he game-play in the multiplayer component of Arcanum is very similar to the single player mode. Dialogue with characters, quests, and the ability to create and role-play any kind of character you wish are identical. Some of the additions to the multiplayer game include:

• The ability to form parties with other players.
  
• The ability to broadcast messages in order to communicate with players.
  
• Real-time combat only (no turn-based will be available.)
  
• There is no acceleration of time, so no world map will be available to speed travel.
  
• Maps are smaller and built especially with multi-player use in mind.

A rather unique aspect of multi-player gaming in Arcanum is the ability to set up different types of sessions by changing a few parameters. The person hosting the Server will be able to set the game up as either a Free For All, a Cooperative, or Team. The type of game specified effects how combat between players is handled.

• In a Free For All game, any player can damage any other person playing online.
  
• During a Cooperative game, players will be unable to target or attack other characters.
  
• In a Team game, you will only be able to attack players who are on the opposing team or teams.

The first step in starting a multiplayer game is for you to select a character. Players will have several options for pre-generated characters, or they can create a new one or load a previously saved one. Once a character has been selected the Player can move into the chat room. The chat room allows the player to chat with other people wishing to join a multi-player game. From the chat room the player can continue forward and join a game. The Join menu will list all games currently running along with pertinent information about each game including what map is being used, what type of game it is (Free For All, Coop, or Team), and if there are any character level restrictions. The player then has a choice of joining an existing game, or they may choose to start their own. Upon starting up their own, the player can specify what map to use, type of game, level restrictions so on and so forth.

In addition to the pre-existing multiplayer maps that will come with Arcanum, we are also planning to release our World Editor, so you can make your own dungeons and campaigns within the land of Arcanum.