MMO Anatomy 101
So you are interested in what makes up an MMO. In general Online games are not simple things. It’s a game, but it is also an internet service, it is a business, it is software, hardware, networks. Consider all the technology that has to be in place to run even the most seemingly simple flash based online game, it’s a huge collection of stuff.
It takes Guts to make an MMO
This section of the presentation walks through the 3 major organ systems that function together to make up the modern commercial online game.
But don’t be daunted. If all this stuff seems like a barrier to a concept, there are ways to get an idea off the ground quicly, and cheaply. Unity 3d, Torque, and Flash can be backended by some easy to own and use technology, like Smart Fox, and Electrotank. Also there are plenty of AAA commercial high function end to end MMO solutions, like Big World, Hero Engine, Icarus
When designing an online game, first understand your business model, then your market, next you will need to know what kind of MMO you are building, then you can start thinking of what techical components you need.
Once you have figured out what you need, you will be happy and filled with satisfaction of a job well done
For about 90 seconds
Then it will hit you. You have no figured out all the stuff, but now you have to buy networking gear, and software packages, and rent space in a datacenter, on the internet. Gaa you need to spend money!
That leads to the question HOW MUCH… How much is a complicated question. Answering that question is one of the things I do for a living. I was challenged to break it down into something simple. The next Post in this series is my suggestion on how to start sizing your next online games project without breaking the bank, your brain, or your heart.
