Forumwarz is a humorous browser-based role-playing game that takes place on the internet and skewers online culture. Users derail fake online forums by employing a variety of attacks, thus earning points, money, achievements and lulz. Players can progress through the game in story mode, or play several mini-games to boost their standing.
Playable classes include Troll, Emo Kid, Camwhore, Permanoob and Hacker. Each class has its backstory, abilities, equipment, stores and guilds. Additionally, users are encouraged to actually role-play their classes within the game’s own forum, “Flamebate.”
The user interface aims to simulate the internet itself. Players interact with NPCs through instant message conversations (“sTalk,” a parody of gTalk), email and chatrooms. They can purchase equipment from in-game stores, such as a pharmacies, hardware retailers or even online tattoo parlors.
The story revolves around a well-connected but secretive figure (Shallow Esophagus) who introduces you to a number of deranged characters who harbor vendettas against online forums. As you gain skills and the plot unfolds, you are unwittingly taken into a world of corporate warfare, international espionage and furry porn. (This is the internet, after all.)
Forumwarz launched in February 2008 and began adding new content and features continuously. As of May 2010, the site has 215,000 registered users. Forumwarz completed its three-episode story arc, although users can still compete for leaderboard standing and achievements (called “E-Peen™”) through the site’s meta-game, Domination, or user-generated content competitions like forumbuildr and itembuildr, which expands on the game’s universe through collaboration and voting.