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GemStone IV is a text-based online role-playing game, often referring to as a MUD, produced by Simutronics. It takes place in the Tolkeinish fantasy world of Elanthia, where players can engage in a wide variety of activities such as slaying creatures, spell-casting, foraging for edible herbs, and more. Simutronics charges players a recurring monthly fee to play.
Within GemStone IV a player can conceivably progress in level as far as it is possible to go without relying on the aid or assistance of other players. This solo aspect is of particular interest to MMORPG players who do not desire the "group focused" central theme of MMORPGs such as EverQuest. Additionally, timesinks are limited; you can log in to the game and spend as little or as much time as you wish without feeling obligated to commit to a large block of time solely for the purpose of gaming (another problem encountered by many 'casual' EverQuest players).
GemStone IV was released in 1987 as GemStone and eventually progressed to its current title, GemStone IV (also referred to as GS4). During prime-time hours, the number of active players online ranges from 650 to over 1000.
GemStone IV offers three account types for players to choose from: standard, platinum, and premium. Platinum and premium accounts offer various advantages to players over the basic service provided by the standard account subscription.
History
GemStone was first associated with Iron Crown Enterprises and Shadow World. ICE's Rolemaster game also had an influence on the game and mechanics. ICE and Simutronics let a business relationship expire, which required Simutronics to alter GemStone slightly. (Example: The game world's name changed from Kulthia to Elanthia and numerous other minor changes)
GemStone III started out on the GEnie ISP before moving to AOL and Prodigy and finally settling on the web at play.net.
GemStone IV was released as an enhanced version of GemStone III in November of 2003.
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