MU*

MU* is a term sometimes used to describe multi-user text-based online games based on some form of MUD, MUCK, MUSH, MOO, MUX, or similar software.

MU* is typically used to refer to another game that you know the name of but not the type, to be vague about the specific type of game, or to encompass more than one type in a general statement; e.g. "Do you know the player on another MU*?" or "I have several characters elseMU*."

As all MU* share base concepts (and often code) with MUDs, some believe that "MUD" is sufficient to refer to them all, and so do not use this term. Others feel a MUD has more specific usage as a game engine or server which supports certain features, does not support others, or which is used for a particular style of interaction, and so use MU* to avoid this specificity.