Massively multiplayer online roleplaying games (MMORPGs or simply MMOs) are entertainment software designed to allow hundreds or thousands of gamers to play together over the Internet. Technologies that underlie all video games must be complemented with specific programs that allow for such massive traffic and concurrent play. These programs are generally used by artists, engineers and designers, as well as project managers.
Art
Artists must create models of such in-game items as characters, monsters, trees, swords and so forth. The most popular programs for 3D modeling are 3Ds Max and Maya, both by Autodesk. Some artists use a basic modeling program like Google Sketchup to do quick prototyping as well. They can then "paint" or texture the models using Photoshop, GiMP, or a similar drawing program.
Some artists must also compose movie-like sequences known as cut-scenes or cinematics. These are usually created in AfterEffects, Final Cut Pro or in the video game engine.
Engineering
Programmers are tasked with making the nuts and bolts of the game. Doors that open and close, characters and projectiles that move, and even the fact that our characters don't fall through the floor, are results of engineers creating a game engine. This engine is the code that makes the game run, and allow us to connect to it over the Internet.
Engines might be made from scratch by working directly in a programming environment, such as C++, C# or Java. Other engines have been made for a previous game, and then licensed for use in a new game. Such engines as Source, Hero, Unreal and Torque can all be modified by the engineers for use in new MMOs.
Design
Game designers and level designers take the game elements created by the artists, and manipulate them within the environment created by the programmers. Game designers often use Google Sketchup to rough out their ideas, and then work directly in the engine to craft the individual game areas and missions. They may also program in C#, Lua or another scripting language.
Sound designers use software such as Dolby Pro Logic II, Firelight's FMOD or Audiokinetic's Wwise along with keyboards and other instruments to record, play and mix custom sounds for each game.
Of course, much early design work, and much of game writing, is done simply by writing design documents in Microsoft Word. Most game producers will rely heavily on standard project management software such as Microsoft Project, Confluence or Zoho.
Tags: Game designers, game engine, Google Sketchup, over Internet, software such