Massively multiplayer online first-person shooter (MMOFPS) is a category of computer games that combines first-person shooter gameplay with a large number of simultaneous players over the Internet. It is a category of massively multiplayer online games.

About

---

Unlike a traditional online or multiplayer FPS, a MMOFPS can use interconnected zones or areas to create a larger world in which thousands of players can interact. Example MMOFPS games include World War II Online (2001) and PlanetSide (2003).

Due to the technical issues introduced with large numbers of simultaneous players, few MMOFPS games have been developed. MMOFPS games tend to require more powerful computers than MMORPGs to meet the demands of faster gameplay. MMOFPS developers also have to be more concerned about lag since reaction times must be swift and MMOG servers tend to be in a centralized location (which might not be convenient for players a long distance from there).

As with many massively multiplayer games, most MMOFPS games charge a monthly fee to play. This pays for the maintenance costs for the servers and bandwidth as well as a "live" development team to update the game and fix bugs as needed. There are a number of free MMOFPS however. These often have fewer people playing however, partially due to the high price required to host many servers (but not always.) Examples include "Control Monger" and "Tremulous".

MMOFPS Games

---

Huxley

Huxley is a massively multiplayer first-person shooter computer game published by Webzen Games Inc. to be released sometime in 2006.

The Chronicles of Spellborn

The Chronicles of Spellborn is a 3D fantasy massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) currently in development for the PC with many MMOFPS features like manual targeting. The Chronicles of Spellborn boasts an original setting and storyline and offers a distinctive art style. The game is being built using the renowned Unreal® Engine™. Essentially TCoS is a game in which players choose to assume the role of a hero in a post-apocalyptic dark fantasy wörld.

World War II Online

World War II Online is considered by many to be the first MMOFPS, although it also combines simulation and roleplaying elements. It was released on June 6 2001.

PlanetSide

PlanetSide is a massively multiplayer first-person shooter computer game published by Sony Online Entertainment and released on May 20, 2003. The number of players was over 40,000 in September 2004.

As of March 23rd, 2006, you can play a demo version of Planetside for free. The demo version, nicknamed "PlanetSide Reserves", does not allow players to reach levels above "Battle Rank 6", and their free subscription will end on March 24, 2007. You can play the demo version here: http://planetside.station.sony.com/reserves/

Neocron

Neocron is a massively multiplayer cyberpunk first-person shooter developed by Germany based Reakktor Media GmbH. It was first released Sep 9, 2002, and later again as Neocron 2. It draws heavily on popular comic books and literature works such as Judge Dredd. Its unique and gritty graphical style and gameplay mechanics is praised by its fans.

External links (complete list)

---

• MMOGCHART.COM - Bruce Sterling Woodcock's tracking of MMOG subscription data.
• mpogl.com - MMOFPS and MMORPG games resource
• The Next Big Thing in MMOs? - An article discussing the future of the MMOFPS genre.
• betadogs.com - A site containing links/downloads of free beta testing (not always MMOFPS)

MMOFPS