Imm — Definition, examples, FAQs, and more

Imm: a brief history

The concept of immortals originated from early text-based multiplayer games, where a hierarchy of users was necessary to manage the virtual environment.

The term “immortal” signifies their elevated status, as they possess abilities beyond those of ordinary players, such as invincibility and the power to modify the game world.

How it's used today

Players see the term “imm” most often in text-based games where staff members are visible to the community. The word is used by both staff and regular players to talk about people with special powers, responsibilities, or decision-making roles within the game.

Types of games where the term is commonly used include:

MUD, MUSH, RPMUD, PbP, Chat RPG, RPI, RPE.

Imm examples

• In a text-based adventure game, an imm might create a new questline and populate it with a variety of challenges and rewards for players to discover.
• An imm may intervene during a dispute between players to mediate and ensure that the game’s rules are being followed by both parties. This type of imm is sometimes referred to as a “policy admin.”
• During a special event in the game, an immortal might take on the appearance of a deity or powerful character in order to lead a storyline or challenge.
• An imm could implement a new game feature or explorable area based on feedback from the player community.

Myths and misconceptions

1. Imms are all-powerful beings who can do whatever they want in the game, such as helping their friends and hurting their enemies. While imms do have extensive abilities, their actions are usually bound by the game’s rules and ethical guidelines. Imms are there to enhance the gaming experience, not to dominate it.
2. Imms spend all their time in the game. While some immortals may have more time to devote to the game than others, most also have jobs, families, and other responsibilities that require their energy and attention. Volunteering their time for a game is typically something they do because they enjoy it, not because they want an unpaid job.
3. All imms are experts at every aspect of the game or coding. In reality, imms come from many backgrounds and have a range of skills and knowledge. Some focus on building, others on story, and some may be learning new aspects of game management as they help out.
4. Imms are always visible or watching everything that happens in the game. Many imms are only present at certain times, and they may not catch every incident or player action right away, making it important for players to report issues or bugs.
5. Becoming an imm means a player has “beaten” the game or reached some kind of final level. Imm status is not a reward for in-game accomplishments, but a role dedicated to managing and improving the game for everyone’s experience.

Imm FAQs

How does one become an immortal in a game?

Typically, a player becomes an immortal by being promoted from the player base, usually due to their dedication, knowledge of the game, and ability to contribute positively to the game’s development and community. This process varies from game to game and may involve an application, interview, or selection by existing staff.

Is there a hierarchy among imms?

Yes, typically there is a hierarchy among immortals, which can include different levels such as Junior Immortal, Senior Immortal, and Head Immortal. Each level may come with different responsibilities and powers within the game. Powers may also be divided up by role, such as Builder, Head Builder, Coder, or Administrator.

What are the main responsibilities of an immortal?

An imm’s main responsibilities usually include creating and editing game content, solving player disputes, enforcing game rules, and assisting players with issues or questions. They act as moderators, creators, and guides within the game world. Their exact responsibilities may depend on their position in the staff hierarchy, as well as their individual interests and skills.

Can an imm participate in normal gameplay?

In most games, imms are discouraged or outright forbidden from participating in regular gameplay on their immortal characters. This is to maintain fairness and objectivity. To avoid conflicts of interest, imms usually have separate characters for administrative duties and for playing the game. These characters may even be on different accounts to fully keep things separate.