Meridian 59

Meridian 59 is one of the longest surviving massively multiplayer online roleplaying games that was created in the 1990s. It is also arguably the first MMORPG that used a fully 3D interactive environment. Originally developed by Archetype Interactive, it was later taken over by Near Death Studios in 2002. Meridian 59 was published in September 1996 by The 3DO Company. The game continues today under the original developers Andrew Kirmse and Chris Kirmse and released as open-source and launched on Steam in 2018.

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The Players and Daily login numbers are estimations based on subscriber numbers and online sentiment.

Meridian 59 is one of the most influential fantasy MMORPGs in history. It is set in a generic sword and sorcery world, specifically the 59th provincial colony of an ancient empire that explored a magical nexus (hence the name of the game).

Unlike most MMORPGs, character classes are not implemented in Meridian 59. Instead, developing skills and abilities are entirely freeform. Learning skills can be done from one of the seven schools, the Weaponcraft School and one of the 6 schools under a particular deity.

The deities of the school determine the type of skills that one can learn from them. For instance, Faren, god of the earth and elements, taught magic that dealt damage and elemental effects, as well as developing resistances against them. On the other hand, the school of Jala, goddess of art and music, taught magical effects that negate other effects, as well as creating magical items, potions, and enchantments.

Players in Meridian 59 can choose one of the three major political factions. They can also join or establish player Guilds to fight for resources and build Guild Halls.