Sandboxes are a type of MMO that emphasize player freedom and expression. They frequently include mechanics for building, crafting, trading, character customization and development, roleplaying, destruction, and significant interaction with the world and other players. A sandbox that is dominated by an open-PvP or free-for-all ruleset is sometimes pejoratively called a gankbox. Contrast with the themepark.
sandbox
Raph Koster aims to make Stars Reach complex but not overcomplicated – and focused on retention
You didn't think Playable Worlds' Raph Koster was going to stop at just two pillars of design for his new sandbox MMORPG Stars Reach,...
Black Desert brings Jordine Saga and major class balancing to console, adds guild history UI to mobile
While many Black Desert players might be engaged in the large scale War of the Roses PvP instance on PC, this week has also...
Old School RuneScape readies Deadman Armageddon and tweaks its newly returned quest
While Old School RuneScape certainly has things to note in this week's patch, what's a bigger deal to Jagex (and likely to a specific...
Spellfarers is a new Palia-esque indie cozy MMO, headed to early access July 29
It's not every day that a new MMO or pseudo-MMO drops in our inboxes and becomes a game I stick on my wishlist and...
RuneScape renames Underworld Area Tasks and adds harder versions for players
Whether you're an aspiring Necromancer or just like wandering the realms of the dead in RuneScape, it's time to take on a bigger challenge...
Dark and Darker Mobile plans global beta test in August – here’s how to sign up
Krafton has officially announced a global beta test for the mobile version of its multiplayer survival sandbox Dark and Darker, coming up August 1st...
Choose My Adventure: Slipping back in to the simple pleasures of Elite Dangerous
Last week's original Choose My Adventure plans took a backseat to my Soapbox on Dawntrail, so thank you for bearing with me on that,...
Albion Online previews its new journal-themed achievement system, Albion Journal
Are the hardcore PvP fans of Albion Online going to be entranced with a new feature called the Albion Journal? Probably not phrased that...
Ultima Online plans beta testing of New Legacy server shortly – here’s how to add your name to the list
It's taken the better part of four (!) years for this move, but fans of Ultima Online have finally gotten a tangible step closer...
The MOP Up: Marvel Snap goes maximum effort with this month’s Deadpool season
Deadpool's taken over Marvel Snap (just in time for his new movie) and is bringing a new game mode, several new cards (including Gwenpool),...
EVE Vanguard talks up its vision for ‘a true MMOFPS’ in latest video
For better or worse, CCP Games has had no lack of lofty aspirations, and while many of them have either fallen flat or are...
The Daily Grind: What’s an underrated MMORPG that deserves more love?
I find that when people grow bored with their MMOs and start searching around for alternative entertainment, often they're looking for the less-than-obvious answer....
Star Citizen showcases alpha 3.24’s Blockade Runner event and delayed cargo freight gameplay
Star Citizen looks to be spooling up its hype drives for the sci-fi sandbox's next alpha build, starting off with this week's Inside Star...
Massively Overthinking: How often do you play human MMO characters when you have other choices?
I've been thinking about this question a bit lately, partly owing to Stars Reach and partly to Project Gorgon. Playable Worlds says Stars Reach...
Raph Koster lays out the (first) four pillars of design for his sandbox MMORPG Stars Reach
I have some good news and bad news. The bad news is that Raph Koster's Stars Reach is probably a good long while away...
Vague Patch Notes: Yes, tutorials are a good thing in MMORPGs
For those of you who haven't been reading the site for a while or just don't keep this in your head, I'm going to...
Albion Online celebrates seventh birthday with cake and the Living Legacy event
Albion Online is coasting into its seventh birthday this week with its Living Legacy event splashed across all three regional servers, pitting players against...
RuneScape parties on The Beach and heralds the new Sanctum of Rebirth dungeon
Having a hard time getting out to an actual shoreline this summer? RuneScape offers the next best thing with its summer event on The...
Fractured will release next patch ahead of July 24 new server and full game launch
The deal has been altered; pray Dynamight Studios doesn't alter it further. Only this time the alteration will be a welcome one to fans...
From castles to conservation to content, I had a ball at Black Desert’s Heidel Ball 2024
It may have been a bit since the end of Pearl Abyss' Heidel Ball 2024, celebrating 10 years of Black Desert Online, but it's...
