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Kingdom of Loathing

2022-11-22T16:40:40Z

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{{Short description|2003 video game}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2021}}
{{Infobox video game
|title = Kingdom of Loathing
|image = [[File:Kingdom of Loathing logo.png|alt=A crude stick-figure drawing of a man with a sword in his left hand and a martini glass in his right hand.]]
|caption = The ''Kingdom of Loathing'' logo.
|developer = [[Asymmetric Publications]]
|publisher = Asymmetric Publications
|designer = Zack "Jick" Johnson
|released = {{start date|df=yes|2003|02|10}}
|genre = [[Turn-based strategy|Turn-based]] [[Role-playing video game|role-playing game]]
|modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]] with some [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]] interaction
|platforms = [[Web browser]]
}}
'''''Kingdom of Loathing''''' (abbreviated '''''KoL''''') is a [[Browser game|browser-based]] [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]] [[Role-playing video game|role-playing game]] designed and operated by [[Asymmetric Publications]], including creator Zack "Jick" Johnson with a small team. The game was released in 2003, with ongoing small updates continually released.

It uses hand-drawn [[stick figure]] graphics and writing characterized by [[Surreal humour|surreal humor]], [[word play]], [[parody]] and references to [[popular culture]]. In ''KoL'', a player's [[Player character|character]] fights [[Mob (video gaming)|monsters]] for [[Experience point|experience]], and acquiring meat (the game's [[Virtual economy|currency]]), and/or [[Item (gaming)|items]], through a [[Time-keeping systems in games#Turn-based|turn-based]] system. Players may also interact with each other through [[player versus player]] competition, participate in the in-game economy by trading goods and services, organize their characters into [[Clan (video gaming)|clans]], work together to complete clan [[dungeon crawl|dungeons]], and speak to each other in many different [[Chat room|chat]] channels.

The game is also particularly notable for managing to be financially successful purely from donations and the purchase of merchandise rather than from [[advertising]] or [[Subscription business model|subscription fees]], which are used by many [[online game]]s. In 2008, the game had between 100,000 and 150,000 regular players. These players form an active community which frequently organizes fan meet-ups and runs an internet radio station. The game has been generally well received by critics. In 2012, ''Mr. Card Game'', a tabletop game based on ''Kingdom of Loathing'', was launched on [[Kickstarter]].<ref name=kick>{{cite web
|url=http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/336486938/mr-card-game
| title =Mr. Card Game
| publisher =[[Kickstarter]]}}</ref>
On 10 August 2017, Asymmetric launched ''[[West of Loathing]]'', a ''Kingdom of Loathing'' [[spin-off (media)|spin-off]] [[Single-player video game|single-player]] role-playing video game for [[Linux]], [[macOS]], and [[Windows]].<ref name="rps_wol">{{cite web | url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/08/10/west-of-loathing-released/ | title=Cowboys and clowns ride out with West of Loathing | work=[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]] | first=Alice | last=O'Connor | date=10 August 2017 | access-date=13 August 2017}}</ref>
==Gameplay and features==
[[File:kingdom of loathing screenshot1.png|thumb|A screenshot of combat against scarab [[The Beatles|beatles]].|alt=A web page broken up into frames. The center frame shows the combat, consisting entirely of text and crude thumbnail images of drawings. There is also a chat pane showing various announcements and a character pane displaying the player's experience levels, hit points, and magic points.]]
Gameplay involves fighting monsters, completing quests, gaining skills and [[Statistic (role-playing games)|stats]], and accumulating items and meat.

In ''KoL'''s [[turn-based]] gameplay, a player's character is supplied with a number of adventures each day, at a base of 40, although this can be increased.<ref name="Gamezebo">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamezebo.com/games/kingdom-loathing/review|title=Kingdom of Loathing Review|website=[[Gamezebo]]|first=Barry|last=White|date=31 December 2009|access-date=5 December 2011|archive-date=4 March 2014|url-status=unfit|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140304141401/http://www.gamezebo.com/games/kingdom-loathing/review}}</ref> The game day resets at a time called "rollover". Characters are allotted forty adventures every rollover, though they can increase that number with various equipment and items. Additional adventures can be acquired by consuming [[food]] and [[Alcoholic beverage|booze]].<ref name="Bixler">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100305051438/http://gaming.psu.edu/KoLAnalysis|title=Kingdom of Loathing – Analysis of a Great Game|author=Brett Bixler|publisher=Pennsylvania State University|access-date=2 November 2011|date=15 January 2009|archive-date=5 March 2010|url=http://gaming.psu.edu/KoLAnalysis}}</ref> However, only a limited amount of each can be consumed each day,<ref name="Bixler"/> and drinking too much booze puts the character into a [[Alcohol intoxication|drunken stupor]] for the remainder of the day.<ref name="Olivetti"/> During rollover, drunkenness and fullness levels are reset, and minor amounts of [[Health (gaming)|health points]] and [[magic point]]s are restored. Although a character can accumulate a large number of adventures, the number is reduced to 200 at rollover.<ref name="massive">{{cite web|last=Hecht|first=Eliah|title=Time is money, friend!|publisher=Massively|date=5 November 2007|url=http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/05/time-is-money/|access-date=11 October 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110208084200/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/05/time-is-money/|archive-date=8 February 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Most actions in the game use up adventures, including crafting items and exploring the game world (adventuring).<ref name="Gamezebo"/> When exploring, players experience combat encounters, in which they fight monsters, as well as non-combat encounters.<ref name="Ruiten">{{cite web|url=http://www.guerrillageek.com/2011/11/review-kingdom-of-loathing/|title=Review: Kingdom of Loathing|publisher=Guerrilla Geek|author=Remy van Ruiten|date=18 November 2011|access-date=5 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111129050953/http://www.guerrillageek.com/2011/11/review-kingdom-of-loathing/|archive-date=29 November 2011}}</ref> Combat is turn-based, meaning that the player and the monster take turns attacking one another using weapons, skills and items.<ref name="Olivetti">{{cite web|url=http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/02/the-game-archaeologists-fear-and-loathing-in-the-kingdom-the-h/|title=The Game Archaeologist's fear and loathing in the Kingdom: The highlights|author=Justin Olivetti|date=2 November 2010|access-date=2 November 2011|publisher=Massively|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110508135737/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/02/the-game-archaeologists-fear-and-loathing-in-the-kingdom-the-h/|archive-date=8 May 2011}}</ref> Players who successfully defeat a monster receive [[experience point]]s, pieces of meat (the game's currency), and various items.<ref name="Gamezebo"/> Non-combat encounters simply present the reader with a text description of an event, occasionally allowing the player to choose how to respond to that event.<ref name="Ruiten"/>

After gaining enough experience points, players will [[Experience level|gain levels]],<ref name="Gamezebo"/> allowing them to access new areas and quests. Characters can combine items by using "meat paste" (a substance analogous to glue),<ref name="Ruiten"/> and can also cook [[food]], mix [[cocktail]]s and [[Metalsmith|smith]] weapons and armor. Characters may also earn trophies or tattoos for various in-game achievements.<ref name="Bixler"/> Puzzle-solving is an important part of the game, with the solutions often involving a certain item combination or the completion of tasks in different zones.<ref name="Olivetti"/>

===Player interaction===
While ''Kingdom of Loathing''{{'}}s [[player versus environment]] content is largely single-player, some features allow multiplayer interaction.

Player versus player (PvP) combat is voluntary,<ref name="Bixler"/> features a randomized selection of non-interactive minigames, and is subdivided into seasons. The winner of the PvP battle can take fame or items from the loser.<ref name="worldsinmotion">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesetwatch.com/2008/07/worlds_in_motion_atlas_inside.php|title=Worlds in Motion Atlas: Inside Kingdom of Loathing|author=Simon Carless|date=26 July 2008|access-date=5 November 2011|publisher=Worlds in Motion|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080730005947/http://www.gamesetwatch.com/2008/07/worlds_in_motion_atlas_inside.php|archive-date=30 July 2008}}</ref>

The game features an integrated chat system which is available only after completing a basic test of [[English grammar]] and [[English orthography|spelling]].<ref name="Olivetti"/> There are many chat channels, including a channel in which all chat must follow the syllabic conventions of [[Haiku in English|English haiku]].<ref name="Olivetti"/> Most of the chat channels are moderated; those who violate the chat rules are banned. Players can also send messages and gift packages to each other in-game, and the official ''Kingdom of Loathing'' forums are another active venue for discussion among players.{{Citation needed|date=February 2016}}

Upon reaching level 3, characters may join a clan, a band of cooperating characters.<ref name="Bixler"/> A clan has a clan hall which can be furnished with beneficial equipment as well as a clan stash for sharing useful items.<ref name="Olivetti"/> Clan members can chat with each other in a private chat channel. In 2008, a [[instance dungeon|multiplayer dungeon]] was added which allows clan members to [[raid (gaming)|raid]] cooperatively in Hobopolis, the underground city of [[hobo]]s.<ref name="Olivetti"/> [[Eurogamer]] likened Hobopolis to [[World of Warcraft]] instances.<ref>{{cite web|last =Pearson|first =Dan|title = Kingdom of Loathing expands|publisher =Eurogamer.net|date = 18 June 2008|url =http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/kingdom-of-loathing-expands|access-date =10 July 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110617060627/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/kingdom-of-loathing-expands|archive-date=17 June 2011}}</ref> Additional clan dungeons have since been added, including the Slimetube, Dreadsylvania, and the limited-time Haunted Sorority House.

Players can buy a store in The [[Shopping mall|Mall]] of Loathing and sell their character's items to other players.<ref name="Safferling"/> Direct trading between two players is also possible, and in the trade chat channel users can auction items and advertise shops.<ref name="massive"/> This functionality has created a complex in-game economy which author Ted Friedman, in his book ''Electric dreams: computers in American culture'', described as "vibrant".<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dFn0kxWg0xcC|title=Electric dreams: computers in American culture|author=Ted Friedman|page=155|publisher=NYU Press|year=2005|isbn=0814727395|access-date=6 December 2011}}</ref> The ''Kingdom of Loathing'' economy was the subject of an academic study, ''Economics in the Kingdom of Loathing: Analysis of Virtual Market Data'' in 2011.<ref name="Safferling">{{cite journal |last1=Safferling |first1=Christoph |last2=Lowen |first2= Aaron|year= 2011|title= Economics in the Kingdom of Loathing: Analysis of Virtual Market Data|journal=Working Paper Series of the Department of Economics, University of Konstanz|publisher= University of Konstanz|url= http://www.uni-konstanz.de/FuF/wiwi/workingpaperseries/WP_30-Safferling-Lowen-11.pdf|access-date=3 November 2011 }}</ref>

===Character classes===
Players choose from six [[Character class|classes]] when they create a character.<ref name="Bixler"/> Each class has various items that characters obtain by completing class-specific quests. Characters also receive non-tradable class-dependent items as a reward for completing harder ascensions. The classes can be split into groups based on the primary [[Statistic (role-playing games)#Attributes|character attribute]] associated with them.

*Muscle classes: The two muscle classes are [[Seal Clubber]] and Turtle Tamer. Muscle classes depend on strength and fighting ability. A character's Max HP is determined by his/her muscle, and Muscle classes gain an innate +50% boost to their Max HP.<ref name="Bixler"/>
*Mysticality classes: The mysticality classes are Pastamancer and Sauceror. Gameplay for mysticality classes is focused on spellcasting and the use of magic. A character's Max MP is determined by his/her Mysticality, and Mysticality classes gain an innate +50% to their Max MP.<ref name="Bixler"/>
*Moxie classes: The moxie classes, Disco Bandit and Accordion Thief, use charm and dexterity to achieve success.<ref name="Bixler"/>

===Familiars===
[[Familiar spirit|Familiars]] are creatures that can accompany players in combat, performing (usually) helpful actions.<ref name="Bixler"/> Familiars are often instrumental in the completion of quests.<ref name="Bixler"/> Familiars possess many abilities;<ref name="Olivetti"/> for example, a Sabre-Toothed Lime attacks monsters, a [[Leprechaun]] grants extra meat after combat, and a Hovering [[Sombrero]] increases stat gains from combat. Some familiars, such as the Ninja Pirate Zombie Robot,<ref name="Olivetti"/> are very difficult to acquire.<ref name="Bixler"/>

===Ascension===
Ascension is a feature that allows characters to start the game over and play through it again from the beginning,<ref name="Bixler"/> similar to a [[New Game Plus]] feature.<ref name="OlivettiJickInterview">{{cite web|url=http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/16/the-game-archaeologists-fear-and-loathing-in-the-kingdom-joshi/|title=The Game Archaeologist's fear and loathing in the Kingdom: Joshing with Jick|date=16 November 2010|access-date=2 November 2011|author=Justin Olivetti|publisher=Massively|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110508135728/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/16/the-game-archaeologists-fear-and-loathing-in-the-kingdom-joshi/|archive-date=8 May 2011}}</ref> This feature becomes available after the game's final quest is completed.<ref name="Olivetti"/> Players who ascend have their character's experience levels reset to one, but they retain their currency and items.<ref name="Bixler"/> Ascending players can also choose to make their ascension more difficult by taking on various restrictions, such as not being able to eat or drink,<ref name="Bixler"/> in exchange for special rewards.<ref name="Olivetti"/> In addition, the game features a leaderboard system which allows players to see one another's ascension speeds and compete for the fastest ascensions.<ref name="Safferling"/>

==Plot and setting==
The player takes on the role of an [[adventure]]r who is tasked with solving problems and killing monsters in a [[fantasy]]-based kingdom. The game is humorous in nature, and most [[Quest (video gaming)|quests]], battles and individual item descriptions include [[joke]]s, [[wit]]ticisms, or references to popular culture.<ref name=escapist /> Many quests parody the [[trope (literature)|tropes]] found in other role-playing games.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/Making_the_Most_of_a_Simple_Thing_Kingdom_of_Loathing/|publisher=The Mac Observer|author=Chris Barylick|date=3 October 2006|access-date=5 December 2011|title=Making the Most of a Simple Thing: Kingdom of Loathing}}</ref>

The premise is that the Naughty [[Magician (paranormal)|Sorceress]] has captured and "imprismed" (imprisoned in a prism) the Kingdom's ruler, King Ralph XI. The ultimate objective of the game is to defeat the Naughty Sorceress and free King Ralph.{{Citation needed|date=February 2016}} In King Ralph's absence, most of the power in the Kingdom of Loathing is held by the Council of Loathing, which gives quests to characters as they increase in level,<ref name="CMU">{{Cite web |url=http://www.etc.cmu.edu/etcpress/node/276 |title=Zork & Kingdom of Loathing - Brett E. Shelton |publisher=CMU.edu |access-date=3 November 2011 |archive-date=27 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101127222036/http://www.etc.cmu.edu/etcpress/node/276 |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref> from finding a mosquito larvae to starting (and finishing) a war between the Hippies and the Frat Boys. The final quest is given when the character has reached level 13 and finished the other quests.<ref name="Bixler"/>

While on the final quest, it is revealed from the skull of a barely alive adventurer named Frank that the council is corrupted and has been pulling the same thing of sending adventurers to the Naughty Sorceress's tower only to be killed for four thousand years (time is screwy there).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://kol.coldfront.net/thekolwiki/index.php/Meet_Frank|publisher=TheKingdomofLoathing wiki|author= Dentarthurdent |date=January 2015|access-date=24 January 2021|title=Meet Frank}}</ref> After many trials to the top of the Sorceress's tower, the player comes face to face with the sorceress herself, only to be beaten in her third form (a sausage). The player will have to go back to find the Wand of Nagamar to properly beat her.

Upon freeing King Ralph XI, an astral gash appears, allowing the player to ascend (it is also revealed that the monster problem is also due to the player's presence, as they hate them that much). Players can also unlock quests from other sources, some of which are available only after [[#Ascension|ascending]].<ref name="escapist"/>

==Development==
[[File:Zack_johnson_gdc_2018.jpeg|thumb|right|upright|Zack Johnson at the 2018 [[Game Developers Conference]]]]
Zack Johnson, the game's creator, developed several games before ''Kingdom of Loathing'' but did not feel that they were good enough to release online.<ref name="escapist"/> Deciding that he was taking the games he created too seriously, Johnson then set himself the challenge of creating one within a week and publishing the result online.<ref name="OlivettiJickInterview"/> The result was more of a joke than a game, and the initial content including classes and even the name of the game were stream of consciousness.<ref name="escapist"/> The game was released in early 2003,<ref name="PlanetGeek">{{cite web|url=http://planet-geek.com/archives/2004/07/kingdom-of-loat.html|title=Kingdom of Loathing: An interview with Jick|publisher=Planet Geek|date=9 July 2004|access-date=3 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100930114625/http://planet-geek.com/archives/2004/07/kingdom-of-loat.html|archive-date=30 September 2010}}</ref> and Johnson soon invited his childhood friend Josh Nite to contribute content as a writer and designer.<ref name="PlanetGeek"/><ref name="Cooper">{{cite web| last =Cooper| first =Park| title =An Adventurer Is You: The Zack Johnson/Kingdom of Loathing Interview| publisher =Silver Bullet Comics| url =http://www.comicsbulletin.com/pb/117648256288713.htm| date = 13 April 2007| access-date =3 January 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100606202516/http://www.comicsbulletin.com/pb/117648256288713.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=6 June 2010}}</ref> Within a year, 300,000 player accounts had been created,<ref name="Bishop">{{cite web|url=http://www.diygamer.com/2010/04/kingdom-loathing/|title=On One's Own: Kingdom of Loathing|author=James Bishop|date=6 April 2010|access-date=3 November 2011|publisher=DIY Gamer|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100618043728/http://www.diygamer.com/2010/04/kingdom-loathing/|archive-date=18 June 2010}}</ref> far exceeding Johnson and Nite's expectations; Johnson has referred to the game's success as "a never ending series of astonishments".<ref name="Eykemans"/> In 2008, the game had between 100,000 and 150,000 regular players.<ref name="escapist">{{cite web| last =Janelle| first =Robert| title =Stumbling into the Kingdom of Loathing| publisher =Escapist Magazine| date = 5 August 2008| url =http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/issues/issue_161/5112-Stumbling-Into-the-Kingdom-of-Loathing| access-date =5 August 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613203450/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/issues/issue_161/5112-Stumbling-Into-the-Kingdom-of-Loathing|archive-date=13 June 2011}}</ref>

In the game's early days, Johnson worked on the game during breaks while at work, but eighteen months or so after launch, the game was bringing in enough money for Johnson to quit his day job as a programmer and develop the game full-time.<ref name="OlivettiJickInterview"/> He then began to pay Nite for his work<ref name="escapist"/> and after approximately two years hired two more developers.<ref name="Cooper"/> There are currently eight full-time employees working on ''Kingdom of Loathing'', as well as three other employees who are working on a separate game.
The game's creative process is fluid and loosely structured.<ref name="OlivettiJickInterview"/> According to Johnson, "At this point, I provide the overall direction. I do about a quarter of the writing, a quarter of the coding, and almost all of the artwork."<ref name="OlivettiJickInterview"/> The bulk of the writing was done by Nite, who also contributed design ideas,<ref name="OlivettiSkullyInterview"/> while two other developers, known in the game as Riff and HotStuff, work on writing, design, and coding.<ref name="Eykemans">{{cite web|url=http://www.diygamer.com/2010/05/years-kingdom-loathing-interview/|title=Seven Years Later: Kingdom of Loathing [Interview]|author=Peter Eykemans|publisher=DIY Gamer|date=14 May 2010|access-date=3 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710135708/http://www.diygamer.com/2010/05/years-kingdom-loathing-interview/|archive-date=10 July 2011}}</ref>

According to Nite, the game's writing style owes itself to a humorous email exchange between himself and Johnson that began when the two separated after high school. These emails "helped us develop the shared comedic voice that ''KoL''{{'s}} written in".<ref name="OlivettiSkullyInterview">{{cite web|url=http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/09/the-game-archaeologists-fear-and-loathing-in-the-kingdom-inter/|title=The Game Archaeologist's fear and loathing in the Kingdom: Interrogating Mr. Skullhead|author=Justin Olivetti|date=9 November 2010|publisher=Massively|access-date=3 November 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110508135731/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/09/the-game-archaeologists-fear-and-loathing-in-the-kingdom-inter/|archive-date=8 May 2011}}</ref> The game's developers cite text-based games such as [[Zork]] and [[Legend of the Red Dragon]] as creative influences, and Nite has compared the game to the [[Choose Your Own Adventure]] series of children's books.<ref name="CMU"/>

The game has been in open [[Software development process|beta]] since its initial release, and is continuously being worked on.<ref name="OlivettiSkullyInterview"/> New content is released weekly or monthly,<ref name="OlivettiJickInterview"/><ref name="OlivettiSkullyInterview"/> and there is also unique holiday-themed content every Christmas, known as Crimbo.<ref name="Eykemans"/> Occasionally, the developers stage world events such as the Gray Plague, which was similar to the [[Corrupted Blood incident]] in ''[[World of Warcraft]]''.<ref>{{cite report|title=Modeling Epidemic Spread in Synthetic Populations – Virtual Plagues in Massively Multiplayer Online Games|author1=Magnus Boman|author2=Stefan J. Johansson|year=2007|arxiv=0705.4584 |bibcode=2007arXiv0705.4584B}}</ref>

In November 2014, Nite left Asymmetric Publications.<ref>{{cite web|title=A Sad Announcement from Mr. Skullhead|url=http://forums.kingdomofloathing.com/vb/showpost.php?p=4692554&postcount=1|publisher=Forums of Loathing|date=10 November 2014|access-date=3 December 2014}}</ref>

==Business model==
''Kingdom of Loathing'' is [[Advertising-free media|advertising-free]] and does not charge subscription fees.<ref name="Cooper"/>

Maintenance and development of the game is supported primarily through donations<ref name="CNET">{{cite web|url=http://news.cnet.com/2100-1043_3-5389938.html|title=Dare you fight the possessed tomatoes?|date=1 October 2004|access-date=3 November 2011|author=John Borland|publisher=CNET}}</ref> and players who donate [[United States dollar|US]]$10 to the game receive a powerful item known as a Mr. Accessory.{{Citation needed|date=February 2016}} Mr. Accessories can be equipped to give stat boosts or spent in the "Mr. Store" to buy powerful items (including special monthly items).<ref name="Safferling"/> Mr. Accessories and Mr. Store items may be traded freely between players.<ref name="Safferling"/> According to an interview with Zack Johnson from 2010, Johnson originally established the Mr. Accessory revenue model as "kind of an afterthought", but it became lucrative enough to allow him to work on the game full-time and eventually to hire several permanent employees.<ref name="OlivettiJickInterview"/>

==Community==
''Kingdom of Loathing'' has been praised for its welcoming and active player community.<ref name="EuroGReview"/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FekDAAAAMBAJ|title=Kingdom of Loathing|page=12|newspaper=GameAxis Unwired|date=August 2005|access-date=3 November 2011}}</ref> One of the most unusual aspects of the community is the large number of female players: according to Johnson, approximately 40% of players are female.<ref name="CNET"/> Fans often gather at both official conventions, run by Asymmetric, and unofficial player-organized meet-ups,<ref name="OlivettiJickInterview"/> including the annual KoLumbus event.<ref name="OlivettiSkullyInterview"/> Players support the game by writing [[script (computing)|scripts]] to perform various in-game functions, using [[Greasemonkey]], [[Java (programming language)|Java]], [[Perl]], and [[Lua (programming language)|Lua]], and have also developed a player-run [[wiki]] which offers puzzle solutions and walkthroughs.<ref name="Bixler"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.diygamer.com/2010/03/love-community/|title=On One's Own: For the Love of Community|author=James Bishop|date=23 March 2010|publisher=DIY Game|access-date=5 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100327113231/http://www.diygamer.com/2010/03/love-community/|archive-date=27 March 2010}}</ref> Longtime player and nerdcore rapper [[MC Frontalot]] is active in the community<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.buzzbinmagazine.com/home/2011/08/12/mc-frontalot-attendance-is-mandatory/ |title=MC Frontalot: Attendance is Mandatory! |publisher=Buzzbin Magazine |access-date=3 November 2011 |date=12 August 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110920043624/http://www.buzzbinmagazine.com/home/2011/08/12/mc-frontalot-attendance-is-mandatory/ |archive-date=20 September 2011 }}</ref> and included a ''Kingdom of Loathing''-themed song on his 2010 album ''[[Zero Day (album)|Zero Day]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://scitech.blogs.cnn.com/2010/04/08/geek-out-m-c-frontalot-talks-nerdcore-hip-hop-geekery/|title=Geek Out!: M.C. Frontalot talks nerdcore hip-hop, geekery|date=8 April 2010|access-date=3 November 2011|publisher=CNN|author=Doug Gross|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100411235118/http://scitech.blogs.cnn.com/2010/04/08/geek-out-m-c-frontalot-talks-nerdcore-hip-hop-geekery/|archive-date=11 April 2010}}</ref>

Brett Bixler, founder of the Educational Gaming Commons at [[Pennsylvania State University]], has hypothesized that the ''Kingdom of Loathing'' community is successful because it accounts for [[Richard Bartle]]'s [[Bartle Test|model]] of player personality types in [[massively multiplayer online roleplaying game]]s, creating a balanced gameplay system that appeals to a wide variety of players.<ref name="Bixler"/> Researcher Martin Oliver addressed similar issues in a 2009 study of the ''Kingdom of Loathing'' player community, "Playing Roles in the MMORPG Kingdom of Loathing".<ref>{{cite book|title=Handbook of Research on Effective Electronic Gaming in Education|chapter=Playing Roles in the MMORPG Kingdom of Loathing|author=Martin Oliver|publisher=London Knowledge Lab|year=2009}}</ref>

A [[World Wide Web|Web]]-based [[SHOUTcast]] radio station, ''Radio KoL'', was the "official unofficial" radio station of ''KoL''. It was a [[24/7]] [[Disc jockey|DJ]]-hosted station, with volunteer DJs drawn from the ''KoL'' user base.<ref name="OlivettiJickInterview"/><ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.linuxjournal.com/article/7951|title=UpFront – March 1, 2005|date=1 March 2005|magazine=Linux Journal|access-date=3 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080709011256/http://www.linuxjournal.com/article/7951|archive-date=9 July 2008}}</ref> As well as the player-hosted music shows, development team members hosted shows on Radio KoL in which they discussed the state of the game and answered questions from players.{{Citation needed|date=February 2016}} Radio KoL was shut down in late 2019.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20190912161308/https://radio-kol.net/wp/ Radio KoL – Station Shutdown]</ref>

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
| EuroG = 9/10<ref name="EuroGReview">{{cite web| last = Hamblin| first = Jon| title = Browser RPG Roundup Review| website = EuroGamer| date = 15 April 2008| url = http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/browser-rpg-roundup-review| access-date =1 October 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110617060735/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/browser-rpg-roundup-review|archive-date=17 June 2011}}</ref>
| rev2 = ''ESC Magazine''
| rev2Score = 7/10<ref name="ESCMagReview">{{cite web| last = Grieser| first = Andy| title = Kingdom of Loathing – ESCMag Review| publisher = ESCMag| date = 27 September 2007| url = http://www.escmag.com/v5/reviews/review.cfm?rv=415| access-date =22 October 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723231944/http://www.escmag.com/v5/reviews/review.cfm?rv=415|archive-date=23 July 2011}}</ref>
| rev4 = ''[[Gamezebo]]''
| rev4Score = {{rating|3|5}}<ref name="Gamezebo"/>
| rev5 = [[Common Sense Media]]
| rev5Score = {{rating|2|5}}<ref name="Common Sense Media">{{cite web |author1=Jean Armour Polly |title=Kingdom of Loathing |url=https://www.commonsensemedia.org/website-reviews/kingdom-of-loathing |website=[[Common Sense Media]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205002541/https://www.commonsensemedia.org/website-reviews/kingdom-of-loathing |archive-date=5 February 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>
}}
Critical response for ''Kingdom of Loathing'' has been generally positive, with consistent praise for the game's humor and surrealism. The gameplay and content have been praised as "well designed" and having a "huge amount of content".<ref name="EuroGReview"/> [[Matt Gallant]] of ''[[Gizmodo]]'' said that the game is "actually very full-featured" with "a lot of content",<ref name="Gizmodo">{{cite web|url=https://gizmodo.com/16409/pickup-games-vol-4-kingdom-of-loathing?tag=archives|title=Pickup Games, Vol. 4 – Kingdom of Loathing|author=Matt Gallant|website=Gizmodo|access-date=21 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111206111805/https://gizmodo.com/16409/pickup-games-vol-4-kingdom-of-loathing?tag=archives|archive-date=6 December 2011}}</ref> and according to ''Worlds in Motion'', "''Kingdom of Loathing'' isn't just a great game, but a really unique and interesting [[Massively multiplayer online game|MMO]]."<ref name="worldsinmotion"/> ''[[Jay Is Games]]'' called it "a 'must play' game for [[Role-playing game|RPG]] fans who want something different".<ref name="JayIsGames">{{cite web| last = Preston| title = Kingdom of Loathing| publisher = Jay Is Games| date = 12 September 2005| url = http://jayisgames.com/archives/2005/09/kingdom_of_loat.php| access-date =13 October 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110623103207/http://jayisgames.com/archives/2005/09/kingdom_of_loat.php|archive-date=23 June 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Gamezebo]]'' criticized the interface, calling it "clunky",<ref name="Gamezebo"/> and several reviewers expressed concern that the game might be confusing to new players.<ref name="Gamezebo"/>

=== Controversy ===
In 2019, Johnson was accused of "physical and emotional" abuse by his ex-wife, [[University of California, Santa Cruz|U.C. Santa Cruz]] professor A.M. Darke, towards her and ''West of Loathing'' designer Kevin Simmons. She also alleged that he had removed part of the game to avoid crediting her for its development. Johnson denied the allegations of physical abuse, although admitting to "emotional immaturity and anger and cruelty" in a written apology. He later added Darke to the game's credits, claiming she had only provided feedback to the game and did not work on it in a design capacity. An ex-girlfriend of Johnson's, Bonnie Mattson, similarly alleged abusive behavior during a 2005 relationship.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Valentine |first=Rebekah |date=2019-10-23 |title=Games professor accuses Kingdom of Loathing designer of abuse |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2019-09-23-games-professor-accuses-kingdom-of-loathing-designer-of-abuse |access-date=2022-06-05 |website=[[GamesIndustry.biz]] |language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190923203721/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2019-09-23-games-professor-accuses-kingdom-of-loathing-designer-of-abuse|archive-date=23 September 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[List of multiplayer browser games]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*[https://www.kingdomofloathing.com Official website]
*[https://kol.coldfront.net/thekolwiki/index.php/Main_Page KoL Wiki]
*[https://www.radio-kol.net/wiki/index.php?title=Main_Page RadioKoL website]

[[Category:2003 video games]]
[[Category:Browser-based multiplayer online games]]
[[Category:Fantasy video games]]
[[Category:Fictional countries in other worlds|Loathing, Kingdom of]]
[[Category:Indie video games]]
[[Category:Monochrome video games]]
[[Category:Parody video games]]
[[Category:Video games developed in the United States]]

Kingdom of Loathing

2022-11-22T16:39:38Z

184.99.107.8:

{{Short description|2003 video game}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2021}}
{{Infobox video game
|title = Kingdom of Loathing
|image = [[File:Kingdom of Loathing logo.png|alt=A crude stick-figure drawing of a man with a sword in his left hand and a martini glass in his right hand.]]
|caption = The ''Kingdom of Loathing'' logo.
|developer = [[Asymmetric Publications]]
|publisher = Asymmetric Publications
|designer = Zack "Jick" Johnson
|released = {{start date|df=yes|2003|02|10}}
|genre = [[Turn-based strategy|Turn-based]] [[Role-playing video game|role-playing game]]
|modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]] with some [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]] interaction
|platforms = [[Web browser]]
}}
'''''Kingdom of Loathing''''' (abbreviated '''''KoL''''') is a [[Browser game|browser-based]] [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]] [[Role-playing video game|role-playing game]] designed and operated by [[Asymmetric Publications]], including creator Zack "Jick" Johnson with a small team. The game was released in 2003, with ongoing small updates continually released.

It uses hand-drawn [[stick figure]] graphics and writing characterized by [[Surreal humour|surreal humor]], [[word play]], [[parody]] and references to [[popular culture]]. In ''KoL'', a player's [[Player character|character]] fights [[Mob (video gaming)|monsters]] for [[Experience point|experience]], and acquiring meat (the game's [[Virtual economy|currency]]), and/or [[Item (gaming)|items]], through a [[Time-keeping systems in games#Turn-based|turn-based]] system. Players may also interact with each other through [[player versus player]] competition, participate in the in-game economy by trading goods and services, organize their characters into [[Clan (video gaming)|clans]], work together to complete clan [[dungeon crawl|dungeons]], and speak to each other in many different [[Chat room|chat]] channels.

The game is also particularly notable for managing to be financially successful purely from donations and the purchase of merchandise rather than from [[advertising]] or [[Subscription business model|subscription fees]], which are used by many [[online game]]s. In 2008, the game had between 100,000 and 150,000 regular players. These players form an active community which frequently organizes fan meet-ups and runs an internet radio station. The game has been generally well received by critics. In 2012, ''Mr. Card Game'', a tabletop game based on ''Kingdom of Loathing'', was launched on [[Kickstarter]].<ref name=kick>{{cite web
|url=http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/336486938/mr-card-game
| title =Mr. Card Game
| publisher =[[Kickstarter]]}}</ref>
On 10 August 2017, Asymmetric launched ''[[West of Loathing]]'', a ''Kingdom of Loathing'' [[spin-off (media)|spin-off]] [[Single-player video game|single-player]] role-playing video game for [[Linux]], [[macOS]], and [[Windows]].<ref name="rps_wol">{{cite web | url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/08/10/west-of-loathing-released/ | title=Cowboys and clowns ride out with West of Loathing | work=[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]] | first=Alice | last=O'Connor | date=10 August 2017 | access-date=13 August 2017}}</ref> A second spin-off, ''[[Shadows Over Loathing]]''', was released on November 11, 2022.<ref name="rps_wol">{{cite web | url=https://adventuregamers.com/games/view/48657 | title=Shadows Over Loathing (2022) | work=[[Adventure Gamers]] | date=11 November 2022 | access-date=22 November 2022}}</ref>

==Gameplay and features==
[[File:kingdom of loathing screenshot1.png|thumb|A screenshot of combat against scarab [[The Beatles|beatles]].|alt=A web page broken up into frames. The center frame shows the combat, consisting entirely of text and crude thumbnail images of drawings. There is also a chat pane showing various announcements and a character pane displaying the player's experience levels, hit points, and magic points.]]
Gameplay involves fighting monsters, completing quests, gaining skills and [[Statistic (role-playing games)|stats]], and accumulating items and meat.

In ''KoL'''s [[turn-based]] gameplay, a player's character is supplied with a number of adventures each day, at a base of 40, although this can be increased.<ref name="Gamezebo">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamezebo.com/games/kingdom-loathing/review|title=Kingdom of Loathing Review|website=[[Gamezebo]]|first=Barry|last=White|date=31 December 2009|access-date=5 December 2011|archive-date=4 March 2014|url-status=unfit|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140304141401/http://www.gamezebo.com/games/kingdom-loathing/review}}</ref> The game day resets at a time called "rollover". Characters are allotted forty adventures every rollover, though they can increase that number with various equipment and items. Additional adventures can be acquired by consuming [[food]] and [[Alcoholic beverage|booze]].<ref name="Bixler">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100305051438/http://gaming.psu.edu/KoLAnalysis|title=Kingdom of Loathing – Analysis of a Great Game|author=Brett Bixler|publisher=Pennsylvania State University|access-date=2 November 2011|date=15 January 2009|archive-date=5 March 2010|url=http://gaming.psu.edu/KoLAnalysis}}</ref> However, only a limited amount of each can be consumed each day,<ref name="Bixler"/> and drinking too much booze puts the character into a [[Alcohol intoxication|drunken stupor]] for the remainder of the day.<ref name="Olivetti"/> During rollover, drunkenness and fullness levels are reset, and minor amounts of [[Health (gaming)|health points]] and [[magic point]]s are restored. Although a character can accumulate a large number of adventures, the number is reduced to 200 at rollover.<ref name="massive">{{cite web|last=Hecht|first=Eliah|title=Time is money, friend!|publisher=Massively|date=5 November 2007|url=http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/05/time-is-money/|access-date=11 October 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110208084200/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/05/time-is-money/|archive-date=8 February 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Most actions in the game use up adventures, including crafting items and exploring the game world (adventuring).<ref name="Gamezebo"/> When exploring, players experience combat encounters, in which they fight monsters, as well as non-combat encounters.<ref name="Ruiten">{{cite web|url=http://www.guerrillageek.com/2011/11/review-kingdom-of-loathing/|title=Review: Kingdom of Loathing|publisher=Guerrilla Geek|author=Remy van Ruiten|date=18 November 2011|access-date=5 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111129050953/http://www.guerrillageek.com/2011/11/review-kingdom-of-loathing/|archive-date=29 November 2011}}</ref> Combat is turn-based, meaning that the player and the monster take turns attacking one another using weapons, skills and items.<ref name="Olivetti">{{cite web|url=http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/02/the-game-archaeologists-fear-and-loathing-in-the-kingdom-the-h/|title=The Game Archaeologist's fear and loathing in the Kingdom: The highlights|author=Justin Olivetti|date=2 November 2010|access-date=2 November 2011|publisher=Massively|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110508135737/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/02/the-game-archaeologists-fear-and-loathing-in-the-kingdom-the-h/|archive-date=8 May 2011}}</ref> Players who successfully defeat a monster receive [[experience point]]s, pieces of meat (the game's currency), and various items.<ref name="Gamezebo"/> Non-combat encounters simply present the reader with a text description of an event, occasionally allowing the player to choose how to respond to that event.<ref name="Ruiten"/>

After gaining enough experience points, players will [[Experience level|gain levels]],<ref name="Gamezebo"/> allowing them to access new areas and quests. Characters can combine items by using "meat paste" (a substance analogous to glue),<ref name="Ruiten"/> and can also cook [[food]], mix [[cocktail]]s and [[Metalsmith|smith]] weapons and armor. Characters may also earn trophies or tattoos for various in-game achievements.<ref name="Bixler"/> Puzzle-solving is an important part of the game, with the solutions often involving a certain item combination or the completion of tasks in different zones.<ref name="Olivetti"/>

===Player interaction===
While ''Kingdom of Loathing''{{'}}s [[player versus environment]] content is largely single-player, some features allow multiplayer interaction.

Player versus player (PvP) combat is voluntary,<ref name="Bixler"/> features a randomized selection of non-interactive minigames, and is subdivided into seasons. The winner of the PvP battle can take fame or items from the loser.<ref name="worldsinmotion">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesetwatch.com/2008/07/worlds_in_motion_atlas_inside.php|title=Worlds in Motion Atlas: Inside Kingdom of Loathing|author=Simon Carless|date=26 July 2008|access-date=5 November 2011|publisher=Worlds in Motion|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080730005947/http://www.gamesetwatch.com/2008/07/worlds_in_motion_atlas_inside.php|archive-date=30 July 2008}}</ref>

The game features an integrated chat system which is available only after completing a basic test of [[English grammar]] and [[English orthography|spelling]].<ref name="Olivetti"/> There are many chat channels, including a channel in which all chat must follow the syllabic conventions of [[Haiku in English|English haiku]].<ref name="Olivetti"/> Most of the chat channels are moderated; those who violate the chat rules are banned. Players can also send messages and gift packages to each other in-game, and the official ''Kingdom of Loathing'' forums are another active venue for discussion among players.{{Citation needed|date=February 2016}}

Upon reaching level 3, characters may join a clan, a band of cooperating characters.<ref name="Bixler"/> A clan has a clan hall which can be furnished with beneficial equipment as well as a clan stash for sharing useful items.<ref name="Olivetti"/> Clan members can chat with each other in a private chat channel. In 2008, a [[instance dungeon|multiplayer dungeon]] was added which allows clan members to [[raid (gaming)|raid]] cooperatively in Hobopolis, the underground city of [[hobo]]s.<ref name="Olivetti"/> [[Eurogamer]] likened Hobopolis to [[World of Warcraft]] instances.<ref>{{cite web|last =Pearson|first =Dan|title = Kingdom of Loathing expands|publisher =Eurogamer.net|date = 18 June 2008|url =http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/kingdom-of-loathing-expands|access-date =10 July 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110617060627/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/kingdom-of-loathing-expands|archive-date=17 June 2011}}</ref> Additional clan dungeons have since been added, including the Slimetube, Dreadsylvania, and the limited-time Haunted Sorority House.

Players can buy a store in The [[Shopping mall|Mall]] of Loathing and sell their character's items to other players.<ref name="Safferling"/> Direct trading between two players is also possible, and in the trade chat channel users can auction items and advertise shops.<ref name="massive"/> This functionality has created a complex in-game economy which author Ted Friedman, in his book ''Electric dreams: computers in American culture'', described as "vibrant".<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dFn0kxWg0xcC|title=Electric dreams: computers in American culture|author=Ted Friedman|page=155|publisher=NYU Press|year=2005|isbn=0814727395|access-date=6 December 2011}}</ref> The ''Kingdom of Loathing'' economy was the subject of an academic study, ''Economics in the Kingdom of Loathing: Analysis of Virtual Market Data'' in 2011.<ref name="Safferling">{{cite journal |last1=Safferling |first1=Christoph |last2=Lowen |first2= Aaron|year= 2011|title= Economics in the Kingdom of Loathing: Analysis of Virtual Market Data|journal=Working Paper Series of the Department of Economics, University of Konstanz|publisher= University of Konstanz|url= http://www.uni-konstanz.de/FuF/wiwi/workingpaperseries/WP_30-Safferling-Lowen-11.pdf|access-date=3 November 2011 }}</ref>

===Character classes===
Players choose from six [[Character class|classes]] when they create a character.<ref name="Bixler"/> Each class has various items that characters obtain by completing class-specific quests. Characters also receive non-tradable class-dependent items as a reward for completing harder ascensions. The classes can be split into groups based on the primary [[Statistic (role-playing games)#Attributes|character attribute]] associated with them.

*Muscle classes: The two muscle classes are [[Seal Clubber]] and Turtle Tamer. Muscle classes depend on strength and fighting ability. A character's Max HP is determined by his/her muscle, and Muscle classes gain an innate +50% boost to their Max HP.<ref name="Bixler"/>
*Mysticality classes: The mysticality classes are Pastamancer and Sauceror. Gameplay for mysticality classes is focused on spellcasting and the use of magic. A character's Max MP is determined by his/her Mysticality, and Mysticality classes gain an innate +50% to their Max MP.<ref name="Bixler"/>
*Moxie classes: The moxie classes, Disco Bandit and Accordion Thief, use charm and dexterity to achieve success.<ref name="Bixler"/>

===Familiars===
[[Familiar spirit|Familiars]] are creatures that can accompany players in combat, performing (usually) helpful actions.<ref name="Bixler"/> Familiars are often instrumental in the completion of quests.<ref name="Bixler"/> Familiars possess many abilities;<ref name="Olivetti"/> for example, a Sabre-Toothed Lime attacks monsters, a [[Leprechaun]] grants extra meat after combat, and a Hovering [[Sombrero]] increases stat gains from combat. Some familiars, such as the Ninja Pirate Zombie Robot,<ref name="Olivetti"/> are very difficult to acquire.<ref name="Bixler"/>

===Ascension===
Ascension is a feature that allows characters to start the game over and play through it again from the beginning,<ref name="Bixler"/> similar to a [[New Game Plus]] feature.<ref name="OlivettiJickInterview">{{cite web|url=http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/16/the-game-archaeologists-fear-and-loathing-in-the-kingdom-joshi/|title=The Game Archaeologist's fear and loathing in the Kingdom: Joshing with Jick|date=16 November 2010|access-date=2 November 2011|author=Justin Olivetti|publisher=Massively|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110508135728/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/16/the-game-archaeologists-fear-and-loathing-in-the-kingdom-joshi/|archive-date=8 May 2011}}</ref> This feature becomes available after the game's final quest is completed.<ref name="Olivetti"/> Players who ascend have their character's experience levels reset to one, but they retain their currency and items.<ref name="Bixler"/> Ascending players can also choose to make their ascension more difficult by taking on various restrictions, such as not being able to eat or drink,<ref name="Bixler"/> in exchange for special rewards.<ref name="Olivetti"/> In addition, the game features a leaderboard system which allows players to see one another's ascension speeds and compete for the fastest ascensions.<ref name="Safferling"/>

==Plot and setting==
The player takes on the role of an [[adventure]]r who is tasked with solving problems and killing monsters in a [[fantasy]]-based kingdom. The game is humorous in nature, and most [[Quest (video gaming)|quests]], battles and individual item descriptions include [[joke]]s, [[wit]]ticisms, or references to popular culture.<ref name=escapist /> Many quests parody the [[trope (literature)|tropes]] found in other role-playing games.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/Making_the_Most_of_a_Simple_Thing_Kingdom_of_Loathing/|publisher=The Mac Observer|author=Chris Barylick|date=3 October 2006|access-date=5 December 2011|title=Making the Most of a Simple Thing: Kingdom of Loathing}}</ref>

The premise is that the Naughty [[Magician (paranormal)|Sorceress]] has captured and "imprismed" (imprisoned in a prism) the Kingdom's ruler, King Ralph XI. The ultimate objective of the game is to defeat the Naughty Sorceress and free King Ralph.{{Citation needed|date=February 2016}} In King Ralph's absence, most of the power in the Kingdom of Loathing is held by the Council of Loathing, which gives quests to characters as they increase in level,<ref name="CMU">{{Cite web |url=http://www.etc.cmu.edu/etcpress/node/276 |title=Zork & Kingdom of Loathing - Brett E. Shelton |publisher=CMU.edu |access-date=3 November 2011 |archive-date=27 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101127222036/http://www.etc.cmu.edu/etcpress/node/276 |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref> from finding a mosquito larvae to starting (and finishing) a war between the Hippies and the Frat Boys. The final quest is given when the character has reached level 13 and finished the other quests.<ref name="Bixler"/>

While on the final quest, it is revealed from the skull of a barely alive adventurer named Frank that the council is corrupted and has been pulling the same thing of sending adventurers to the Naughty Sorceress's tower only to be killed for four thousand years (time is screwy there).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://kol.coldfront.net/thekolwiki/index.php/Meet_Frank|publisher=TheKingdomofLoathing wiki|author= Dentarthurdent |date=January 2015|access-date=24 January 2021|title=Meet Frank}}</ref> After many trials to the top of the Sorceress's tower, the player comes face to face with the sorceress herself, only to be beaten in her third form (a sausage). The player will have to go back to find the Wand of Nagamar to properly beat her.

Upon freeing King Ralph XI, an astral gash appears, allowing the player to ascend (it is also revealed that the monster problem is also due to the player's presence, as they hate them that much). Players can also unlock quests from other sources, some of which are available only after [[#Ascension|ascending]].<ref name="escapist"/>

==Development==
[[File:Zack_johnson_gdc_2018.jpeg|thumb|right|upright|Zack Johnson at the 2018 [[Game Developers Conference]]]]
Zack Johnson, the game's creator, developed several games before ''Kingdom of Loathing'' but did not feel that they were good enough to release online.<ref name="escapist"/> Deciding that he was taking the games he created too seriously, Johnson then set himself the challenge of creating one within a week and publishing the result online.<ref name="OlivettiJickInterview"/> The result was more of a joke than a game, and the initial content including classes and even the name of the game were stream of consciousness.<ref name="escapist"/> The game was released in early 2003,<ref name="PlanetGeek">{{cite web|url=http://planet-geek.com/archives/2004/07/kingdom-of-loat.html|title=Kingdom of Loathing: An interview with Jick|publisher=Planet Geek|date=9 July 2004|access-date=3 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100930114625/http://planet-geek.com/archives/2004/07/kingdom-of-loat.html|archive-date=30 September 2010}}</ref> and Johnson soon invited his childhood friend Josh Nite to contribute content as a writer and designer.<ref name="PlanetGeek"/><ref name="Cooper">{{cite web| last =Cooper| first =Park| title =An Adventurer Is You: The Zack Johnson/Kingdom of Loathing Interview| publisher =Silver Bullet Comics| url =http://www.comicsbulletin.com/pb/117648256288713.htm| date = 13 April 2007| access-date =3 January 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100606202516/http://www.comicsbulletin.com/pb/117648256288713.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=6 June 2010}}</ref> Within a year, 300,000 player accounts had been created,<ref name="Bishop">{{cite web|url=http://www.diygamer.com/2010/04/kingdom-loathing/|title=On One's Own: Kingdom of Loathing|author=James Bishop|date=6 April 2010|access-date=3 November 2011|publisher=DIY Gamer|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100618043728/http://www.diygamer.com/2010/04/kingdom-loathing/|archive-date=18 June 2010}}</ref> far exceeding Johnson and Nite's expectations; Johnson has referred to the game's success as "a never ending series of astonishments".<ref name="Eykemans"/> In 2008, the game had between 100,000 and 150,000 regular players.<ref name="escapist">{{cite web| last =Janelle| first =Robert| title =Stumbling into the Kingdom of Loathing| publisher =Escapist Magazine| date = 5 August 2008| url =http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/issues/issue_161/5112-Stumbling-Into-the-Kingdom-of-Loathing| access-date =5 August 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613203450/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/issues/issue_161/5112-Stumbling-Into-the-Kingdom-of-Loathing|archive-date=13 June 2011}}</ref>

In the game's early days, Johnson worked on the game during breaks while at work, but eighteen months or so after launch, the game was bringing in enough money for Johnson to quit his day job as a programmer and develop the game full-time.<ref name="OlivettiJickInterview"/> He then began to pay Nite for his work<ref name="escapist"/> and after approximately two years hired two more developers.<ref name="Cooper"/> There are currently eight full-time employees working on ''Kingdom of Loathing'', as well as three other employees who are working on a separate game.
The game's creative process is fluid and loosely structured.<ref name="OlivettiJickInterview"/> According to Johnson, "At this point, I provide the overall direction. I do about a quarter of the writing, a quarter of the coding, and almost all of the artwork."<ref name="OlivettiJickInterview"/> The bulk of the writing was done by Nite, who also contributed design ideas,<ref name="OlivettiSkullyInterview"/> while two other developers, known in the game as Riff and HotStuff, work on writing, design, and coding.<ref name="Eykemans">{{cite web|url=http://www.diygamer.com/2010/05/years-kingdom-loathing-interview/|title=Seven Years Later: Kingdom of Loathing [Interview]|author=Peter Eykemans|publisher=DIY Gamer|date=14 May 2010|access-date=3 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710135708/http://www.diygamer.com/2010/05/years-kingdom-loathing-interview/|archive-date=10 July 2011}}</ref>

According to Nite, the game's writing style owes itself to a humorous email exchange between himself and Johnson that began when the two separated after high school. These emails "helped us develop the shared comedic voice that ''KoL''{{'s}} written in".<ref name="OlivettiSkullyInterview">{{cite web|url=http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/09/the-game-archaeologists-fear-and-loathing-in-the-kingdom-inter/|title=The Game Archaeologist's fear and loathing in the Kingdom: Interrogating Mr. Skullhead|author=Justin Olivetti|date=9 November 2010|publisher=Massively|access-date=3 November 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110508135731/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/09/the-game-archaeologists-fear-and-loathing-in-the-kingdom-inter/|archive-date=8 May 2011}}</ref> The game's developers cite text-based games such as [[Zork]] and [[Legend of the Red Dragon]] as creative influences, and Nite has compared the game to the [[Choose Your Own Adventure]] series of children's books.<ref name="CMU"/>

The game has been in open [[Software development process|beta]] since its initial release, and is continuously being worked on.<ref name="OlivettiSkullyInterview"/> New content is released weekly or monthly,<ref name="OlivettiJickInterview"/><ref name="OlivettiSkullyInterview"/> and there is also unique holiday-themed content every Christmas, known as Crimbo.<ref name="Eykemans"/> Occasionally, the developers stage world events such as the Gray Plague, which was similar to the [[Corrupted Blood incident]] in ''[[World of Warcraft]]''.<ref>{{cite report|title=Modeling Epidemic Spread in Synthetic Populations – Virtual Plagues in Massively Multiplayer Online Games|author1=Magnus Boman|author2=Stefan J. Johansson|year=2007|arxiv=0705.4584 |bibcode=2007arXiv0705.4584B}}</ref>

In November 2014, Nite left Asymmetric Publications.<ref>{{cite web|title=A Sad Announcement from Mr. Skullhead|url=http://forums.kingdomofloathing.com/vb/showpost.php?p=4692554&postcount=1|publisher=Forums of Loathing|date=10 November 2014|access-date=3 December 2014}}</ref>

==Business model==
''Kingdom of Loathing'' is [[Advertising-free media|advertising-free]] and does not charge subscription fees.<ref name="Cooper"/>

Maintenance and development of the game is supported primarily through donations<ref name="CNET">{{cite web|url=http://news.cnet.com/2100-1043_3-5389938.html|title=Dare you fight the possessed tomatoes?|date=1 October 2004|access-date=3 November 2011|author=John Borland|publisher=CNET}}</ref> and players who donate [[United States dollar|US]]$10 to the game receive a powerful item known as a Mr. Accessory.{{Citation needed|date=February 2016}} Mr. Accessories can be equipped to give stat boosts or spent in the "Mr. Store" to buy powerful items (including special monthly items).<ref name="Safferling"/> Mr. Accessories and Mr. Store items may be traded freely between players.<ref name="Safferling"/> According to an interview with Zack Johnson from 2010, Johnson originally established the Mr. Accessory revenue model as "kind of an afterthought", but it became lucrative enough to allow him to work on the game full-time and eventually to hire several permanent employees.<ref name="OlivettiJickInterview"/>

==Community==
''Kingdom of Loathing'' has been praised for its welcoming and active player community.<ref name="EuroGReview"/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FekDAAAAMBAJ|title=Kingdom of Loathing|page=12|newspaper=GameAxis Unwired|date=August 2005|access-date=3 November 2011}}</ref> One of the most unusual aspects of the community is the large number of female players: according to Johnson, approximately 40% of players are female.<ref name="CNET"/> Fans often gather at both official conventions, run by Asymmetric, and unofficial player-organized meet-ups,<ref name="OlivettiJickInterview"/> including the annual KoLumbus event.<ref name="OlivettiSkullyInterview"/> Players support the game by writing [[script (computing)|scripts]] to perform various in-game functions, using [[Greasemonkey]], [[Java (programming language)|Java]], [[Perl]], and [[Lua (programming language)|Lua]], and have also developed a player-run [[wiki]] which offers puzzle solutions and walkthroughs.<ref name="Bixler"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.diygamer.com/2010/03/love-community/|title=On One's Own: For the Love of Community|author=James Bishop|date=23 March 2010|publisher=DIY Game|access-date=5 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100327113231/http://www.diygamer.com/2010/03/love-community/|archive-date=27 March 2010}}</ref> Longtime player and nerdcore rapper [[MC Frontalot]] is active in the community<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.buzzbinmagazine.com/home/2011/08/12/mc-frontalot-attendance-is-mandatory/ |title=MC Frontalot: Attendance is Mandatory! |publisher=Buzzbin Magazine |access-date=3 November 2011 |date=12 August 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110920043624/http://www.buzzbinmagazine.com/home/2011/08/12/mc-frontalot-attendance-is-mandatory/ |archive-date=20 September 2011 }}</ref> and included a ''Kingdom of Loathing''-themed song on his 2010 album ''[[Zero Day (album)|Zero Day]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://scitech.blogs.cnn.com/2010/04/08/geek-out-m-c-frontalot-talks-nerdcore-hip-hop-geekery/|title=Geek Out!: M.C. Frontalot talks nerdcore hip-hop, geekery|date=8 April 2010|access-date=3 November 2011|publisher=CNN|author=Doug Gross|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100411235118/http://scitech.blogs.cnn.com/2010/04/08/geek-out-m-c-frontalot-talks-nerdcore-hip-hop-geekery/|archive-date=11 April 2010}}</ref>

Brett Bixler, founder of the Educational Gaming Commons at [[Pennsylvania State University]], has hypothesized that the ''Kingdom of Loathing'' community is successful because it accounts for [[Richard Bartle]]'s [[Bartle Test|model]] of player personality types in [[massively multiplayer online roleplaying game]]s, creating a balanced gameplay system that appeals to a wide variety of players.<ref name="Bixler"/> Researcher Martin Oliver addressed similar issues in a 2009 study of the ''Kingdom of Loathing'' player community, "Playing Roles in the MMORPG Kingdom of Loathing".<ref>{{cite book|title=Handbook of Research on Effective Electronic Gaming in Education|chapter=Playing Roles in the MMORPG Kingdom of Loathing|author=Martin Oliver|publisher=London Knowledge Lab|year=2009}}</ref>

A [[World Wide Web|Web]]-based [[SHOUTcast]] radio station, ''Radio KoL'', was the "official unofficial" radio station of ''KoL''. It was a [[24/7]] [[Disc jockey|DJ]]-hosted station, with volunteer DJs drawn from the ''KoL'' user base.<ref name="OlivettiJickInterview"/><ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.linuxjournal.com/article/7951|title=UpFront – March 1, 2005|date=1 March 2005|magazine=Linux Journal|access-date=3 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080709011256/http://www.linuxjournal.com/article/7951|archive-date=9 July 2008}}</ref> As well as the player-hosted music shows, development team members hosted shows on Radio KoL in which they discussed the state of the game and answered questions from players.{{Citation needed|date=February 2016}} Radio KoL was shut down in late 2019.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20190912161308/https://radio-kol.net/wp/ Radio KoL – Station Shutdown]</ref>

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
| EuroG = 9/10<ref name="EuroGReview">{{cite web| last = Hamblin| first = Jon| title = Browser RPG Roundup Review| website = EuroGamer| date = 15 April 2008| url = http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/browser-rpg-roundup-review| access-date =1 October 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110617060735/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/browser-rpg-roundup-review|archive-date=17 June 2011}}</ref>
| rev2 = ''ESC Magazine''
| rev2Score = 7/10<ref name="ESCMagReview">{{cite web| last = Grieser| first = Andy| title = Kingdom of Loathing – ESCMag Review| publisher = ESCMag| date = 27 September 2007| url = http://www.escmag.com/v5/reviews/review.cfm?rv=415| access-date =22 October 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723231944/http://www.escmag.com/v5/reviews/review.cfm?rv=415|archive-date=23 July 2011}}</ref>
| rev4 = ''[[Gamezebo]]''
| rev4Score = {{rating|3|5}}<ref name="Gamezebo"/>
| rev5 = [[Common Sense Media]]
| rev5Score = {{rating|2|5}}<ref name="Common Sense Media">{{cite web |author1=Jean Armour Polly |title=Kingdom of Loathing |url=https://www.commonsensemedia.org/website-reviews/kingdom-of-loathing |website=[[Common Sense Media]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205002541/https://www.commonsensemedia.org/website-reviews/kingdom-of-loathing |archive-date=5 February 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>
}}
Critical response for ''Kingdom of Loathing'' has been generally positive, with consistent praise for the game's humor and surrealism. The gameplay and content have been praised as "well designed" and having a "huge amount of content".<ref name="EuroGReview"/> [[Matt Gallant]] of ''[[Gizmodo]]'' said that the game is "actually very full-featured" with "a lot of content",<ref name="Gizmodo">{{cite web|url=https://gizmodo.com/16409/pickup-games-vol-4-kingdom-of-loathing?tag=archives|title=Pickup Games, Vol. 4 – Kingdom of Loathing|author=Matt Gallant|website=Gizmodo|access-date=21 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111206111805/https://gizmodo.com/16409/pickup-games-vol-4-kingdom-of-loathing?tag=archives|archive-date=6 December 2011}}</ref> and according to ''Worlds in Motion'', "''Kingdom of Loathing'' isn't just a great game, but a really unique and interesting [[Massively multiplayer online game|MMO]]."<ref name="worldsinmotion"/> ''[[Jay Is Games]]'' called it "a 'must play' game for [[Role-playing game|RPG]] fans who want something different".<ref name="JayIsGames">{{cite web| last = Preston| title = Kingdom of Loathing| publisher = Jay Is Games| date = 12 September 2005| url = http://jayisgames.com/archives/2005/09/kingdom_of_loat.php| access-date =13 October 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110623103207/http://jayisgames.com/archives/2005/09/kingdom_of_loat.php|archive-date=23 June 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Gamezebo]]'' criticized the interface, calling it "clunky",<ref name="Gamezebo"/> and several reviewers expressed concern that the game might be confusing to new players.<ref name="Gamezebo"/>

=== Controversy ===
In 2019, Johnson was accused of "physical and emotional" abuse by his ex-wife, [[University of California, Santa Cruz|U.C. Santa Cruz]] professor A.M. Darke, towards her and ''West of Loathing'' designer Kevin Simmons. She also alleged that he had removed part of the game to avoid crediting her for its development. Johnson denied the allegations of physical abuse, although admitting to "emotional immaturity and anger and cruelty" in a written apology. He later added Darke to the game's credits, claiming she had only provided feedback to the game and did not work on it in a design capacity. An ex-girlfriend of Johnson's, Bonnie Mattson, similarly alleged abusive behavior during a 2005 relationship.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Valentine |first=Rebekah |date=2019-10-23 |title=Games professor accuses Kingdom of Loathing designer of abuse |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2019-09-23-games-professor-accuses-kingdom-of-loathing-designer-of-abuse |access-date=2022-06-05 |website=[[GamesIndustry.biz]] |language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190923203721/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2019-09-23-games-professor-accuses-kingdom-of-loathing-designer-of-abuse|archive-date=23 September 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[List of multiplayer browser games]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*[https://www.kingdomofloathing.com Official website]
*[https://kol.coldfront.net/thekolwiki/index.php/Main_Page KoL Wiki]
*[https://www.radio-kol.net/wiki/index.php?title=Main_Page RadioKoL website]

[[Category:2003 video games]]
[[Category:Browser-based multiplayer online games]]
[[Category:Fantasy video games]]
[[Category:Fictional countries in other worlds|Loathing, Kingdom of]]
[[Category:Indie video games]]
[[Category:Monochrome video games]]
[[Category:Parody video games]]
[[Category:Video games developed in the United States]]