Realm Online Clinches Rebirth

It is one of the oldest MMORPGs in the genre’s history. Dating back to 1996, Realm Online was first released as a MUD (Multiple User Design), since it was created before the MMO evolution. As a matter of fact, it is a pacesetter that laid the groundwork for popular games such as World of Warcraft and Final Fantasy XIV.

The game was scheduled for termination on June 30, 2023, when on June 21 the Realm Online IP holder,  Norseman Gamesecided, threatened to close the game’s server.  It announced the launch of a “legacy server” called Despothes’ Grove where the game would remain operational going forward.

A new post on June 29 – hours before the announced termination after 27 years of gaming – changed everything.  The statement brought the good news that a last-minute deal had been struck with an undisclosed buyer and Realm Online would keep breathing,

Happy about the deal, fans started the celebration without any knowledge of whom this superhero might have been. Can’t blame them, the game is probably older than most of them

Nonetheless, this invisible savior turned up in the FAQs. The new owner, Virtual World Holding Company, LLC, promised to revamp and relaunch the game,  but they are taking a conservative approach to release, to ensure a smooth rollout. Right now, their primary focus is getting the core game up and running.

The savior has also decided to take a paid approach, informing users that the relaunch will start with payment. Users surely won’t even notice this as they are still faithful players of the old game even as they hope to see some more evolution from the game, as has been its history.

Although the last update on July 11 sheds no light on how soon it will be back online, Realm Online fans are now happy and hopeful, at least. it’s not every day that a 27-year-old game is rescued.