Sandboxes are a type of MMO that emphasize player freedom and expression. They frequently include mechanics for building, crafting, trading, character customization and development, roleplaying, destruction, and significant interaction with the world and other players. A sandbox that is dominated by an open-PvP or free-for-all ruleset is sometimes pejoratively called a gankbox. Contrast with the themepark.
sandbox
Massively Overthinking: How often do you play human MMO characters when you have other choices?
I've been thinking about this question a bit lately, partly owing to Stars Reach and partly to Project Gorgon. Playable Worlds says Stars Reach...
Raph Koster lays out the (first) four pillars of design for his sandbox MMORPG Stars Reach
I have some good news and bad news. The bad news is that Raph Koster's Stars Reach is probably a good long while away...
Vague Patch Notes: Yes, tutorials are a good thing in MMORPGs
For those of you who haven't been reading the site for a while or just don't keep this in your head, I'm going to...
Albion Online celebrates seventh birthday with cake and the Living Legacy event
Albion Online is coasting into its seventh birthday this week with its Living Legacy event splashed across all three regional servers, pitting players against...
RuneScape parties on The Beach and heralds the new Sanctum of Rebirth dungeon
Having a hard time getting out to an actual shoreline this summer? RuneScape offers the next best thing with its summer event on The...
Fractured will release next patch ahead of July 24 new server and full game launch
The deal has been altered; pray Dynamight Studios doesn't alter it further. Only this time the alteration will be a welcome one to fans...
From castles to conservation to content, I had a ball at Black Desert’s Heidel Ball 2024
It may have been a bit since the end of Pearl Abyss' Heidel Ball 2024, celebrating 10 years of Black Desert Online, but it's...
Star Citizen readies a returning community helping event, preps cargo updates and new event for alpha 3.24
Star Citizen is always looking toward a future of things to do and that throughline continues in the game's usual weekly update post, which...
Perfect Ten: 10 MMORPGs with weirdly defensive fanbases
I do not have nice things to say about RuneScape. I have never had nice things to say about RuneScape. I also do not...
Black Desert’s 300v300 War of the Roses elite PvP battleground begins this week
If mass PvP is your jam, Black Desert has some violent delights for you in the form of War of the Roses, live on...
The Quinfall previews maritime activities and trading ahead of today’s second closed beta
You've signed up. You've been selected. You thought it was happening on June 22nd but that was delayed. Now the time is here, as...
EVE Online outlines plans to continue its nullsec focus and release Vanguard to Steam early access
EVE Online fans have gotten their first taste of what the rest of this year is looking like for their favorite gankbox, as CCP...
Star Wars Galaxies Restoration rogue server confirms leak that it’s considering subscription benefits
Uncertainty has enfolded Star Wars Galaxies rogue server SWG Restoration III, as a player senator leaked financial plans from the team that suggest the...
Sandbox MMORPG Trove begins Sunfest celebrations for its ninth birthday
It's official: Trion/Gamigo's voxel sandbox MMORPG Trove is turning nine years old today and is celebrating with its annual Sunfest events.
"It's time to have...
Co-op survivalbox Medieval Dynasty adds cross-platform play and updated character creator
Ever wanted to live in the medieval ages but didn't want to actually go through the effort of dressing up in period outfits and...
Vehicle-building survivalbox TerraTech Worlds updates planet settings and automation
It's been roughly four months since the vehicular-focused survival sandbox TerraTech Worlds entered into early access, which is more than enough time for us...
Mabinogi confirms July 11 and August 8 launch dates for its two-part Winds of Fate update
The Winds of Fate are blowing across Mabinogi. Or at least they're scheduled to blow, specifically on Thursday, July 11th, and Thursday, August 8th,...
The MOP Up: Elsword welcomes Lithia to its combat roster
Elsword's roster recently expanded to include the sparkplug character of Lithia: "A real 'gem' of a character and a glittering addition to the stylish...
LOTRO Legendarium: Six ideas LOTRO totally should steal from other MMOs
It's only natural for people who play multiple MMOs or are aware of what's happening in other titles to foster a sense of envy....
Elite Dangerous updates guardian weapons and addresses Titan multiplayer instability in latest patch
This week brought another small but no less impactful patch to Elite: Dangerous' Thargoid War, and while its adjustments might be granular, they're likely...
