Meridian 59

The game is now aimed primarily at fans of PvP (Player vs Player) combat, as it is virtually lag free and has a player-run justice system implemented to mediate killing of other players. Unlike many online RPGs, it is not based around character levels and classes. Instead, each individual skill and attribute, including health, develop independently of one another. Hit points (health) are acquired by killing monsters that are a challenge for the player.

Mana (magic points) is acquired by exploring and finding mana nodes in the game world. All base attributes except karma are static, but they can be adjusted with certain items and spells temporarily.

The game's development began under a different corporate identity and name. Co-founders Mike Sellers and Steve Sellers originally established the studio as Terra Nova Interactive in 1993, with the intent to name their online project Terranova. However, the team received a cease and desist letter from Looking Glass Technologies, which was concurrently developing the tactical 3D sci-fi game Terra Nova: Strike Force Centauri.

To avoid legal costs, the studio rebranded as Archetype Interactive and renamed the game Meridian, a name chosen from one of Mike Sellers' previous role-playing characters. Upon discovering that Meridian was also trademarked, the developers appended the number "59" to create a legally distinct name. The game's lore was later retrofitted to explain the number, establishing the setting as the 59th provincial colony of an ancient empire.

Reviewing the "Revelation" update, Next Generation described the game as "second-best" next to Ultima Online. They particularly commented that while the update expanded the game world by 50%, it still felt small and overcrowded with too little to do in it.

By June 1999, Meridian 59's retail sales in the United States had reached 14,359 units, according to PC Data. A writer for GameDaily called these numbers "minuscule", and remarked that it had "clearly fizzled on store shelves". However, the publication noted that 3DO had changed its business model to rely on online shopping and microtransactions, and had seen monetary success despite its poor sales in stores. Next Generation columnist Christian Svensson commented that despite the game's monthly pricing being roundly derided by a panel consisting of the heads of seven leading online gaming services at the September 1996 Online Game Developer's Conference, who said any flat rate system was unsustainable and "naive", "Since that time, we have seen the official launch of many online gaming services, and most have learned what consumers and the press have been telling them all along: A fair flat rate is the only way services will get subscribers."