Ideas/Insights
Articles that explore text-based games, roleplaying, and storytelling. These pieces share ideas, examples, overviews, and thoughtful discussion to help readers better understand the space.
Latest posts
2026 State of the Niche Report
Results from the 2026 State of the Niche Survey, focused on multi-user (MU*) text games.
Bridging virtual worlds: past and future of the InterMUD chat network
Long before Discord, MUDs had cross-game chat networks. This post dives into the sometimes dramatic history of InterMUD.
3 Years of Writing Games: a look back
Compelling insights and key takeaways from the first year of interviews in a single post.
Text-based adventure games: from Zork to AI Dungeon
Learn about the history and evolution of text-based adventure games, from the classic Zork to the modern AI Dungeon platform.
Draped in wealth: 10 luxury furs and leathers worn by the elite
A hand-picked list of luxury furs and leathers used throughout history. For writers and world-builders looking to craft wealthy characters and settings.
Crafting elegance: how luxury fabrics and textiles are made
Learn how luxury fabrics and textiles are made, including types of fibers and their sources. For writers and world-builders who like to dive into the details.
SysAdmin Day: celebrating the people who keep our favorite games running
Learn why SysAdmins are important for MU*s, plus ways to celebrate them on SysAdmin Day. Featuring quotes from Opie, Faraday, and Viriato.
MU* Accessibility Week: 6 ways to take part
It's MU* Accessibility Week! Whether you're a staffer or player, there are ways to get involved and make a difference. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Layout and design of a tropical island resort for a multi-user text game
Ideas for the layout and design of a tropical island resort in a text-based game.
Helpfile Spring Cleaning: 10 ways to participate
It's Helpfile Spring Cleaning Week! Here are 10 ways that staff and players can get together to improve their favorite games.
![Data Privacy Week: 10 tips for safer gaming [2026]](https://writing-games.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Data-Privacy-Week_Featured.webp)
Data Privacy Week: 10 tips for safer gaming [2026]
It's Data Privacy Week! Learn why you should care and what you can do to protect yourself and your communities online.
MU* Staff Appreciation Day: 9 ways to say thanks
December 1st is MU* Staff Appreciation Day! Don't forget to say thank you to the hard-working staffers who make your favorite pastime possible.
Mastering medieval banter: how to craft thematic insults
Learn how to come up with thematic jabs and retorts that are appropriate for your audience.
Celebrating International MUD Day: 8 ideas
Learn what International MUD Day is and what it's all about. Plus, get ideas for celebrating the holiday with your friends.
10 Rare and intriguing allergies to make your characters stand out
Learn 10 unusual allergies, ways to use them in character dev, and how to portray them respectfully.
Celebrating Player Appreciation Week
Held annually starting the 3rd Monday of September, Player Appreciation Week honors the players of text-based games and their communities.
The Gary Sue character type explained
Learn what a Gary Sue character is (with examples) and where the term "Gary Sue" comes from. Plus, get tips for adding depth to your own characters.
10 Fictitious fabrics and furs + how to create your own
Learn 10 fictitious fabrics and furs from famous settings, plus how to come up with your own unique materials.
30+ Luxury fabrics for wealthy characters: a guide for writers and world-builders
A detailed guide to luxury fabrics with tons of examples and ideas. Perfect for writers and world-builders looking for inspiration!
What is passive-aggressive RP + 5 examples
Learn what passive-aggressive RP is, why it's so frustrating for many players, and what you can do about it in your game.
MUD level design: how I built an immersive 75-room area in 28 days (without AI)
Learn how I built a 75-room zombie theme park area in 28 days without AI.
10 Ways to support your favorite text games and game creators
Discover 10 ways to support your favorite text games and game creators, especially indie games that could use the marketing boost.
Ways to welcome and include new players
Looking for more ways to welcome and include new players? In this post, fellow roleplayer Petal shares her 11 tips for oldbies in RP MUDs.
How to use medieval fantasy language in RP
Learn what's important - and what's not - when roleplaying with medieval fantasy language. Plus, Amika returns with her tips for using Archaic English!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ideas/Insights category?
Ideas/Insights is for articles that explore text-based games, roleplaying, and storytelling from a practical or historical angle. These posts focus on understanding how things work, why certain patterns appear, and what creators and players can learn from them.
What kind of content appears in this category?
Topics in this category often include game design approaches, roleplay practices, community dynamics, writing considerations, and common challenges found in text-based games.
How is Ideas/Insights different from Guides?
Ideas/Insights articles are exploratory and explanatory. They aim to help readers think through a topic or situation.
How is Ideas/Insights different from Essays?
Ideas/Insights focuses on understanding and navigation. Essays focus on developing and examining a particular perspective or line of reasoning.
Who is this category for?
Ideas/Insights is for players, writers, admins, and designers who want a clearer understanding of text-based games and the communities around them.