Viewing Page: Persistent Browser Based Game

Table Of Contents

Definition

What is a PBBG?

Is a PBBG an MMOG?

What isn't a PBBG?

Links

Definition

Definition: A PBBG is a computer game that satisfies the following two criteria:

It is browser-based. The game is played over the Internet using only a web browser.

It is persistent. Progress in the game is achieved over multiple playing sessions.

PBBGs merge the depth and longevity of an application-based game with the accessibility and portability of a browser-based game. PBBG is sometimes spoken as pee-bee for brevity.

What is a PBBG?

The PBBG definition is quite broad. The PBBG genre encompasses games of all traditional genres: role-playing, strategy, sports, simulation, and so forth.

PBBGs may be single-, multi-, or massively multi-player games. However, since an Internet connection is required to play, most developers incorporate massively multi-player and community elements into their PBBGs. A multi-player PBBG can be referred to as a MPBBG, but multi-player game play is usually assumed.

PBBGs may be text-based, or they may take advantage of browser plug-ins such as Flash or Java to create a more dynamic game play environment.

Is a PBBG an MMOG?

Yes. A PBBG is a type of MMOG (massively multi-player online game).

What isn't a PBBG?

A PBBG is also not the same thing as a browser-based game, generally speaking. Browser-based games include arcade, puzzle, and card games which are over as soon as you move your browser to a different web page. These games lack the longevity of PBBGs, where progress is made over days, weeks, or months. PBBGs are a subset of browser-based games - they are persistent browser-based games.