Zork is set for revival as an MMO. Dublin-based Jolt Online Gaming is partnering with IP-holder Activision to create a browser-based "persistent online adventure" called Legends of Zork, rooted in the world of Infocom's 1979 text-based adventure classic.

Legends of Zork casts the player as a newly-unemployed traveling salesman ready for treasure-hunting and adventure in the Great Underground Empire, faced with the sacking of the Royal Treasury, layoffs at FrobozzCo International, and marauding kobolds and trolls clashing with explorers over loot.

Jolt says players will be able to access the persistent adventure from any Internet browser via LegendsofZork.com with no need for download, and says the game is "designed to provide gamers with a casual MMO game they can play on their laptop, desktop or Apple iPhone (in school, work or on the bus)."

"As a complete Zork geek, I’m very proud to be releasing this title," says Jolt Online CEO Dylan Collins. "Anyone who plays MMOs will definitely like to spend some time with Legends of Zork while they’re taking a break or browsing around the web. It’s very addictive."

[The preceding article by Leigh Alexander also appeared on Worlds in Motion sister site Gamasutra.]