Asheron's Call (AC) was a pioneering 3D MMORPG developed by Turbine Entertainment Software and published by Microsoft, launched on November 2, 1999. Set in the seamless world of Dereth, it was the third major MMORPG after Ultima Online and EverQuest, known for monthly, narrative-driven live events. The game ran for 17 years until its closure on January 31, 2017.

Development and Launch

• Release & Significance: Released in 1999, it featured a massive"no-zone" seamless world that allowed for uninterrupted exploration.


• Development: Developed alongside Ultima Online and EverQuest, it was considered a more ambitious, technically advanced peer in the genre.


• Initial Concept: Originally designed to support 200 players per server with hourly fees, it evolved into a massive, persistent, subscription-based world.


• Publishing: Published by Microsoft (1999–2004), then Turbine (2004–2010), and finally Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment (2010–2017).

Lore and Storyline

• Setting: The game is set on the island continent of Dereth on the planet Auberean.


• Background: The world was created by the Empyrean race, which fell after a mage named Asheron accidentally brought the monstrous Olthoi to the land.


• The Story Arc: The game was known for monthly updates that moved a continuous, evolving story forward in yearly arcs.


• Major Events: The first major update"The Sudden Season" (December 1999), brought a massive, server-wide freeze to the landscape.

Evolution and Closure

• Dark Majesty: An expansionDark Majesty, was released in 2001, adding new areas, quests, and features.


• Transition: After 15 years, the game shifted from a subscription model to a one-time purchase of $10, remaining active for years.


• Shutdown: Turbine officially closed the servers on January 31, 2017.


• Legacy: The game's community kept the spirit alive through initiatives like the ACEmulator, which enables independent, player-run servers