Talk:MPlayer.com

Untitled
Awesome, this reflects my experience as an avid user around 1999. More context should probably be given, in my opinion the biggest rival to the services was Heat.net. Some mention should probably also be made about other ranking systms. Was it Jacob's ladders that others were using?

( fyi: heat.net was run on top of the MPath technology that MPlayer was a showcase for. -- Anon 20 July 2006 )

Mathiastck 19:35, 13 March 2006 (UTC)


 * True, I actually was thinking of adding a section on the various competitors. --Chroniclev 20:36, 13 March 2006 (UTC)

This thread: http://www.geek.com/news/geeknews/2000dec/gee20001221003458.htm

seems to be the the largest thread sicussing mplayer.com. Mathiastck 18:22, 2 June 2006 (UTC)

Bravo
Its great to see this article... It takes me way back, as MPlayer was the first gaming system I ever used online. One of the more popular games I remember, and played a lot was Mech Warrior 2, which I still own two copies. I sure do miss MPlayer, still have a few friends from it.--Azslande 22:57, 16 June 2006 (UTC)

Games List?
Does anyone remember the list of games? I'm trying to remember some of the online RPGs and such that were on there but I just can't remember. There were some fun graphical ones, and I was wondering if they were still around?
 * You can find a list of games through archive.org. I was debating whether a list was important enough to put in the article, but there are a lot of them and it wouldn't look very tidy. --Chroniclev 02:05, 4 July 2006 (UTC)
 * http://web.archive.org/web/*/http://MPlayer.com it's kind of funny, I was lead back to this page because I stumbled on archive.org, and MPlayer was the first thing I could think of to look up :) Mathiastck 00:35, 8 July 2006 (UTC)
 * There are some gems there, like on this page: http://web.archive.org/web/20010119185100/www.mplayer.com/ "We are excited to announce that GameSpy, a leading provider of online games technologies and services, has acquired Mplayer, our award-winning games and entertainment community. This is great news for our members!" Mathiastck 00:37, 8 July 2006 (UTC)

MPlayer-Arabia.com
First of all I am no Wiki-Geek. Not knowing how to do this writing editing and stuff I just edit (not mess :-) ) here to provide some informations I have missed here and searched for. Some of those pro's here who checks and adds stuff might and shall master it. thank you. Last to meantion is that from the very beginning in '96 till it's death I was pretty much addicted to mplayer and like many others later used mplayer-arabia to keep the atmosphere and style of games and gameplays.

Ok .. so that mplayer-arabia is dead by now too for whatever reason (emails kept unanswered) here is what I found on the net regarding the "mirror" of mplayer. mirror not in the meaning of physical copy but in the meaning of having mplayer as it was and should always have had remained. Using its engine and games and stuff. Here I missed any information about them but as they provided service for several years thus the buyout to gamespy and using the mplayer logo, engine and all the stuff it is a must to mention them here. may they all rest in peace.

So here is what I found:

MPlayer-Arabia.com was run by "Etisalat", an internet-company and ISP settled in middle-east which in 2004 became "eCompany.ae".

Emirates Internet and Multimedia Etisalat Tower, PO Box 3838 Abu Dhabi, 3838, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

They say on their website:

"Our Vision We seek to harness the power of the Internet revolution to e-enable our customers in the UAE and the Middle East.

Our Mission To bring the best Internet technologies and the most enriching content and solutions to our customers."

Emirates Internet has been the Middle East's first and foremost Internet Service since 1995, from Etisalat - the premier ISP in the Middle East.

In their company history you find:

2001: Mplayer-Arabia.com, Middle East's premier game vortal launched.

As mentioned before they did use the MPlayer engine and all the stuff 1:1 having just added arabian language support.

In 2003 the Samsung Cyber Challenge Dubai was held on MPlayer-Arabia.

The challenge is an online gaming event held in alliance with Emirates Internet and Multimedia’s (EIM) www.mplayer-arabia.com, the region’s premier online gaming site.

Find more infos to this on http://www.saudia-online.com/press/press2003/Jan03/samsongcyber.shtml or adequate press sites.

In 2005 again the Samsung’s World Cyber Games 2005 were held on MPlayer-Arabia.

"After setting international standards for UAE’s online gaming industry, Samsung Electronics, the global technology innovator, along with eCompany, the Internet Service and ICT powerhouse of Etisalat, today announced its plans to kick off the Olympics of the cyber gaming community, the ‘World Cyber Games 2005’, in UAE. Continuing in its three-year long tradition, since the first cyber gaming championship took place in UAE, this year again Samsung will host the UAE round in alliance with its local partner eCompany’s online gaming service engine www.mplayer-arabia.com."

Infos on: http://www.samsung.com/me/presscenter/pressrelease/pressrelease_20050811_0000183066.asp#

Last to add is that from 2002 they had an avery peak of 20 million users each day ! and about 35 to 40 million in late 2004 - early 2005. (Source: http://www.alexa.com/data/details/traffic_details?q=&url=www.mplayer-arabia.com/ar_AE/index )

If that are not values to dream of ...

And this is pretty much all I was able to find on the net. Regarding the traffic stats they must have shut down the service somewhen in middle 2005.

By now the domain owner has changed and you just find a commercial search site there.

Today the record entry says:

Whois Record

Domain Name: MPLAYER-ARABIA.COM Registrant: OpenIT Systems Limited Rm. 813 8/F Hollywood Plaza 610 Nathan Road Hong Kong, KL KOWLOON HK

That's all folx. If anyone can bring this to the pro-wiki style please go ahead. If anyone can add informations about their death please go ahead. If anyone can revoke the good ole' mplayer please go ahead :-)

84.139.10.17 08:00, 21 December 2006 (UTC)Kai


 * Thank you for contributing this. I had intended to write some more stuff on MPlayer-Arabia, and MPlayer-Europe, and maybe Livve and MPlayer Live and whatever else.  Then perhaps rewrite the buyout section as it seems like an important topic. Maybe I'll get back to it when I have the chance. --Chroniclev 06:27, 4 January 2007 (UTC)

Great Page
I'm just happy every time I see this page :) I still haven't found a gaming service that competes with good old MPlayer.  Mathiastck 20:20, 30 January 2007 (UTC)

Sages?
"Experienced users would volunteer, known as Sages, to help newer users with any difficulties that may arise with the service or frequently asked questions."

They were actually called "Wizards", requiring that their name be Wizard-suchandsuch. Editted to reflect. 72.16.149.209 20:32, 22 February 2007 (UTC)

Err, well scratch that. I don't recall Sages. I know my friend was a Wizard for quite awhile, and while he did help run events, his day to day 'job', as it were, was to help out the newbies, destroy corrupt game channels that popped up from time to time, etc, etc. 72.16.149.209 20:35, 22 February 2007 (UTC)

There were both Sage's and Wizards. I cant remember exactly how it went, but one of them had more power than the other. I believe Sages had the power moderate and help run events. Where as Wizards had more power, such as to create events and to eject/ban people. I believe sages were like "Helpers" and Wizards were like "Police". Dont quote me, but I remember both of them, and one was much like an apprentice to the other.--Azslande 22:20, 4 April 2007 (UTC)

I was involved in the Sages/Wizards and the short-lived Tourney Host groups. Tourney Hosts were shortly brought on as users who were officially designated to run daily classics (hearts and spades) tournaments because at that time Wizards were used more as a watchdog and lobby leader than an event host (which was weekly if at all). These individuals had a "Tourney-" prefix and had a halo and angel wings icon. The Sages were the lowest level of official volunteer. This required an application and Wizard recommendation (Wizards were next in hierarchy). Originally the Sages ran the help desk lobby and were also responsible for answering any help desk pages with the pager function. The Sages were not technical geniuses, but were given a long list of FAQs to help with specific mplayer technical difficulties. Sages also monitored chat lobbies for trolls and then reported them to staff. The Wizards later opened up more free enrollment and they ran the weekly events. Gamegods were mplayer staff that were responsible for overseeing the Wizards (top of hierarchy). I agree with the assessment that Sages were more like Helpers and Wizards did police, but later on they played more of a tournament host role. However, I became inactive before the end of mplayer and don't know how things ended. Pablito15 04:07, 29 August 2007 (UTC)

I also was involved in the Sage program, we did mainly Tech-Support and had tools for moderation and enforcing the terms of service agreement. Later they added a new title for volunteers who's job was to strictly monitor and enforce the Terms of Service, they were called Mplayer-Representatives. Wizards were for gaming and events. ---> www.mplayer.co - any of you who miss the old Mplayer should come check it out for some epic nostalgia :) — Preceding unsigned comment added by 99.255.237.63 (talk) 00:11, 7 August 2016 (UTC)

"A Riddle"
Anyone remember this little quote in Mplayer?

"A Riddle, wrapped in an Enigma, hidden behind the 'fridge"

Donno why but it just popped into my head the other day, I believe it was displayed either at Install or perhaps a splash screen when loading Mplayer or a Game.--Azslande 22:25, 4 April 2007 (UT)

It was displayed when a room was locked with a password.

Yes, I remember that! Was that really the whole quote? In my young mind it seemed so much longer/deeper than that. I am thrilled to find it again! 174.59.49.223 (talk) 15:03, 25 March 2019 (UTC)

so were screwed?
so noone can play old games on MP anymore DAMN!!! —Preceding unsigned comment added by 76.100.164.44 (talk) 01:14, 5 July 2008 (UTC)

www.mplayer.co > Games coming soon! — Preceding unsigned comment added by 99.255.237.63 (talk) 00:14, 7 August 2016 (UTC)

Edits
To user:Richcoder, you seem to be rather knowledgeable on this subject. I'm not sure if you had some sort of connection to MPath or HearMe but I've tried to be careful to cite claims to sources in this article. Also most of the changes you've made were to the lead, which isn't really the place to do it as that is just a summary. I'm going to revert but if you were drawing from a specific source then let me know and I'll try to integrate the information into the article (and actually I never finished with everything I wanted to do with this article, so if I ever get back to it I may make changes to the parts you said were inaccurate). --Chroniclev 02:37, 6 May 2007 (UTC)

Original Research
I worked at Mpath (slash HearMe) from 1996 to mid-2000. I realize this can't go on the page until it gets substantiated, but: Mpath originally started out as "Amber", and their original offices were on Showers Drive in Mountain View. They then moved to Cupertino and changed to Mpath. (And hired me.)

The company was originally founded to create games, specifically online multiplayer games--what we'd now call an MMORPG. That's why Brian Moriarty was a co-founder, and why we employed Danielle Bunten-Berry. There was one game design in particular Brian did, called "On High" (set in Heaven) that would have beaten Ultima Online to market by probably two years. But less than six months after the founding of the company, they concluded that creating games was a) expensive b) difficult c) far from a guaranteed success. So they changed the business model from "creating online multiplayer games" to "enabling other people's games for online multiplayer".  The only game design that ever made it to market was Danielle's "Stadia", but the external developer ("TimeSink") made a lot of changes; the resulting game (retitled "Warsport") wasn't really her baby anymore.

Who knows, maybe I'll write a blog entry someday, and then Wikipedia can cite that. --Larry Hastings (talk) 09:33, 1 November 2008 (UTC)

Fight Rooms
Back in mid-2000/2001 I remember there being 'Fight Rooms' in the Chat Lobby. People from all over the world would exchange insults- mainly from the USA/Canada and England/UK. These rooms were very 'politically incorrect', and probably wouldn't be allowed these days. 'Evil Limey'/'Machiavellian' could often be heard exchanging unpleasantries with his American counterparts. Despite the name-calling, most people realised that what was said in the 'fight rooms' shouldn't be taken personally.

The biggest rivalry was that between the USA and England- but it was done largely in good humour. 70.238.220.178 (talk) 05:38, 6 June 2014 (UTC)

External links modified
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 * Added archive https://web.archive.org/web/20060408082303/http://pc.gamezone.com/news/06_18_01_02_05PM.htm to http://pc.gamezone.com/news/06_18_01_02_05PM.htm
 * Corrected formatting/usage for http://www.unreal.com/press/mplayer_pr.html
 * Corrected formatting/usage for http://archive.gamespy.com/news/december00/mplayer/

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External links modified
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 * Added tag to http://pro.edgar-online.com/ipo/textSection.asp?cikid=6385&fnid=4429&IPO=1&sec=bd&coname=HEARME&ticker=
 * Added archive https://web.archive.org/web/20060507162647/http://archive.gamespy.com/interviews/december00/surfas/ to http://archive.gamespy.com/interviews/december00/surfas/
 * Added archive https://web.archive.org/web/20060623041513/http://www.mze.com/underground/speed.html to http://www.mze.com/underground/speed.html
 * Added archive https://web.archive.org/web/20060319003432/http://www.gamespyarcade.com/features/versions.shtml to http://gamespyarcade.com/features/versions.shtml

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Proposed Changes
Mplayer, referred to as Mplayer.com by 1998, was a free online PC gaming service and community that operated from late 1996 until early 2001. Additional information regarding the relaunch of the service should be added to the article. Per https://www.engadget.com/2015/10/22/mplayer-relaunch/ it was to relaunch in November of 2015, however; the actual relaunch didn't take place until May 4th, 2017 (no citation, there is a potential conflict of interest here because I am associated with the partnered group that helped them relaunch). They have re-established themselves as a gaming-related news and reviews entity per https://mplayer.co/news-reviews/ as well as providing a modernized version of their former self. They recently helped organize a 20th anniversary celebration for one of their spades leagues, SpadesAholics http://www.myleague.com/spadeaholics/ where prizes (gift cards, shirts, paid accounts) were given out. The service customized their client look for the event https://www.facebook.com/H5Arena/posts/586602131702426


 * Please specify where the desired text is to be placed. 0.82em 02:37, 11 April 2018 (UTC)

This would be a new section perhaps? Relaunch after the Gamespy buy out information if you want to keep it chronological. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 2607:F010:2E6:8E:B1ED:2934:FD69:BFA9 (talk) 17:48, 11 April 2018 (UTC)

Just a couple items to clarify then:
 * 1) "a modernized version of their former self." I'm not familiar with this term. What exactly is this describing?
 * 2) "They recently helped organize a 20th anniversary celebration for one of their spades leagues, where prizes (gift cards, shirts, paid accounts) were given out. The service customized their client look for the event" The provided reference for this information is the company itself, and I would agree that the company would be an appropriate reference for their own party, seeing as how they are the ones who gave it. The only question that comes to mind then is how is this party relevant? And how is it that the task of describing this party has fallen upon Wikipedia? Please advise. 0.82em 20:58, 11 April 2018 (UTC)


 * Another editor has clarified for me that the first instance means that the company, in its marketing, has relaunched itself in a manner not unlike its former self, but with a "modernized" look and feel. 0.82em 21:04, 11 April 2018 (UTC)
 * It looks like there was an attempt at placing information regarding this relaunch yesterday but the information was poorly sourced and removed. Looking at the sources used then (Mplayer.co and Facebook) they are the same ones presented in this request. Even though the information (how it's worded) is different, the problem (with the references) remains the same. Thus, a section covering the Relaunch will have to wait until better sources develop. 0.82em 22:16, 11 April 2018 (UTC)

What about the engadget article? I mean, if a company relaunches and the company reports the relaunch, that doesn't qualify as a good source, but surely the engadget article is reasonable? It still seems odd to me that if a company is created, they cannot report on the creation of their company or any history related to that creation. You have to have an external source interview the company to get that same history. I understand the need to remove bias, but it does seem overkill. I recognize wikipedia is not a news or reporting site, so they don't do their own research, but the hoops do seem silly at times. Would you guys be more comfortable with another engadget article quoting myself and others related to Mplayer? Would you prefer another source to interview us? The following is a link to the LLC information for Mplayer Entertainment: https://opencorporates.com/companies/us_tn/000847216

Added more sources below with quotes.

"Get ready for a blast from the past as Mplayer.com, the '90s-era online PC gaming and matchmaking service, is making a comeback after going dark nearly 15 years ago.

As Engadget writes, an entity by the name of MPlayer Entertainment is leading the revival. The company said it has rewritten the entire system in order to deliver custom game launching capabilities for private and public matches as well as tournaments. The service is also going to offer chat lobbies that are tailored for gamers, filmmakers and music producers."

"If you lived in the '90s and tried to run multiplayer Quake across a 56K modem, you may have fond memories (or not) of MPlayer. The '90s PC gaming service is coming back after being defunct for 15 years, thanks to a company called MPlayer Entertainment."

"GameSpy, which took it offline in 2001.

MPlayer entertainment said it 'rewrote the entire system to revive this once-beloved service... (to bring) custom game launching capabilities for private and public matches, tournaments and more." It'll also offer chat lobbies "tailored for gamers, filmmakers and music producers.'" — Preceding unsigned comment added by 2607:F010:2E6:8E:6913:DF6E:CB2B:9C5 (talk) 23:17, 23 April 2018 (UTC)

Source

 * https://web.archive.org/web/20000310135734/http://headline.gamespot.com/news/97_06/12_mplayer/index.html
 * https://web.archive.org/web/19970416225713/http://www.next-generation.com:80/interviews/moriarty/moriarty.html
 * https://web.archive.org/web/19990428004455/http://abcnews.go.com/sections/tech/TheGamer/games46.html