The Realm Online: A Piece of Gaming History
The Realm Online, an old MMO that dates back to 1989 and was initially developed by Sierra Entertainment, is being taken over by its rights holder. This news comes as a significant blow to players who have dedicated time and effort to preserving this piece of gaming history.
Initially, The Realm Online fan developers were working with Norseman Games, the IP holders, to update and maintain the 27-year-old MMO. However, a breakdown in communication between the developers and Norseman Games has led to the end of their relationship and the cessation of game operations and development.
Norseman Games plans to maintain a “Legacy Server” for The Realm Online, but it will not include any of the updates or improvements made by the fan developers. Instead, it will be a “snapshot of the game at the point in which operations were shut down.” This is likely to require a paid subscription, further disappointing fans who have enjoyed the free-to-play experience.
“We are terribly sorry to have to bring you this news,” the official announcement reads. “We have tried our best to come to a new agreement, but with no response from Norseman Games and only a week left until the termination, we have no choice but to shut down.”
Many players can relate to the pain of losing an MMO – whether it be City of Heroes, Star Wars Galaxies, or The Matrix Online – and the sense that something that felt so permanent suddenly isn’t anymore. These games may have had their flaws, but they held a special place in the hearts of their communities. The Realm Online’s story serves as a cautionary tale both for players and developers, highlighting the complexities of navigating the ever-changing landscape of MMOs.
If you’re looking for a new MMO to try, check out our list of the best ones on PC. You can also find out what happened to some of the biggest lost MMOs, or get a behind-the-scenes look at the making of one of the greatest games ever made, Diablo 2.
