Kingdom of Loathing

Kingdom of Loathing (KoL) is a humorous, browser-based, multiplayer role playing game, designed and operated by Asymmetric Publications, including creator Zack "Jick" Johnson and writer Josh "Mr. Skullhead" Nite. The game was released on 23 February 2003. Because content is still being added frequently the game is still considered unfinished and officially remains in open beta.

It is notable for its use of hand-drawn stick figure graphics and writing characterized by surreal humor, word play, parody and references to pop culture. In KoL, players fight monsters for experience, meat (the game's currency), and items, through a turn-based system. Players also interact with each other through player versus player competition, participate in the in-game economy by trading goods and services, and organize themselves into clans, and speak to each other in many different chat channels.

The game now hosts a player base of 100,000 to 150,000 regular users. It is also particularly notable for managing to be financially successful purely from donations rather than from advertising or subscription fees like most online games.