PMOG

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

PMOG (Passively Multiplayer Online Game) is an online game which players 'passively' participate in while browsing web pages. Players earn data points by visiting unique domains, which they can spend on various game items that can be attached to web pages to trigger events when another player next visits that page.

1 Origins
2 PMOG experience
3 References
4 External links

[edit] Origins

The principle creator of PMOG is Justin Hall, who is often referred to as the "father of blogging". In 2007, as a graduate student in USC's Interactive Media Division program, he developed the game concept as part of his masters thesis. ^[1] The game was developed with support from colleagues Duncan Gough, Alice Taylor, Merci Hammon and Phil Gyford,^{[citation needed]} and the project led to a collaboration with Game Layers Inc., the company that launched PMOG and where Justin Hall has assumed the role of CEO.

[edit] PMOG experience

The premise of PMOG comes from the fact that internet users spend a large portion of their time multitasking, browsing information, or contacting other people online. PMOG aims to classify and allocate an individual’s internet use and then utilize the gathered information in a unique and playful manner.^[2]

PMOG was originally an in-browser toolbar that compensated users as they browsed the world wide web. The game has since evolved as a heads-up display overlay in the Firefox web browser. ^[3] The design of the HUD and its interface allows users to play with one another via the world wide web. In addition, it allows players to create information quests, complete missions created by other users, place "land mines" throughout the web to trip up other users, and to construct defenses around particular web sites of interest.

By engaging through features of the HUD and through increased web browsing, players lose or gain data points. Data points allow users to buy different types tools which can enhance the previously mentioned features of the HUD. In addition, the more data points accumulated by users will eventually allow them to select a character type. In total, there are six characters: two fall under the category of “chaotic”, whose roles are to place numerous mines and create portals. Meanwhile, the remaining characters abide by the “torch of order” and concentrate on protecting other users and provide them useful information through missions ^[4]. Another aspect to PMOG is that players can collect up to 35 badges by the missions that are completed, the manner in which they utilize their tools, or the manner in which they browse the web.