As co-creator of the original MUD (Multi-User Dungeon) set up on the PLATO system at the University of Essex, Richard Bartle has an interesting perspective on the current state of online worlds. In an interview with the UK Guardian's Keith Stewart, Bartle shares his thoughts on a variety of relevant topics -- whether social interaction in online worlds can be compared to the real-world (Bartle says yes), the evolution of computer-controlled NPCs (versus the volunteer altruists Bartle remembers) and on the power of virtual worlds in light of their relatively limited individual shelf lives.

Stewart asked Bartle, "If you could take over control of one major MMORPG - which would you choose and what would you do with it?" His answer?

I'd take over World of Warcraft and I'd close it. I just want better virtual worlds. Sacrificing one of the best so its players have to seek out alternatives would be a sure-fire way to ensure that unknown gems got the chance they deserved, and that new games were developed to push back the boundaries.

Er, I would get to do this anonymously, wouldn't I?

For more from Bartle, including thoughts on social networking and the "Web 3D" idea, check out the interview!

[Via GuardianUnlimited]