Evennia MUD/MU* Creation System
A modern Python library for creating online multiplayer text games (MUD/MUSH/MUX/MU*) with great freedom.
What is Evennia MUD/MU* Creation System?
Evennia is a modern Python library for creating online multiplayer text games, such as MUDs, MUSHes, MUXes, and other MU* variants. It solves the foundational networking and infrastructure tasks required for online games, allowing developers to focus on designing and implementing their unique game mechanics and worlds. The framework is genre-agnostic, providing the tools and flexibility to build any style of text-based multiplayer game.
Game developers, hobbyists, and creators interested in building online multiplayer text games (MUDs, MUSHes, etc.) using Python. It's ideal for those who want a flexible, code-driven approach to game development without being constrained by pre-defined mechanics.
Developers choose Evennia for its pure Python implementation, genre-agnostic flexibility, and active community support. It provides the foundational infrastructure for multiplayer text games while allowing complete creative freedom, making it a powerful tool for both beginners and experienced game creators.
Overview
Python MUD/MUX/MUSH/MU* development system
Use Cases
Best For
- Creating custom MUD (Multi-User Dungeon) games with unique mechanics
- Developing MUSH (Multi-User Shared Hallucination) roleplaying environments
- Building text-based multiplayer worlds with Python code
- Experimenting with online interactive fiction and storytelling platforms
- Learning game server development with a Python-focused approach
- Prototyping multiplayer text game concepts quickly
Not Ideal For
- Projects requiring graphical interfaces or 3D visuals, as Evennia is strictly text-based.
- Teams seeking pre-built game mechanics like combat or inventory systems, since Evennia provides only a framework without genre-specific features.
- Applications needing ultra-low-latency networking for real-time action games, as Python may introduce performance overhead.
- Developers who prefer no-code or configuration-driven setups, as Evennia requires extensive Python programming.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Allows coding games using normal Python modules imported at runtime, making it accessible to Python developers without learning a new language. The README states: 'Coding in Evennia is done using normal Python modules imported into the server at runtime.'
Does not impose any particular style or game mechanic, giving creators complete freedom to implement unique visions. As per the README: 'Evennia does not impose a particular style, genre or game mechanic.'
Automatically creates a game website accessible via browser, alongside support for traditional MUD clients. The README shows: 'A game website is created automatically. Connect to your Evennia game from your web browser as well as using traditional third-party clients.'
Includes extensive documentation, discussion forums, and a Discord server for help and support. The README highlights: 'Evennia has extensive documentation. It also has a very active community with discussion forums and a discord server.'
Cons
Requires developers to build all game systems from scratch, which can be time-consuming compared to engines with ready-made components. The README emphasizes flexibility over pre-defined features, leaving mechanics to the creator.
Being pure Python, it may not handle extreme concurrency or real-time performance as efficiently as C-based alternatives, potentially limiting scale for games with thousands of simultaneous players.
Involves multiple setup steps like migration and server management, and requires deep Python knowledge to leverage the framework effectively, as seen in installation commands like 'evennia migrate' and 'evennia start'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Projects
GodotGodot Engine – Multi-platform 2D and 3D game engine
Three.jsJavaScript 3D Library.
pixi.jsThe HTML5 Creation Engine: Create beautiful digital content with the fastest, most flexible 2D WebGL renderer.
PhaserPhaser is a fun, free and fast 2D game framework for making HTML5 games for desktop and mobile web browsers, supporting Canvas and WebGL rendering.
Found a gem we're missing?
Open-Awesome is built by the community, for the community. Submit a project, suggest an awesome list, or help improve the catalog on GitHub.