 | This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (January 2024) |
 Game logo | |
| Other names | Duelmasters |
|---|---|
| Designers | Ed Schoonover |
| Publishers | Reality Simulations |
| Years active | 1984 |
| Genres | gladiator, play-by-mail |
| Languages | English |
| Players | varies |
| Playing time | Fixed |
| Materials required | Instructions, order sheets, turn results, paper, pencil |
| Media type | Play-by-mail or email |
| Synonyms | Duel2 |
| Website | http://www.reality.com/dmprosp.htm |
Duel II (also known as DUEL2), formerly Duelmasters, is a play-by-mail game run by Reality Simulations, Inc. (RSI), where players, called managers, design and run up to five warriors per team against other managers. The game, originally titled Gladiators, and later changed to Duelmasters before settling on its current name of Duel II, has been running since at least 1985. It has been cited by Greg Lindahl's PBM page as one that is most talked about[1] and has been a standard against which other gladiatorial PBM games have been measured.[2] It is credited with inspiring at least one online gladiator game called Gladiator.[3]
One of the earliest examples of a massively multi-player role playing computer program, Duel II turns feature fight results, a newsletter with standings, personal ads, and team spotlights. Players contribute to newsletters in the form of musings, insults, and fiction. Gameplay alternates between tournaments, held about every 3 months, and the arena, which fights every two weeks. Usually 2 tournaments a year are held 'Face-to-Face' and include reading aloud of fight printouts for championship matches. Face-to-Face tournaments also incorporate alliances as teams to share strategy, tactics, and intelligence. In the 1980s, managers were primarily based in Arizona and California, though the game grew worldwide by word of mouth and through trial tournaments held at major gaming conventions.
- ^ Play by Mail Games Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- ^ "Letter from Mark Riedel". Archived from the original on 2007-09-30. Retrieved 2007-08-10.
- ^ "Gladiator". Archived from the original on 2007-09-29. Retrieved 2007-08-10.