Meridian 59 is an online computer role-playing game first published by 3DO Studios and now run by Near Death Studios. As a "massively multiplayer", 3D graphical RPG with a flat-rate monthly fee from 1996, it is often credited as the first MMORPG.

History

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Meridian 59, often credited as being the first 3D massively multiplayer game, was published in September 1996 by 3DO. The game was developed by Archetype Interactive, and was the company's only product (Archetype Interactive was acquired by 3DO in June 1996). Archetype was run by Steve Sellers, Mike Sellers, and John Hanke, with Andrew Kirmse and Chris Kirmse filling key technical roles. Damion Schubert contributed much of the design along with a team totaling 22 employees and contractors.

The game was in an early beta stage in April of 1996 when it was noticed by Kevin Hester and other game developers at 3D0. Trip Hawkins, CEO of 3DO, recognized the forward-looking value of the game and the company, and 3DO bought Archetype in June 1996. More than 25,000 players joined the game's public beta that lasted up until its commercial launch on September 27, 1996, beating its next major rival, Ultima Online, by approximately a year (The Realm Online, another early but primitive online game, also released commercially shortly after Meridian 59).

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Online Gamers Anthology Podcast: Meridian 59 at Ten Ton Hammer
Aelryn Wed, 31 Oct 2007 19:14:15 -0000
The best three-dimensional 2D graphics that money can buy. You probably don't know what Meridian 59 is, but before EverQuest came around and dominated the MMO scene, there was another 3D online game in town, and the first of its kind. Listen as Brian "Psychochild" Green discusses his fond memories of one of the first real MMOGs. - Some adventurers in Meridian discuss the typical struggles in an adventurer's life, such as breakups, guild take-overs, and fast-food.
Exclusive Brian Green Interview at Ten Ton Hammer
Ethec Mon, 04 Jun 2007 13:41:42 -0000
An Interview with Brian "Psychochild" Green, Founder of Near Death Studios
Meridian 59 Interview at MMORPG.com at Ten Ton Hammer
Boomjack Fri, 17 Jun 2005 13:48:27 -0000
Back from the dead. MMORPG.com has a Meridian 59 Evolution interview posted featuring Brian Green of Near Death Studios. We can assure you that they may have written this: "A few weeks ago at E3, I had a chance to catch up with Brian Green of Near Death Studios, the company hard at work on Meridian 59. The show had just ended, and as he and I were in the same hotel, we decided we could not leave E3 without one last interview each. So, in the hotel lobby, laptop in hand, Brian took me on a brief tour of his game and we chatted about where it has been and where it – and he – are headed." You can read the entire Meridian 59 Evolution Interview at MMORPG.com.

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