Multiplayer online role-playing games as a new type of cultural communication

Today's cyberspace gave rise to a new cultural phenomenon - multimedia games, including both communicative and entertainment functions. What is behind this new way of cultural communication? The article attempts to trace the history of online role-playing games, originating from literary universes, and their connection with the world of fantasy. Based on opinion polls, the article analyzes the causes motivating players to immerse in the game universes and makes a rough classification of online games.