Nolen Royalty: Reviving the Joy of the Internet with Experimental Multiplayer Games

In a time when the internet feels dominated by social media algorithms, monetized content, and endless scrolls, Nolen Royalty, also known by his online handle “eieio,” is bringing a breath of fresh air. As the creator behind experimental multiplayer games like One Million Checkboxes and Stranger Video, Nolen believes in a more playful, spontaneous internet—one where the goal is pure fun rather than profit. Through his games and online presence, Nolen fosters creative, unexpected interactions that remind us of the internet’s magic in its early days.

A Nostalgic Look at the Early Internet

Growing up, Nolen spent countless hours on internet forums for various games, which provided him a sense of community amid constant relocations. For over a decade, he frequented TeamLiquid, a site where fans of the professional Korean Starcraft scene gathered. On this platform, he not only discussed his passion for the game but also built lasting friendships that transcend the digital world. This was a time before the dominance of social media, and for Nolen, it was a golden age of niche online communities.

These days, while he’s still deeply involved in smaller, focused online spaces—like the Zulip for the Recurse Center and creative tech chats—Nolen appreciates the power of forums and smaller communities, especially where the stakes aren’t about virality or likes. “I miss forums!” he says, reflecting on how these spaces were once ideal for finding like-minded individuals with niche interests.

The Search for the Old Internet Spirit

Nolen’s reflections on the internet today center around how social media has skewed perceptions of what the web is and should be. While many people nostalgically associate certain aspects of the internet with “the old days,” Nolen argues that the real issue lies in the internet’s sheer scale. Today, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the volume of content, yet there remains a vast treasure trove of interesting, low-key projects—if only you know where to look.

Despite the challenges of finding “good stuff,” Nolen remains hopeful, suggesting that the spirit of the old internet still exists. The problem is that, unlike the internet of the early 2000s, where niche communities thrived, today’s internet is more socially connected, forcing a search for genuine experiences in an ocean of noise.

The Personal Touch of Old-School Communities

When reminiscing about his first online communities, Nolen mentions joining forums like those dedicated to Homestar Runner and Kingdom of Loathing—places where users weren’t just browsing but actually engaging with others who shared their passion. This sense of dedication, of carving out a space online solely to interact about specific topics, contrasts starkly with today’s big platforms that encourage users to skim across dozens of topics without truly diving deep into any one.

While Nolen’s current projects aim to maintain that sense of intimacy, he acknowledges the limitations of traditional social media platforms. With metrics like likes and views driving content creation, he worries about the impact on creativity. That’s why, in his own work, he tries to focus on making things that are “fun” for the sake of fun—projects that bring joy, not just clicks.

Creating Something New: A Better Social Media?

Looking ahead, Nolen envisions a new type of social platform—one that fosters more meaningful interactions and prioritizes quality over popularity. In his ideal internet, people wouldn’t just create for views or likes but for the intrinsic value of the content itself. The idea of rewarding creators based on genuine engagement rather than superficial metrics could help revive the spirit of creative play on the internet, where people can share their passions without worrying about hitting a “viral” moment.

What Undercode Says:

Nolen Royalty’s views on the internet underscore a deep and personal connection to the web’s earlier days—before the rise of social media giants like Facebook and Instagram. The nostalgia for forums and niche communities reflects an underlying desire for a more intimate, user-driven internet. In a time when the internet often feels like a competition for attention and influence, Nolen’s focus on fun and unmonetized creativity offers an alternative vision. His experimental games are a rebellion against the commercialized, algorithm-driven web, reminding us that the internet doesn’t have to be all about “optimization” or “growth.” Rather, it can simply be a place to connect, share, and create for the joy of it.

Moreover, Nolen’s concerns about the pressure social media places on creators to prioritize views and likes over authentic expression are relevant to the broader conversation about the future of the internet. The emergence of platforms that encourage more meaningful engagement—like niche forums or smaller collaborative spaces—might be the way forward, ensuring that creativity remains the backbone of online culture. Nolen’s approach to game design, which encourages massive player interactions without relying on monetization, could serve as a model for how digital spaces can be built around pure enjoyment rather than financial gain.

This vision for a playful, fun internet stands in stark contrast to the increasingly corporate-driven spaces we see today. In an age where platforms often push for efficiency and profitability, creators like Nolen serve as a reminder that the internet is also a place for experimentation, community, and most importantly, fun.

Fact Checker Results:

Accuracy: Nolen Royalty’s story checks out, with detailed references to his online presence and the games he’s developed.
Valid Claims: His emphasis on the nostalgic internet culture of forums and niche communities accurately reflects the shift in online behavior over the years.
Analysis: While his view of the internet’s evolution is spot on, some may argue that the rise of platforms like Discord and Substack continues to offer space for the kinds of creative, niche communities Nolen cherishes.