Making a MUD vs. creating a game: is there a difference?
Share this post
So you're making a MUD: does that also make you a Game Creator? Is there a difference? Find out in this installment of Ask Andruid.
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:
“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:
- its content
- the community of players who play
- 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.
Notes
A person in a roleplaying game who acts as the administrator, storyteller, and referee, responsible for creating the game world and guiding the narrative. See GM for the full definition, examples, FAQs, and more. ↩
A text-based online game world where players explore, fight, and roleplay together by typing commands. See MUD for the full definition, examples, FAQs, and more. ↩
The underlying software that runs a multi-user dungeon (MUD). See codebase for the full definition, examples, FAQs, and more. ↩
A programmer responsible for creating and modifying the software that operates a game. See coder for the full definition, examples, FAQs, and more. ↩
A staff member in a text-based game with elevated privileges, such as the ability to create content, enforce rules, and manage the game world. See imm for the full definition, examples, FAQs, and more. ↩
Someone who creates the rooms, areas, objects, and/or NPCs in a game. See builder for the full definition, examples, FAQs, and more. ↩
About Andruid
Andruid (she/her) is a writer, roleplayer, storyteller, and nerd who tries to live by Bill and Ted wisdom, i.e. "Be excellent to each other." 🎸 She created Writing Games to share lessons learned and to introduce new players to the world of text-based games. Learn more.
PS: If you’re weighing whether to make a MUD of your own, my look at whether there are too many MUDs and not enough players is a great next read.
Once you start building one, I recommend this guide to how long room descriptions should be.
How to submit a topic or question
Simply shoot me an email at andruid [at] writing-games [dot] com with the words “Ask Andruid” in the subject line and the topic typed into the email body. You can also use my contact form.
Your email and identity will not be revealed, but if you prefer to submit anonymously, you can do so using a free Proton email account or a service like SimpleLogin.
Topics should be related to running or playing multi-user text-based games.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you call yourself a game creator if your MUD uses an existing codebase?
Yes. Building a stable, continuously running MUD is a lot of work even when the codebase and setting are not original, and a game is more than its framework. If you pour your creative energy into the content and the community over many months, that makes you a creator.
Do most MUDs use an existing codebase?
Yes, most MU*s are built on an existing codebase. Using one lets you skip building the supporting framework so you can jump straight into your vision. People have developed and iterated on many codebases over the years.
What titles do people use for those who create and run a MUD?
Common ones include Implementor, Admin, Coder, Staff, Game Master, Game Runner, Immortal, Storyteller, and Builder. “Game Creator” is not used as often, but it can definitely fit someone who created the game or does a lot of creative work on it.
Is a game just the engine or codebase it runs on?
No. A game is more than the framework or engine it is built on. It also includes its content and the community of players, along with the experiences they have while playing.
Is making a MUD the same as running a tabletop RPG?
Not really. In a tabletop RPG, the Game Master usually does not create the mechanics or setting, though they might add their own content. Making a stable, continuously running MUD is a bigger undertaking.
More posts like this one
MUDing mistakes and surprising lessons learned
Updated Aug 9, 2026
How long should room descriptions be when building a MU*?
Updated Aug 8, 2026
Too many MUDs, not enough players?
Updated Aug 8, 2026
AI-written content in online RP games: “it’s ruining my experience”
Updated Jun 30, 2026
Leave a Comment