In this episode of "A People's History of Video Game Development," hosts Kel Bachus and Tracy Seamster talk about the very early origins of text-based role play, and what players were looking for in immersive experiences.

They talk about community building across the fourth wall, and how a surprising number of successful designers in those contexts were femmes or women -- and why.

Join Tracy Seamster and Kel Bachus as they delve into the fascinating world of early online gaming, specifically the text-based adventures that shaped the industry. From the start of Tracy’s developer journey designing content for Gemstone 3 in 1996 to managing the intricacies of player experience in classic text-based multiplayer environments, they share their unique experiences. Discover what it was like working on some of the very earliest multiplayer games, the technological challenges they faced, and how these elements influenced the evolution of gaming.

This episode covers GE’s “Genie” network, Simutronics’ Gemstone 3 and Xena and Hercules, some of the earliest online game technology, including MUDs and chat room role play. Perfect for gaming enthusiasts and nostalgics alike, this episode reveals the roots of modern mutiplayer games through storytelling, humor, and a touch of personal history.