Tibia

Tibia is a massive multi-player online 2D role-playing game (MMORPG) set in a fantasy universe. The game is developed and published by Cipsoft. It was released on January 1, 1997, and is one of the first and oldest multiplayer online games. Tibia has not been rated by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). The game is free to play with premium features for subscribing players.http://www.mmorpg.com/gamelist.cfm/game/85   

In August of 2007, Tibia announced that it had reached over 100,000 subscribers, putting the game in the “rank of a major MMORPG," according to Guido Lübke, responsible Managing Director of CipSoft. More than 250,000 players from around the world log into Tibia. http://www.tibia.com/abouttibia/?subtopic=whatistibia http://www.mmorpg.com/gamelist.cfm/game/85/view/news/page/1/read/8470/Tibia-100000-Subscriptions.html  

In the beginning there was a void. There were two elder gods who existed in the void. The origin of these gods is unknown, but their names are Fardos the Creator and Uman Zathroth, a double entity that operates as one. These gods decided to create a universe, beginning their endeavors independently and later joining forces. However, all of their initial attempts failed and were absorbed by the void. Eventually a new creation was formed by unknown means and the elder gods agreed to call her Tibiasula.http://www.tibia.com/library/?subtopic=genesis&page=1    

Uman saw that Tibiasula could join forces in the creation process. There were now three entities working to create. Together they created the crystal column of time which would come to be the foundation of all creation. Zathroth, who was unwilling to share his divinity with Tibiasula, thrust a blade into her, killing her. Uman and Fardos decided to weave a powerful spell that would bind Tibiasula's fading body to the column of time, thus creating the first genuine creation. Tibia, the living core of all creation was born. http://www.tibia.com/library/?subtopic=genesis&page=2

Players need to download the Windows or Linux client in order to play. They can choose to be knights, paladins, sorcerers or druids as they explore five continents. Players interact with other players on a diplomatic and social level exploring dangerous dungeons, solving riddles and undertaking other adventures. http://www.tibia.com/abouttibia/?subtopic=whatistibia  Player characters advance through the game by gaining experience points, developing their skills and achieving new levels. Experience points are earned through adventuring through the gaming area. http://www.tibia.com/gameguides/?subtopic=manual§ion=characters#experience 

Premium accounts allow users to gain access to special game areas, items and special game features. The game has a sophisticated chat system that players can use to communicate. Tibia has a team of tutors who answer new player questions in the game help channel. http://www.tibia.com/abouttibia/?subtopic=whatistibia