MMORPG stands for massively multiplayer online role playing game. An MMORPG is a type of video game hosted on the Internet that allows thousands of people to play in a virtual world at the same time. Users can chat, battle against each other (PvP), and interact to achieve common goals. Once thought of as an environment for hard-core gamers only, MMORPGs now exist for almost every age group.

The precursor to MMORPGs were MUDs, short for "Multi-User Dungeons", which began in 1978. These were text-based games that allowed many users to simultaneously play, interact, and create pieces of their online environment. Graphical user environments came into being in the 1980s, but they were all on proprietary networks. In 1996, 3DO brought the first MMORPG, called Meridian 59, to the Internet. With a limit of 250 users at any time, it was not "massive" by today's standards, but was the largest game of its kind to date. The first successful MMORPG was Ultima Online, a fantasy game based on the Ultima series of role playing games.

1. World of Warcraft
2. Habbo Hotel
3. RuneScape
4. Club Penguin
5. Guild Wars
6. City of Heroes
7. Neopets
8. Second Life
9. Hello Kitty Online
10. Warrior Epic

One of the largest, most anticipated MMORPGs is Lego Universe. Developed by NetDevil, the MMORPG has created virtual Lego characters, or minifigures that will explore a vast virtual world. It is expected for a 2010 release.

DC Universe Online expected also for a 2010 release, and will feature common heroes and villains from Batman and Superman to the Joker.http://www.mmorpg.com/gamelist.cfm/game/350/DC-Universe-Online.html

Star Trek Online or STO is aiming for a early 2010 release and will be based on the Star Trek series. It will be set 25 years on from Star Trek Nemesis in the 25th century.http://www.startrekonline.com/faq#15