Richard Bartle's (the inventor of MUDs) soon-to-be-published book, "Designing Virtual Worlds" (edited by Damion Schubert and yours truly) is out on Amazon at It's available for purchase now but won't ship until July.

It's definitely the most in-depth and authoritative book to date on the design of virtual worlds, though even topping out at more than 700 pages certain areas there's far more he could have talked about. Still, if you're interested in a truly in-depth discussion of virtual world design you want this book.

--matt

First, thanks for helping get a reference book out there on the topic. The MUD community does a lot of wheel re-inventing, and hopefully Bartle's experience can be passed on in a way which enhances the genre.

Second, any idea when it will be ready for ordering? Amazon isn't hinting.

Well, it's not really a reference book. It's more of an extended essay on the state of virtual worlds and Bartle's opinions on various features and design patterns.

I believe it will be ready to ship in July.

---matt

Thank you for this heads up.


Now to do illegal actions for the money to buy this book...