Lunduke
News • Science & Tech
Remembering MUD1 - The first multiplayer role playing game on the Internet
The roots of all online RPGs date back to 1978... and a PDP-10 computer.
October 22, 2023
post photo preview

MUD -- Also known as a "Multi-User Dungeon", is a multiplayer, real-time, text-based virtual world and game.  Often played via Telnet orr SSH.

Let’s take a little stroll back to the 1970s… as we explore the history of the very first MUD — and, in fact, the very first multiplayer, online role playing game on the Internet: MUD1

The Inspiration

To truly understand MUD1 (the game which spawned the entire genre of Multi-User Dungeons), we need to go back to 1976 and the release of the first text adventure game: “Colossal Cave Adventure” (or simply ADVENT as it was known), developed by William Crowther.

Colossal Cave Adventure on a PDP-11

ADVENT was such a hit, that another group of developers at MIT (Dave Lebling, Marc Blank, and Tim Anderson) started a new game. Their goal was to expand on ADVENT. Better map. Puzzles. Dungeons and Dragons inspired combat. And a more advanced text input system.

That game, in 1977, was named “Zork”.

Fun side-note: The word “Zork” meant absolutely nothing. It was a made up, nonsense word used as a placeholder for the project. This was common practice at MIT. Before the game was complete, the team changed the name to “Dungeon”. After being released as “Dungeon”, the company that owned Dungeons & Dragons (TSR) got ahold of the developers and requested they not use the name. At which point the name of the game was changed back to Zork. And that’s how it stayed.

The original “Dungeon” version of Zork. Before the name change.

 

The Creation of MUD1

In 1979, two men over in Britain, at the University of Essex, started playing Zork (or, rather, “Dungeon” before the name was changed to “Zork”): Richard Bartle and Roy Trubshaw.

This game gave them the inspiration to create something similar… but multiplayer.

This game was known simply as “Multi-User Dungeon” (as, in a way, it was a “Multi-User” system that was a bit like the game “Dungeon”)… or MUD, for short. In later years it would be referred to as “MUD1” to more easily differentiate it from the growing category of “MUD” games.

According to the official account by Richard Bartle:

“The very first MUD was written by Roy Trubshaw in MACRO-10 (the machine code for DECsystem-10's). Date-wise, it was Spring 1979. The game was originally little more than a series of inter-connected locations where you could move and chat. I don't think it was called MUD at that stage, but I'd have to ask Roy to be sure. Roy rewrote it almost immediately, and the next version, also in MACRO-10, was much more sophisticated. This one was definitely called MUD (I still have a printout of it). The database (ie. the rooms, objects, commands etc.) was defined in a separate file, but it could also be added to during play. However, the result was that people added new rooms that were completely out of keeping with the rest of the environment, and, worse, added new commands that removed any spirit of exploration and adventure that the game may have had.”

At which point — around the spring of 1980 — Richard Bartle took over development from Roy Trubshaw:

“I had been helping Roy with the game-side of things for some time, starting with suggestions for version 1. Roy was mainly interested in the programming side of things, rather than the design of rooms, puzzles and so on. When he left Essex, I took over full control. At that point, there was no objective for the players, and only primitive communication. There was no points-scoring system, there were no mobiles, no containers, and even some of the infrastructure was missing (eg. two people in a dark room, one with a torch: the other still couldn't see). In terms of lines of code, Roy gave me about 25% of what was in the final program (mind you, it was the most essential 25%!). I added all the stuff about getting to be a wizard (which was previously 'debug mode' so implementors - Roy and I - could test out new room complexes we'd added.

Fun bit of trivia: Note how he describes himself as an “implementor”? This was true with the development of Zork/Dungeon as well. In fact, the small team working on Zork often referred to themselves as “imps”… for short.

Looking back on the original MUD, Roy describes the distribution of work thusly:

“Although Roy had written the basis of the system, it wasn't really a game, nor was it completely usable. Sometimes, the implication is given that I merely modified his program, or tidied up a few loose ends, whereas actually I wrote most of it (and unwrote some of it!). At other times, there's the suggestion that Roy just knocked together a basic shell devoid of anything really original or interesting; again, that's incorrect - Roy pioneered MUD programming, and had to design everything from scratch. So the writing of that first MUD was basically a team effort, and the way Roy and I expect to see it described is "MUD was created and written by Roy Trubshaw and Richard Bartle at Essex University in the UK", or words to that effect.”

By early 1980, the first trans-Atlantic, Internet, Role-Playing gaming session occurred:

"At this time, there was an experimental packet-switching system (EPSS) linking Essex University to ArpaNet in the USA. In Spring 1980, we got our first few external players logging in and trying the game out.”

This is a map of the original MUD1 (as drawn by a fan and published in the early 1980s):

That really takes me back. I recall drawing so many similar maps for other types of MUDs (many of which I played on local BBS’s). Some serious childhood memories there.

MUD1 becomes “British Legends”

In 1987, Richard Bartle struck a deal with CompuServe to bring MUD to their network. The original MUD server shut down, and the CompuServer version was launched… under a new name: “British Legends”.

In fact, British Legends is still technically accessible. Though, I’ve found the connection tends to drop regularly… making game play extremely difficult.

The Full Source Code

What’s more… the entire source code for MUD1 was released publicly in recent years.

You can find the full source code for MUD1 over on GitHub, including instructions on how to build it on a PDP-10.

MUDs live on!

Many MUDs are still going strong. Including games like Stellar Aeon:

And, on many Bulletin Board Systems, there is even one called “Door MUD”:

Considering that we are over 40 years since the creation of MUD… I’d say we’re not likely to see these sorts of games go away (at least not completely) any time soon…

community logo
Join the Lunduke Community
To read more articles like this, sign up and join my community today
1
What else you may like…
Videos
Podcasts
Posts
Articles
The Apache Software Foundation Drops the "Apache"

“As a non-Indigenous entity, we acknowledge that it is inappropriate for the Foundation to use Indigenous themes or language.”

And, yes. It says “1985” in the date. But, do not be fooled. For it is not actually 1985.

More from The Lunduke Journal:
https://lunduke.com/

00:09:38
September 14, 2025
Microsoft & Red Hat Employees Celebrating Charlie Kirk's Murder

At Microsoft & Red Hat -- and across Big Tech -- many employees are celebrating and encouraging murder. Microsoft has responded... but not Red Hat.

And, yes. The date on the video says 1985. But, no. It's not actually 1985.

More from The Lunduke Journal:
https://lunduke.com/

00:15:26
September 13, 2025
Open Source & Big Tech Leftists Lost Their Minds This Week

Open Source Leftists Celebrate Murder, Censor Conservatives, and say "Free Software is White Supremacy". It's been one of those weeks in the Tech world.

Lunduke's Week in Tech - Sep 13, 2025:
https://lunduke.substack.com/p/lundukes-week-in-tech-sep-13-2025

More from The Lunduke Journal:
https://lunduke.com/

00:21:48
November 22, 2023
The futility of Ad-Blockers

Ads are filling the entirety of the Web -- websites, podcasts, YouTube videos, etc. -- at an increasing rate. Prices for those ad placements are plummeting. Consumers are desperate to use ad-blockers to make the web palatable. Google (and others) are desperate to break and block ad-blockers. All of which results in... more ads and lower pay for creators.

It's a fascinatingly annoying cycle. And there's only one viable way out of it.

Looking for the Podcast RSS feed or other links? Check here:
https://lunduke.locals.com/post/4619051/lunduke-journal-link-central-tm

Give the gift of The Lunduke Journal:
https://lunduke.locals.com/post/4898317/give-the-gift-of-the-lunduke-journal

The futility of Ad-Blockers
November 21, 2023
openSUSE says "No Lunduke allowed!"

Those in power with openSUSE make it clear they will not allow me anywhere near anything related to the openSUSE project. Ever. For any reason.

Well, that settles that, then! Guess I won't be contributing to openSUSE! 🤣

Looking for the Podcast RSS feed or other links?
https://lunduke.locals.com/post/4619051/lunduke-journal-link-central-tm

Give the gift of The Lunduke Journal:
https://lunduke.locals.com/post/4898317/give-the-gift-of-the-lunduke-journal

openSUSE says "No Lunduke allowed!"
September 13, 2023
"Andreas Kling creator of Serenity OS & Ladybird Web Browser" - Lunduke’s Big Tech Show - September 13th, 2023 - Ep 044

This episode is free for all to enjoy and share.

Be sure to subscribe here at Lunduke.Locals.com to get all shows & articles (including interviews with other amazing nerds).

"Andreas Kling creator of Serenity OS & Ladybird Web Browser" - Lunduke’s Big Tech Show - September 13th, 2023 - Ep 044
September 14, 2025
New Lunduke Journal Sub Perks, Lifetime Price Increase Next Week

A quick update: There are some new perks for Lunduke Journal subscribers, and an upcoming price increase for new Lifetime Subscriptions (if you want one of those at the lower price, you have a couple days).

All the details below.

Lifetime Subscription Price Increase

This coming Friday (September 19th), the price of a new Lifetime Subscription to The Lunduke Journal will be increasing from $200 to $300. I wanted to give all of you a few days notice so you could grab one at the lower rate.

If you want to pick up a Lifetime Subscription for the lower price, simply grab one (via Locals, Substack, or Bitcoin) by Thursday night (Sep 18th).

The prices for new Yearly and Monthly subscriptions will remain the same. No changes.

Reminder: The Lunduke Journal has phased out sales and discount promotions. The current price of a subscription is the best price.

New Perks for Lunduke Journal Subscribers

I am working on adding a few new perks for Lunduke Journal subscribers — a way of saying “Thank You” for making this work possible (while still keeping all of the articles and shows free for the world).

Here are the perks as of today.

Perks for all Subscribers (Monthly, Yearly, and Lifetime):

Note: The eBooks & Games are currently only available on Locals & Substack (due to platform features). Those perks will also become available to subscribers on X, YouTube, & Patreon next week. Stay tuned for access details.

Additional (Optional) Perks only for Lifetime Subscribers:

  • The Lunduke Journal will follow your account on X.

  • Your name (real, or internet handle) listed in a special thanks slide at the end of new Lunduke Journal videos.

Both of these perks are 100% optional.

If you are a Lifetime Subscriber, and would like to take advantage of either (or both), simply email “bryan at lunduke.com” with the subject line “Lifetime Perk” (that part is important, I get so many emails this will help me see yours) and include a link to your X profile and/or the way you want your name to appear at the end of videos.

One of the nice parts of having Lunduke Journal follow your X account… is it will make it far easier (and more likely) for me to see your comments.

Thank You

I am working to expand all of the regular perks (books, etc.) to subscribers across all platforms (which was a little tricky, considering the differences in each platform, but I managed to figure out how to do it) — while adding a few new ones as well.

Nothing crazy, just a way of saying “Thank You”.

Seriously.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your support. The Lunduke Journal is only possible thanks to each and every one of you.

-Lunduke

Read full Article
September 13, 2025
post photo preview
Lunduke's Week in Tech - Sep 13, 2025
Open Source Leftists Celebrate Murder, Censor Conservatives, and say "Free Software is White Supremacy".

So many stories this week about Leftist Activists, within Open Source and Big Tech, going absolutely insane.

From celebrating the murder of Charlie Kirk to censoring Conservatives and even equating Free and Open Source Software with White Supremacy. And there’s more.

What’s truly crazy to me, is that most of these cases of Leftist insanity are from leaders within Open Source. These are the people running projects and representing companies.

Seriously. It’s wild.

Here are the stories of the week, presented in reverse chronological order.

All of these links are to Substack (where you can watch the video or listen to the audio podcast) — but all of these stories are available for free on every platform which The Lunduke Journal publishes to. Use whichever platform works for you.

Only The Lunduke Journal Told These Stories

This week I am reminded why The Lunduke Journal is important.

Over the last 7 days, we published 13 stories.

Of those 13 stories only 2 were covered by any other Tech News outlet. Two.

And, in both of those 2 stories, The Lunduke Journal is the only Tech News outlet that covered them accurately — and without a pro-Big-Tech, Left Wing bias.

If we didn’t exist, the other 11 stories wouldn’t get told at all. How crazy is that?

Thankfully the stories are spreading — with people seeing them over 9 million times last month alone.

If you want to be part of making The Lunduke Journal possible, consider becoming a subscriber. Lots of options, big and small. And all go directly towards daily operations.

Might I make a suggestion?

The Lifetime Subscription (which counts towards both Substack and Locals — and last for life) is a marvelous, one time, way to show support. And it comes with all of the perks (access to the Locals community as well as the official Lunduke Journal forum, & DRM-free eBooks).

You can snag a Lifetime Subscription via Locals, Substack, or with Bitcoin.

But, heck, any type of subscription (via any platform) is appreciated! Choose whichever works best for you!

Then be sure to go to Lunduke.com and choose the platforms which are the most convenient for you to use — The Lunduke Journal publishes all over the Inter-Tubes!

And, once again, thank you to every subscriber. This work is only possible because of you. You rule.

-Lunduke

Read full Article
September 11, 2025
Keep The Lunduke Journal Free!

So far, in 2025, The Lunduke Journal has published 246 shows — being the only Tech News outlet covering the vast majority of those stories.

All without even the slightest influence from Big Tech. No sponsorships, no ad reads, not a penny taken from any company.

And every single story — every article, podcast, & video — is free to share far and wide.

In order for The Lunduke Journal to continue doing this unique work — to keep the lights on well into the future — we need your help.

If you haven’t yet become a subscriber to The Lunduke Journal, doing so today makes a big impact. Pick one of the options below. Big or small. Monthly, Yearly, or Lifetime subscriptions — or even simply one-time donations — all make a huge difference.

Support The Lunduke Journal

Monthly or Yearly Subscriptions:
Locals, Substack, X, YouTube, or Patreon

Lifetime Subscriptions:
Pay Once, For Life (Locals & Substack)

One-Time Donations:
Locals or Bitcoin

You Make The Lunduke Journal Possible

Seriously. This is all possible because of you.

We are able to make all of this free to share with the world because of you.

Might I make a suggestion?

The Lifetime Subscription (which counts towards both Substack and Locals) is a marvelous, one time, way to show support. And it comes with all of the perks (access to the Locals community as well as the official Lunduke Journal forum, & DRM-free eBooks).

You can snag a Lifetime Subscription via Locals, Substack, or with Bitcoin. Lots of options.

But, heck, any type of subscription (via any platform) is appreciated! Choose whichever works best for you!

Then be sure to go to Lunduke.com and choose the platforms which are the most convenient for you to use — The Lunduke Journal publishes all over!

And, once again, thank you for making The Lunduke Journal possible.

-Lunduke

Read full Article
See More
Available on mobile and TV devices
google store google store app store app store
google store google store app tv store app tv store amazon store amazon store roku store roku store
Powered by Locals