Mankind (game)

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Mankind is a massively multiplayer real-time strategy (MMORTS) published in December 1998 by the French computer game developer Vibes. Mankind and its attendant properties are copyrighted by O2 Online Entertainment Ltd, based in Hongkong.

Unlike most MMOGs, all players play in the same persistent universe in Mankind, trying to stake out an empire starting with only a small ship. The game's site describes it as a parallel universe. Estimates of the size of this universe are hard to come by, ranging from 7,000 active players (Source: Electronic Gaming Business, 08/25/04) to more than 200,000 players (Source: official game site 01/31/06). Indeed, a number of vast empires have developed as players colonize, build, expand, battle, and explore.

The game has gone through several revisions since its first release in 1998. Its distribution channel is also unique in that, unlike some other MMORGs such as EverQuest and World of Warcraft, the program is not heavily distributed through retail stores, but rather is downloaded on-line. Players pay a monthly fee for unlimited access.

The persistent universe feature means that, even when players are not involved in the game, their mines extract ores, factories create equipment, ships continue commerce, and combat units continue to do battle. The game also has option to allow the user be notified via cell phone text message if their units come under attack.

The sheer scale of this game is mind-boggling, allowing for completely open-ended gameplay.

This game is not to be confused with the MMORPG Face of Mankind