MUD = Multi User Dungeon (or some people prefer Dimension), a Text MUD is a MUD that's only text (no graphics). Foomer likes Text MUDs. A MUD is basically a multiplayer game.

http://www.zuggsoft.com/zmud/aboutmud.htm

MUD stands for Multi-User Dungeon, Multi-User Domain, or Multi-User Dimension. Regardless of what it stands for, a MUD is an online environment where multiple users are logged on and interacting with one and other. On some MUDs you only interact with other players that are logged on, similar to an online chat system. On other MUDs you can also interact with a game world where you can explore, fight monsters, and collect treasure, either alone or in the company of other players that are logged on. On some MUDs, the environment itself can be changed and expanded by the players themselve. On others, you must play the game long enough to advance to a Wizard level at which time you can add new areas to the game. Allowing players to change and add to the MUD world itself is one of the unique features that make MUDs so unique and fun. Every MUD you visit will be different in subtle or dramatic ways.

http://www.lysator.liu.se/mud/faq/faq1.html

A MUD (Multiple User Dimension, Multiple User Dungeon, or Multiple User Dialogue) is a computer program which users can log into and explore. Each user takes control of a computerized persona/avatar/incarnation/ character. You can walk around, chat with other characters, explore dangerous monster-infested areas, solve puzzles, and even create your very own rooms, descriptions and items. You can also get lost or confused if you jump right in, so be sure to read this document before starting.

http://www.alchar.org/~aedil/Prehistoric/whatisit.html

A MUD (Multi User Dungeon) is a computer program which users can log into, and in which they can explore a virtual world. Each user takes control of a computerized persona (also called character). One can walk around, chat with other characters, explore dangerous areas full of monsters and traps, solve puzzles and quests, and even create your own locations and objects.

There are several families of MUDs, all with their own characteristics. These aspects are usually a matter of playing style (roleplaying, hack'n'slash, ...) But also in the underlying system, various flavours can be found.

Some other links:

http://www.harley.com/muds/02.html

http://www.angelfire.com/sd/mudmage/docs/muddef.html

http://www.utopia.mudservices.com/page2.html

http://www.sleepless.cheese.org/whatis.html

Let's see. There is what I call the "BYOND definition" of a Text MUD, which would be a program somewhat like a chat with a DM (or GM as they seem to be more commonly known here) who creates an imaginary world for players to roleplay in, often involving adventure and combat situations.
TextMUD 2.0 from Lord of Water is the one that I prefer the most.

Anyway, the other, what I like to call the "real definition" of a text MUD is "Multi-User Domain" (actually, what M.U.D. actually stands for is debatable).
These are completely text-based games that players can log into and interact with other players as well as mobs, which is actually short for mobiles for those who didn't know that. You can move around and gain different skills and (generally) fight and gain experience. If you want more information on these games, here are two sites that I like.

http://www.mudconnector.com - An awesome MUD site. It has a huge MUD listing, and links to many resources for playing and developing MUDs.

http://www.kyndig.com - Another site I view frequently. I've used it more for developing my MUD, but there are things on it for players, as well as a small list of MUDs, much less complete than mudconnector.

Umm, hopefully I've been some help.

- Joe



P.S. To the Moderators and other members of the BYOND communtiy, I must apologize for some of my immature posts in the past.