Your characters interact in a vast, detailed simulation with thousands of other entities. Since turns run weekly, all players have a chance to send in orders for their units. A corollary is that you don't have to live by your terminal to do well in the game. Players with only a few hours per week to spare can enjoy intense gaming. Behind the scenes diplomacy Political intrigue is a hallmark of PBM gaming.
Players typically exchange many messages coordinating alliances, planning attacks, or making deals.
No prior PBM gaming experience is needed to play Olympia. Olympia has been in development and playtest on the Internet since 1991. The first playtest ran for nearly a year, and had 140 players. Based on feedback from the playtesters, many parts of Olympia were improved. The second playtest ran for 90 turns.