Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a method for implementing a colonial relationship in a multiplayer online game. The method includes: receiving instructions from a first entity to attack a second entity; determining whether the first entity's attack is successful; and if the first entity's attack is successful, establishing a colonial relationship between the second entity and the first entity, wherein a portion of production of the second entity is transferred to the first entity.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a method of awarding items in a multiplayer online game. The method includes: presenting a primary award interface to a first user, the award interface configured to implement a primary award algorithm that determines whether the first user will receive an item and, if so, informs the first user of the award; and informing other users of the award to the first user. Another aspect of the invention provides a system awarding items in a multiplayer online game. The system includes a presentation module configured to present an award interface to a first user, the award interface configured implement a primary award algorithm that determines whether the first user will receive an item and, if so, informs the first user of the award; and a notification module configured to inform other users of the award to the first user.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a method of increasing interest in a massively multiplayer online game. The method includes providing the massively multiplayer online game on each of a plurality of shards and associating a list of accomplishments with each of the plurality of shards. Another aspect of the invention provides a computer program product comprising computer-usable medium having control logic stored therein for causing a computer to implement a method of increasing interest in a massively multiplayer online game. The control logic includes: first computer readable program code for causing the computer to provide the massively multiplayer online game on each of a plurality of shards and second computer readable program code for causing the computer to associate a list of accomplishments with each of the plurality of shards.