, while a form of premium games, generally apply to games where there is continued ongoing content or support from the developer or publisher well beyond the period of purchase, such as through maintenance of online servers or through the production of ongoing content and expansions, as often the case in massively multiplayer online games (MMO). This support can be monetized through additional microtransactions or through an ongoing subscription fee. Microtransactions are becoming evermore entwined with the buy-to-play revenue model as most recent games allow for some sort of additional purchase. For example, buy-to-play title Guild Wars 2 allows players to purchase additional in-game items with microtransactions, while Destiny 2 lets users purchase season passes for additional content.

References

  1. "Vikings: War of Clans". Plarium . Retrieved 2018-10-31.