Your fans are waiting!
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
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.
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byPopular PBBG Links
These links are the ones most often tagged "PBBG" at del.icio.us.
Squidoo Group for PBBGs!
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Persistent Browser-Based Games Headquarters
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Persistent Browser-Based Games If you've created a lens about a favorite persistent browser-based game (PBBG), I invite you to add it to this group! Don't know what a PBBG is? Read on! (Because some PBBGs are violent, this group is rated R.)
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?
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
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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 |
