Multi-agent modeling methods for massivley Multi-Player On-Line Role-Playing Games

Massively Multi-Player On-Line Role-Playing Games (MMORPG) give us the opportunity to study two important aspects of computing: (1) large-scale virtual social interaction of people (players) and (2) the design, development and coordination of large-scale distributed artificial intelligence (AI). A common denominator for both aspects are the methods used to study them: social interaction can be described and simulated using agent-based models (ABM) whilst distributed AI is commonly modeled in terms of multi-agent systems (MAS). The important question to ask in both perspectives is how do agents organize in order to perform their tasks and reach their objectives? In the following paper we will present and overview of agent-based approaches to modeling MMORPG's agents including human players, artificial players (bots) and non-playing characters (NPCs). We will put a special accent on useful agent behaviors, coordination and consensus mechanisms as well as organization and social network structure of agent societies.