Multiboxing is a term used mostly in MMORPGs to refer to playing as multiple separate characters simultaneously. This can either be achieved by using multiple separate machines to run the game or by running multiple separate instances of the game.

Variations on the term are common. Often, the number of accounts used is reflected in the term used: dual-boxing or two-boxing for two characters, three-boxing for three etc. More generally, the term hydra may be used to describe multiboxing, after the many-headed serpent from Greek mythology, the Lernaean Hydra.

Contents 1 Reasons for use 2 Tools 3 Examples of multiboxing 4 Multiboxing software 5 Compatibility with Game Rules 6 References 7 External links

[edit] Reasons for use

Multiboxing is done for several reasons. People may enjoy the additional challenge it can bring, as well as being able to tackle more difficult monsters by themselves. ^[1] Sometimes it is a matter of convenience, having permanent access to a character that can buff, heal or resurrect the main character.

Overall, Multiboxing is a play style choice. Many people find the additional strategy of multiboxing to be very challenging and, with those additional efforts, very rewarding. Rather than require the collaboration and cooperation of multiple human players, people who multibox instead rely upon themselves to intelligently control multiple game characters and utilize their own cunning as a replacement for human cooperation.

While multiboxing, the player does not necessarily have to spend time looking for a group to join in an adventure with, but rather can run dungeons by himself repeatedly without the risk of someone leaving in the middle of the run.

[edit] Tools

Multiboxing may be as simple as running two instances of the game on one computer (each logged in to a separate account) and switching between them.^[1] Players may also use multiple computers, each with their own keyboard and mouse. This quickly becomes impractical with an increasing number of computers, so a keyboard multiplexer may be used, which sends the signals from a single keyboard to several computers.

Software tools include programs which can simulate keyboard multiplexing by sending keystrokes to different instances of the game simultaneously, or across networks. Voice command software can also be used.

Often, heavy use is made of the macros built into the game's default interface. This allows more complex instructions to be issued with a single keypress. Examples include targeting a certain character and healing them, or firing a spell at another character's target. ^[2]

[edit] Examples of multiboxing

When multiboxing with five characters, one computer and two displays, the player can have one of his game's in a full-screen mode on display #1 and have the display #2 split between the remaining four. Usually with the press of a button the "focus display" is changed, so that greater control can be archived of any character in case one of them dies for an example.

[edit] Multiboxing software

A number of software products exists today to either enhance multiboxing or make it possible altogether. Some examples: - HotkeyNet - PwnBoxer - KeyClone

These programs run in the background, capturing the player's input (keyboard and mouse), and sending the input to all instances of the running game, be it on the same PC or not. For an example, if a player presses the button "5", one of the game's could receive the key press of a left arrow, another the right arrow and so on. This way, by simply pressing "5" once, the characters in different instances of the running game move in different directions.

[edit] Compatibility with Game Rules

Multiboxing is generally allowed by MMORPG End User License Agreements, because the characters are still subject to all the normal rules of the gameworld and are controlled by the player directly. However, when combined with bots that partially or fully control the characters, it would be against the terms of service of most online games. ^[3]

Most MMORPGs only allow a single character per account to be logged in at once, so multi-boxers need a separate account for each character they want to play simultaneously. In subscription based services, this means paying multiple monthly fees, and buying several copies of game expansions.

Most game developers allow multiboxing in their games. To date, World of Warcraft, Warhammer Online, RuneScape, Age of Conan, Anarchy Online, Dungeons and Dragons Online, Lord of the Rings Online, Vanguard, EverQuest, EverQuest II, Lineage, Lineage II, City of Heroes, City of Villains and Ultima Online all allow multiboxing. Aion will allow multiboxing upon release. The Chronicles of Spellborn allows hardware multiboxing, but prohibits software multiboxing. EVE Online allows the use of multiple accounts to be played together on one or more machines, but does not allow the use of programs to communicate between instances of the game. No company provides technical support for multiboxing, so while it may be allowed, you may find certain games are not designed to be multiboxed. ^{[4] [5]}

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• "Dual-Boxing.com: A site for multiboxers." A multi-boxing forum containing macros for a number of MMORPGs and various software guides. Includes a multi-boxing wiki.
• "Multiboxing EverQuest: One Player, Many Characters" article at Extremetech.com
• "Multiboxing.tv: A Site for World of Warcraft multiboxers." Contains Forums, blogs, software, live streams and everything you need to multibox efficiently. Also live help.