Multiverse (video games)

In the context of video games, a multiverse can refer to:

  • a multiverse virtual world or MetaGalaxy:[1] a collection of interconnected virtual worlds that allows users to travel within and between these virtual worlds.
  • multiverse video game: a collection of video games similar to an endless arcade[2] The term is used to describe multigame massively multiplayer online games, that provide players with access to many instances of, often user-generated, subgames. These multigame massively multiplayer online games share some features with the Metaverse while lacking others.[3] There is no clear distinction between multiverse video games and sandbox video games that allow players to create and share creations with other players.

Sharded virtual worlds, for example Ultima Online, are similar to multiverse virtual worlds, and sharded virtual worlds occasionally have been described as multiverses.[4] However, travel and communication between instances of sharded virtual worlds (so-called “shards”) are usually less well supported than in typical multiverse video games and often require a server transfer of a player's character.[5]

  1. ^ Dionisio, John David n.; Burns III, William G.; Gilbert, Richard (2013). "3D Virtual Worlds and the Metaverse: Current Status and Future Possibilities". ACM Computing Surveys. 45 (3). ACM: 34:1 – 34:38. doi:10.1145/2480741.2480751. S2CID 12667518.
  2. ^ Takahashi, Dean (March 31, 2020). "Manticore Games raises $100M for user-generated games in the 'multiverse'". VentureBeat. Retrieved 2021-04-05.
  3. ^ Peckham, Eric (February 25, 2020). "A multiverse, not the metaverse". TechCrunch. Retrieved 2021-04-02.
  4. ^ Machkovech, Sam (March 24, 2018). "NBA Jam, Sonic 1, Ultima Online remembered with rare stories, concept art". Ars Technica. Retrieved April 5, 2021.
  5. ^ Drain, Brendan (March 29, 2011). "The Soapbox: The industry's obsession with shards". Engadget. Retrieved April 5, 2021.