Where Games Never Log Off
Some gaming worlds simply refuse to fade. Decades of upgrades, outages, and shifting communities haven’t brought them down. Their servers stay online, quietly defying gaming’s short life cycle. Many began as MUDs—text-based multiplayer worlds that shaped today's online games and gave rise to communities that have endured for decades. So, join us as we take you on a journey through 20 of the longest-running gaming servers of all time.
The First Dune Game 32 Years Later: An LGR Retrospective by LGR
1. Avalon: The Legend Lives (1989)
Launching with a persistent virtual world, Avalon: The Legend Lives changed online gaming through connected innovations. Its player-run guilds created living politics, while skill-based professions deepened play. From its London roots to today, Avalon’s ideas shaped how modern MMOs work.
Avalon RPG (Avalon 1) by Dakstar
2. BatMUD (1990)
Behind BatMUD’s lasting charm stands a Finnish non-profit that has cared for this world with true dedication. Their passion project became a fantasy universe of 100,000 rooms and a thriving player economy—an incredible journey for a game still alive decades later.
3. GemStone IV (1990)
From its early days as GemStone II on GEnie, this text-based imaginary world has kept evolving, through GemStone III and finally GemStone IV. Set in Elanthia, it remains one of the most memorable multiplayer games ever made.
Introduction to Gemstone IV - MMO Text Game - make sure to watch in HD by RisingBagel
4. Discworld MUD (1991)
Terry Pratchett’s wit and imagination come alive in Discworld MUD, a text-based game entertaining fans for generations. With detailed recreations of Ankh-Morpork and other famous spots, plus sharp writing, this volunteer project still honors the fun, clever world of Pratchett’s books.
Discworld MUD: With Faevorion! (My Wife) by TaDaffyd
5. Dune MUD (1992)
Among the sands and rivalries of Frank Herbert’s Dune universe, players face the power struggles between House Atreides and House Harkonnen. Dune MUD turns Herbert’s complex world into an exciting, interactive experience of strategy and survival that entices fans.
The First Dune Game 32 Years Later: An LGR Retrospective by LGR
6. Medievia (1992)
When Medievia appeared, it began a new era for online fantasy games. The MUD stood out with early trade runs, real-time weather, and dragon-hunting adventures. These groundbreaking systems built a lively community that has kept Medievia alive for decades.
dK's Domain - The Wide World of Medievia by Daniel Khayat
7. Wheel Of Time MUD (WoTMUD) (1993)
When WoTMUD appeared, it didn’t just join other MUDs—it brought Robert Jordan’s world to life online. With lands matching the books and a unique channeling system for magic, players join famous groups like the Aes Sedai or Children of the Light.
WoT MUD quick start guide by osiriswarp
8. Realms Of Despair (1994)
At first glance, Realms of Despair seems like a typical text-based DikuMUD. Beneath the surface lies a massive imaginary world of 20,000 rooms, detailed quests, and active player clans—a lasting, community-driven world that’s still running strong today.
Mudlet Realms of Despair GUI by Micah Flowers
9. Alter Aeon (1995)
Alter Aeon keeps the heart of classic MUDs alive with six character classes and a fantasy setting, but it also embraces new tech. Its skill system and accessibility tools make it a shared world for both sighted and visually impaired players.
The World of Alter Aeon - Promotional Trailer 2013 by Alter Aeon
10. AVATAR MUD (1995)
Players stepping into AVATAR MUD’s fantasy world start with exploration, but stay for its deep class system. This long-running adventure stands out by letting players remort to gain new powers, keeping progression fun and endlessly fresh.
Avatar Mud Screen Recording by Eric Hamlow
11. Active Worlds (1995)
Marking a major moment in digital history, Active Worlds became one of the first platforms for user-made 3D virtual spaces. It gave players tools to build and explore their own creations, later expanding into a lively hub for virtual concerts and art events.
Active Worlds: The 27-Year-Old Virtual World You Haven't Heard Of by Straszfilms
12. The Realm Online (1996)
The Realm Online stood out for its cartoon-style art and inviting charm, but beneath that friendly look was a surprisingly strategic experience. Created by Sierra On-Line, it proved that early graphical MMORPGs could balance whimsy with tactical depth.
The Realm Online Anvil run for quick exp/monies by Snugglefist
13. Meridian 59 (1996)
Players stepping into Meridian 59 encountered one of the first 3D MMORPGs, complete with real-time combat and a first-person view. Its innovations set daring new standards for online play, shaping the path of multiplayer worlds that remain active to this day.
Meridian 59 - The Internet Quest Continues by Meridian59
14. Furcadia (1996)
At its core, Furcadia is a creative playground where players design their own avatars and dreamlike worlds. The focus on community and artistic freedom has kept it thriving for years and turned it into one of gaming’s longest-lasting social spaces.
Furcadia (1996/PC) (Part 1) - My Introduction to the Furry MMO by WaterShepDown
15. Nexus: The Kingdom Of The Winds (1996)
Nexus: The Kingdom of the Winds became one of the first graphical MMORPGs to draw from Korean mythology and folklore. Its long, ongoing run highlights Nexon’s growth from a small developer into a global name in online gaming innovation.
Nexus - The Kingdom of the Winds (Gameplay, mmo, 1996) by SEG - Sylar Explores Gaming
16. Aardwolf (1996)
Aardwolf remains one of the biggest fantasy MUDs ever made, with thousands of rooms and detailed zones. The custom features and community-built content make it a favorite for new and old players alike, which keeps its world full of life and energy.
Questing - The Woodelves of Nalondir - Aardwolf MUD by AardRumour
17. Tibia (1997)
Instead of copying other MMORPGs, Tibia offered players complete freedom. Its open 2D world lets adventurers carve their own stories, while harsh death penalties give every choice real meaning—turning this German-made classic into one of the most respected online worlds.
Tibia (Gameplay, mmo, 1997) by SEG - Sylar Explores Gaming
18. Ultima Online (1997)
Electronic Arts and Origin Systems turned Britannia into a living online world with Ultima Online. Its launch brought features like player-built houses and full in-game economies that changed single-player adventure into a persistent, social experience that helped define modern MMORPGs.
Ultima Online (1997) - (Dungeons) PC Gameplay by CYON4D
19. SubSpace (Continuum) (1997)
SubSpace grabbed players with fast-paced, real-time space battles and creative 2D combat. What began as a small test of internet latency became one of the first online space shooters. Thanks to fan-run Continuum servers, this groundbreaking MMO still flies strong today.
Let's look at: Subspace/Continuum [Best game you've never heard of] (PC) by riffraffgames
20. EverQuest (1999)
Set in Norrath, a rich fantasy world filled with many races and roles, EverQuest changed online gaming forever. Its deep world-building and ongoing expansions turned it into a cultural milestone, inspiring countless MMORPGs and devoted fans across North America.
Playing Original EverQuest in 1999 (EQ MMORPG) by Legendary Bloodlines
