Making a MUD vs. creating a game: is there a difference?

Dear Andruid,

Over the last several months, I’ve been making a MUD, but it’s built on an existing codebase, and the setting isn’t exactly original. The game is set in the universe of my favorite book series. Is it fair to call myself a game creator, or does that only apply to people who create all-original games?

– Unsure MUD Maker

Thoughts on labels and titles in the MUD world

Dear Unsure MUD Maker,

I can understand your hesitation, especially if you play tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs), where it’s common to call oneself a Game Master rather than a Game Creator.

With a TTRPG, the GM typically doesn’t create the mechanics or setting, though they might come up with their own content.

Even so, I think it would be a mistake to compare a MUD directly to a TTRPG.

Making a stable, continuously running multi-user dungeon (MUD) or MU* is no small feat, even if the setting isn’t original. Kudos to you for sticking with it!

As for using an existing codebase – most MU*s do. Using an existing codebase lets you skip the tedium of building the supporting framework, so you can jump right into bringing your vision to life.

People have built and iterated on various codebases over the years to meet different needs and realize different goals. Some of those codebases have even been lost and forgotten over time.

One thing they all have in common: they’re a lot of work to develop and maintain! Even games set in popular fictional settings are a ton of work to create.

(The same can be said for video games created using existing tools or game engines, such as Godot, which is free and open-source.)

Labels and titles used among MUDs

Because of all the work to be done on a MU*, people also came up with different titles to describe the individuals who create and manage these games.

For example:

• Implementor
• Admin
• Coder
• Staff
• Game Master
• Game Runner
• Immortal
• Storyteller
• Builder

“Game Creator” isn’t commonly used, but I think it certainly could be, especially if you do a lot of development or content creation.

As for how much customization is “enough”?

Well, I’m not the type to split hairs over these things. If building your MUD is a hobby you love enough to pour your creative energy into it over many months, it sounds like you’re a legit game creator to me.

After all, a game is more than the framework or engine it’s built on. It’s also made up of:

1. its content
2. the community of players who play
3. and the experiences they have while playing

So give credit where it’s due: acknowledge the individuals who built the codebase and wrote the series that inspired your game, but don’t forget to acknowledge your own efforts, too.

Lastly, do what makes you comfortable. If calling yourself a game creator (or Game Creator, with a capital G&C) seems fair and sounds good, I say go for it.

If not, simply choose something that seems like a better fit for you. 🙂

Happy MU*ing!

– Andruid

NOTE: The views here should not be taken for a legal definition/advice. If you’re concerned about things like game ownership and rights, it would be better to consult a professional about the license and documentation included with your codebase.