Companions-at-arms: bonding, identity and friendships in the DragonRealms MUD

Almost ironically, DragonRealms thrives in an age of 3-D, graphical Massively Multi-Player Online Games (MMORPGs). While World of Warcraft, Neverwinter Nights, Diablo II and other contenders have used computer animation and graphics to stun players, DragonRealms thrives with a small, yet vibrant community despite a similar (and at times greater) price and only text. The game's continued popularity and the longevity of its memberships can be attributed to the intricate game design, which has been dealt with earlier, and the robust friendships within is members and its hooks into their identities.