The World of BBS Door GamesOne of the most exciting and enduring aspects of Bulletin Board Systems (BBS) was the advent of "door games." These text-based and often multiplayer games were a staple of BBS world, offering users the chance to engage in competitive and cooperative gameplay long before the era of modern online gaming.
What Are Door Games?Door games were external programs that "opened the door" to new experiences from within a BBS. When a user selected a door game from the BBS menu, the system temporarily transferred control to the game software. After the player finished, the BBS would regain control. This seamless integration made it possible for even the simplest BBS to host a variety of fun and engaging games.
Popular Door Games of the EraMany door games became legendary, fostering competitive play and long-term engagement among users. Some notable examples include:
TradeWars & The later TradeWars 2002 – A space trading and combat game where players built empires, traded goods, and fought battles in a persistent universe.
Legend of the Red Dragon (LORD) – A fantasy role-playing game that allowed users to explore dungeons, fight monsters, and interact with other players.
Barren Realms Elite (BRE) – A strategic resource management game set in a post-apocalyptic world where players controlled realms and engaged in diplomacy or warfare.
BBS Crash - A game of BBS Hacking allowing players to call imaginary BBSes and attempt to "Trash" them!
A favourite of your "host"
was Galactic Warzone - A derivative of the above mentioned TradeWars (and much more advanced - at the time), more on this game in a later article.
The Appeal of Door GamesDoor games were more than just a diversion—they created communities and fostered rivalry and camaraderie among users. Since players often competed for high scores or limited in-game resources, these games drove repeat logins and deep engagement with the BBS. Many door games also featured leaderboards and daily turn limits, encouraging players to return frequently to continue their progress.
Technical AspectsDoor games were typically written in languages like Pascal, C, or BASIC, and relied on batch files or external scripts to manage the transition between the BBS and the game. Early games supported single-player modes, but as technology evolved, multi-node support allowed multiple users to interact with the same game simultaneously.
Door Games in the Modern EraEven today, door games have a loyal following. Modern BBS systems like our own, accessible via Telnet continue to host these classics, preserving the unique gameplay experiences of the past. Additionally, hobbyist developers create new door games, ensuring this facet of BBS culture remains vibrant.
If you're eager to relive the golden age of BBS door games, look no further than our very own BBS!
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