Peter C. Beller and Evan Hessel report that a crop of videogames that let people play online together are getting ready to launch.
LOS ANGELES -- In the 1950s, people bowled together. Now, we play videogames together. As people spend more time online on social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace, gaming giants and fledgling developers are rushing to shift their focus from single players to crowds. So far, the genre's undisputed champion is "World of Warcraft," devised by Activision Blizzard ( ATVI - news - people ). It boasts 11.5 million subscribers worldwide.
But hold tight, gamers--many more games that will let you do everything from wield a light saber to ran a car are on the way.
Joining the biggest games publishers are a host of new companies hoping to break into the MMO space with fresh ideas. Some of these games, like the cheeky battle game "League of Legends," will require a more casual level of involvement than the several hours a week that Warcraft members average. "Battlefield Heroes" from reigning giant Electronic Arts ( ERTS - news - people ), will be free to play but offer virtual materiel and upgraded equipment for real-world money. Disney ( DIS - news - people ) is targeting younger gamers by turning its most popular movies into safe online environments that are full of whimsical things for kids to do.
Of course, hardcore gamers still worship awesome graphics, epic storylines and the satisfaction of cutting your opponent down with a glowing lightsaber. Among the blockbusters coming out soon is a heavily anticipated Star Wars game, titles based on superheroes from DC and Marvel comics, and a secret project from private-equity-backed Zenimax. Competition is heating up, though. Investors poured $700 million into this genre in the last two years. Electronic Arts, Sony Online Entertainment and Disney are all releasing online worlds in the next two years.
