Richard Bartle
Father of MUDs
The British game designer who co-created MUD1 (1978), the first multi-user dungeon, and developed foundational theory about virtual world design and player types.
Overview
Richard Bartle is a British game designer who co-created MUD1 with Roy Trubshaw in 1978, creating the first multi-user dungeon and establishing the foundation for all subsequent online multiplayer games. His theoretical work on player types and virtual world design remains influential.
Fast Facts
- Born: 1960
- Key work: MUD1 (1978, with Roy Trubshaw)
- Theory: Player type taxonomy (Bartle Test)
- Role: Academic, designer, author
- Legacy: Founded online gaming
MUD1 (1978)
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Created with | Roy Trubshaw |
| Platform | Essex University mainframe |
| Innovation | Multiple simultaneous players |
| Genre | Multi-User Dungeon |
Bartle’s Player Types
His influential taxonomy categorises players:
| Type | Motivation |
|---|---|
| Achievers | Accumulating points, levels, items |
| Explorers | Discovering the world |
| Socialisers | Interacting with others |
| Killers | Competing against others |
This framework still guides game design today.
Theoretical Contributions
| Concept | Application |
|---|---|
| Player types | Game design balance |
| Virtual worlds | Community design |
| MUD design | Gameplay systems |
Ongoing Influence
Bartle continues to:
- Write about virtual worlds
- Consult on game design
- Teach and lecture
- Advocate for player rights
Legacy
Every MMORPG, online game, and virtual world descends from MUD1. Bartle’s theoretical work provides vocabulary and frameworks that game designers still use to understand player behaviour.