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Persistent Browser-Based Games

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It can be troublesome to have to download or install a game or game client on a computer, so it's good to know that there are many games available that can be played in a web browser over the internet. Some of these games are even set up so that you can continue where you left off the next time you play; this is called persistence. Browser-based games with persistence are being promoted with the acronym PBBG (for persistent browser-based game, of course).

The acronym only defines the medium, and one useful feature, of all games that can be defined as PBBGs. Like other games, PBBGs can be for one player, two or more players in a small group, or "massively multiplayer". The persistent element in a PBBG can be as simple as a saved score or level in a single-player game; or as complex as interactive events between many players in a virtual world, which continue to happen whether you are logged in or not.

PBBGs are a good entry into gaming culture for people on a budget. Many are free to play; and a number of them don't rely on complex graphics or sound, so they can be enjoyed even at public terminals, where such elements may distract others (and may be disabled).

PBBGs are a convenient gaming choice because... 

  • ...you can play right after signing up, since you won't have to wait for any software downloads to complete. (You may have to check your e-mail for a confirmation letter, but this is usually quickly accomplished.)
  • ...they're portable. Since your account information is saved server-side (by the game, not by your computer), and no special software is required, you can log in at any terminal with a browser and continue where you left off.
  • ...like other online games, many PBBGs are free to play. They often are funded voluntarily through donations (which in some cases grant an in-game incentive to players), or by selling promotional merchandise, or both.

What Defines a Persistent Browser-Based Game?

A persistent browser-based game, or PBBG, is a computer game that satisfies the following two criteria:

1. It is browser-based. The game is played over the Internet using only a web browser.
2. It is persistent. Progress in the game is achieved over multiple playing sessions.

PBBGs merge the depth and longevity of an application-based game with the accessibility and portability of a browser-based game. PBBG can be spoken as pee-bee for brevity.

More PBBG Information 

The PBBG Project
This website, from which the above definition was taken, aims to promote the concept of PBBGs. It includes a list of PBBGs and sites that discuss them.
PBBGDev.com
a site for developers of PBBGs
Online Role Playing Games - Home
News and discussion about PBBGs and other online role-playing games.

A Sampling of PBBGs 

Many popular PBBGs are strategic adventures, often involving worldbuilding or combat (or both). Popular settings include pre-industrial civilization, outer space, a post-apocalyptic urban future, magical fantasy, and magical fantasy parody.

Not all PBBGs are suitable for a general audience; discretion is advised when investigating these links.
Jennifer Government: NationStates
Max Barry's nation simulation based on his book Jennifer Government
Travian - Browser Game - Romans, Gauls & Teutons
empire-building strategy in a Roman-Empire-style setting
Urban Dead - A Free Massively Multi-Player Web-Based Zombie Apocalypse
"Free grid-based browser game where zombies and survivors fight for control of a ruined city."
Nexus War
"A browser-based massively multiplayer online role-playing game about factional control fought between angels and demons at the end of time."
PseudoQuest! - It's like you're almost questing...
"PseudoQuest is a free humorous webgame, set in a more-or-less typical fantasy setting. Go on quests, kill various beasties (like the terrible green slime!), and generally hang out and have a good time."
The Kingdom of Loathing
Although player-versus-player combat is possible, many players in this game are engaged in single-player quests that spoof pop culture and the role-playing game genre.
TinyWarz - Free Multiplayer Turn-based Strategy Game
"TinyWarz is a free massively multiplayer, turn-based game where players battle other players and computer controlled bandits on distant worlds."

Recent PBBG Links 

at del.icio.us

These are the most recent links tagged "PBBG" at del.icio.us.

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Popular PBBG Links 

Squidoo Group for PBBGs! 

Your Turn! 

Did you find this lens informative? Are you already a fan of PBBGs? Do you have a favorite PBBG, or a favorite site that discusses them?

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Chadrizard

Wow! I never knew there was a new acronym....I do have favorite PBBG's

www.battleon.com
www.mechquest.com
www.dragonfable.com

Posted May 03, 2008

The_Book_Garden

Cool, I've never heard of them described as such before! I've been playing Travian for a few weeks now and I'm a big fan of Bounty Bay Online too, I even made a lens about it!

Posted April 29, 2008

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