Skyrates
A browser MMO set in a world of floating islands and air pirates.
Skyrates was a discontinued browser-based massively multiplayer online game that emphasized sporadic play within a persistent world. Developed initially by students from the Entertainment Technology Center at Carnegie Mellon University, the game was in open beta and featured anthropomorphic characters piloting aircraft between floating islands called Skylands. Its last version, 2.7, was released in February 2011, and the game became inaccessible after Adobe Flash was discontinued on December 31, 2020.
Quick Facts
- Title
- Skyrates
- Engine
- Flash
- Released
- NA · 2006
- Genre
- MMORPG
- Modes
- Multiplayer
- Programmer
- Howard Braham, Bryan Cash, Jeremy Gibson, Seth Shain
- Producer
- Chuck Hoover
- Artist
- Chuck Hoover, Chris Daniel
- Designer
- Henry Clay, Phil Light, Sam Spiro, Seth Shain
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Skyrates was set in a world recovering from an apocalyptic war that reduced viable landmass to scattered islands. These islands, called Skylands, were ripped from the ground and cast adrift using 'unobtainium,' carrying the last remnants of civilization. Players controlled anthropomorphic characters and purchased aircraft to fly between Skylands, engaging in combat and trading. The world was split into color-coded factions, and air pirates operating from unmapped 'skylets' preyed on travelers.
Reader's Guide
Skyrates is significant as an early example of a browser-based MMO that catered to sporadic play, allowing players to progress through purchasing planes, upgrades, and guns. Its development by Carnegie Mellon students and inspiration from the Disney cartoon TaleSpin gave it a distinctive aesthetic. The game's persistent world and faction system encouraged community interaction, though progress resets with major updates frustrated some players. Its recognition at the 2008 Independent Games Festival (First Runner-up in the Gleemax Awards) and a 'Best of 2008' award from Jay Is Games highlighted its quality within the indie game scene. The game's eventual demise due to Adobe Flash's discontinuation marks it as a product of its technological era. The forums remained online but inactive as of March 2021, and by October 2022 they were no longer online, though the domain skyrates.net was still reserved. Skyrates serves as a case study in the challenges of maintaining a browser-based MMO and the impact of platform deprecation on digital preservation.
Did You Know?
- Skyrates was inspired in part by the 1990s Disney cartoon series TaleSpin.
- As of October 2011, there were over 19,500 registered characters.
- Skyrates won 'First Runner-up' in the 2008 Gleemax Awards, with a $2000 cash prize.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Skyrates?
Skyrates was a free, browser-based MMO in which players controlled anthropomorphic pilots flying aircraft across a chain of floating islands known as Skylands. The design centered on casual, drop-in sessions within a world that kept running even when you logged off.
Who developed Skyrates?
The game was built by a team of students at the Entertainment Technology Center at Carnegie Mellon University. It launched as an open beta and stayed in that state through its final update.
Why can't I play Skyrates anymore?
The title depended on Adobe Flash, which was fully retired on December 31, 2020, rendering the game permanently unplayable in any modern browser. Its last release was version 2.7, shipped in February 2011.
What awards did Skyrates receive?
In 2008 the game was named First Runner-up at the Gleemax Awards and also picked up a Best of 2008 (Simulation) nod from Jay Is Games.
How big was the Skyrates player base?
By October 2011 the servers had logged more than 19,500 registered characters, pointing to a small but devoted community of air-pirate adventurers.
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