Categories

Browse the most recently updated posts among the site’s 5 categories.

Guides

Beginner’s guide to multi-user dungeons (MUDs)

Beginner’s guide to multi-user dungeons (MUDs)

April 22, 2026

How to improve player retention in multi-user (MU*) text games: 15 tips

How to improve player retention in multi-user (MU*) text games: 15 tips

April 18, 2026

How to market your text-based game

How to market your text-based game

April 18, 2026

How to create a style guide for your MU*

How to create a style guide for your MU*

April 17, 2026

Interviews

NukeFire MUD: a co-op text game inspired by pop culture

NukeFire MUD: a co-op text game inspired by pop culture

April 18, 2026

Excelsior: new stories in a unique Marvel universe

Excelsior: new stories in a unique Marvel universe

April 18, 2026

Concordia MU: Write your own destiny

Concordia MU: Write your own destiny

April 17, 2026

Accessibility in a changing MU* landscape: an interview with bscross

Accessibility in a changing MU* landscape: an interview with bscross

April 17, 2026

Browse all Interviews

Ideas/Insights

Erotic roleplay (ERP) and consent in games: what you need to know

Erotic roleplay (ERP) and consent in games: what you need to know

May 11, 2026

Draped in wealth: 10 luxury furs and leathers worn by the elite

Draped in wealth: 10 luxury furs and leathers worn by the elite

April 22, 2026

Crafting elegance: how luxury fabrics and textiles are made

Crafting elegance: how luxury fabrics and textiles are made

April 22, 2026

4 Types of multiplayer writing games you can play online for free

4 Types of multiplayer writing games you can play online for free

April 18, 2026

Essays

Striking a balance: simulation vs. storytelling in text-based roleplaying games

Striking a balance: simulation vs. storytelling in text-based roleplaying games

April 17, 2026

How game design drives investment, stakes, and conflict in roleplay-intensive (RPI) MUDs

How game design drives investment, stakes, and conflict in roleplay-intensive (RPI) MUDs

April 17, 2026

Ask Andruid

How long should room descriptions be when building a MU*?

How long should room descriptions be when building a MU*?

April 22, 2026

Too many MUDs, not enough players?

Too many MUDs, not enough players?

April 17, 2026

MUDing mistakes and surprising lessons learned

MUDing mistakes and surprising lessons learned

April 17, 2026

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

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

April 17, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What are categories on Writing Games?

Categories describe the type of article you’re reading. They indicate the format, purpose, or approach of a post – such as whether it’s an essay, an interview, a practical guide, or an advice response. Each post belongs to one category.

How are categories different from topics?

Categories describe what kind of article something is. Topics describe what the article is about. A single post lives in one category, but it may appear under multiple topics if it touches on several subjects.

Why does the same article appear in multiple places?

Because browsing paths overlap. You might find the same post through its category (for example, a Guide) and also through one or more related topics (such as accessibility or world-building). This is intentional and meant to make discovery easier.

How should I use the categories?

Use categories when you want a specific reading mode. If you’re looking for hands-on help, start with Guides. If you want perspectives or analysis, browse Essays or Ideas & Insights. Categories are best used to set expectations for the type of content you’re about to read.

Do categories change over time?

Rarely. Unlike topics, categories are meant to stay stable so the site remains predictable and easy to navigate. New categories may be added only if a clearly different kind of content becomes a regular part of the site.

Page Last Updated: January 11, 2026