There are many different types of Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) games designed using Adobe® Flash®, which can often run within the web browser of a computer navigating the Internet. Many of these games are designed to be fairly simple, since they are built within the framework of a Flash® player. Common designs include games that focus on resource gathering and simulation of things like farming or constructing and managing a city. There are also Flash® MMOs that allow players to create one or more characters and to go on missions or quests in which they battle monsters and enjoy a more action-based experience.
Different types of Flash® MMOs are typically designed to emulate the same types of experiences and gameplay used in standalone titles that run through different platforms. For example, there are many different types of simulation games that allow a player to experience a simplified version of creating a nation or building a zoo. These can be replicated quite well as Flash® MMOs in which players are able to build their own territory within a larger game world that includes many other characters. Numerous games focus on exploration and development, allowing players to expand their land and increase the size of their holdings through playing and achieving certain tasks.
There are also some Flash® MMOs in which the social aspect of these online games is used to create conflict between players. In these games, each player may act as the ruler of a kingdom, and growth is only allowed at a certain point through combat and military expansions. Neighboring kingdoms, and the players controlling them, often do battle in these types of Flash® MMOs and the game is designed to foster and reward such competition. Since this all takes place within a persistent world, the developers of the game may "wipe" the world on occasion to give all players a fresh start, allowing them to try out new strategies.
Other types of Flash® MMOs are designed to emulate action and adventure games that run as separate programs. In these titles, the player may create a character that he or she uses to explore the game world and accomplish various tasks. Characters may do battle against various creatures and monsters within the game, and friends playing the game may be able to assist each other through numerous means. Flash® MMOs have become increasingly popular on social networking platforms, since there is an established base of participants and a framework for cooperation and player connectivity.
