GMCP directory
A specialized directory of protocols, libraries, and implementation guides for Generic MUD Communication Protocol (GMCP). This collection is curated for developers integrating structured JSON data into legacy codebases or building modern UI components in clients like Mudlet and MUSHclient.

Showing 10 of 10 entries
Mudlet GMCP Protocol Manual
open-sourceTechnical documentation for handling GMCP events and data structures within the Mudlet client environment.
Pros
- + Comprehensive event-handling examples
- + Specific documentation on Core.Supports negotiation
- + Built-in Lua table conversion details
Cons
- − Specific to Mudlet's Lua implementation
- − Lacks server-side negotiation logic
Iron Realms GMCP Specification
freeThe original reference for the GMCP protocol packages used by Iron Realms Entertainment, serving as the industry de facto standard.
Pros
- + Defines standard packages like Char.Vitals and Room.Info
- + Industry-standard reference for interoperability
- + Clear JSON structure definitions
Cons
- − Contains some IRE-specific custom packages
- − Minimal information on telnet option negotiation
MUSHclient GMCP Scripting Guide
freeTechnical walkthrough for enabling GMCP support and parsing incoming JSON in MUSHclient via Lua.
Pros
- + Detailed explanation of Telnet Option 201
- + Includes sample Lua scripts for regex-free parsing
- + High performance for low-spec machines
Cons
- − Requires manual setup of JSON parsing libraries
- − Forum-based documentation format
TinTin++ GMCP Documentation
open-sourceReference for implementing GMCP in TinTin++, including variable mapping and event triggers.
Pros
- + Specific syntax for TTB scripting
- + Efficient handling of OOB data
- + Good support for terminal-based UI
Cons
- − Steep learning curve for TinTin++ scripting
- − Limited graphical UI capabilities
Wireshark Telnet Dissector
open-sourceNetwork analysis tool configuration for sniffing and debugging GMCP payloads between client and server.
Pros
- + Inspects raw negotiation sequences (IAC WILL/DO)
- + Validates JSON payload integrity
- + Independent of client/server logs
Cons
- − Difficult to use with encrypted (TLS) connections
- − Steep learning curve for packet analysis
Aardwolf GMCP Reference
freeA practical list of GMCP packages and sub-messages used by one of the largest MUDs, useful for testing client compatibility.
Pros
- + Shows real-world implementation of complex packages
- + Examples of map and quest data via GMCP
- + Proven at high scale
Cons
- − Specific to Aardwolf's custom engine
- − Documentation is wiki-style and non-linear
Mudlet GMCP Debugger Script
freeA Lua script for Mudlet that provides an on-screen console to view real-time GMCP traffic.
Pros
- + Instant visualization of incoming data
- + No external tools required
- + Easy to toggle during development
Cons
- − Can impact performance if traffic is heavy
- − Only works within Mudlet
GMCP (Generic MUD Communication Protocol)
freeA protocol used to send structured data (JSON) from the server to the client, enabling non-visual status bars and map data.
Pros
- + Allows clients to track HP/Mana without screen reader noise
- + Enables precise room and coordinate tracking
- + Decouples data from the main text stream
Cons
- − Requires server-side implementation
- − Complex to script client-side for novice users
Mudlet
open-sourceA modern, cross-platform MUD client featuring Lua scripting and map support for classic games.
Pros
- + High-performance C++ backend
- + Active development and package manager
- + Rich UI customization via Lua
Cons
- − Steep learning curve for complex scripts
- − Interface can feel cluttered for purists
MUSHclient
freeA fast, lightweight Windows client highly favored for its extensibility and plugin architecture.
Pros
- + Extremely low memory footprint
- + Robust plugin system using Lua/Javascript
- + Excellent screen reader support for blind players
Cons
- − Windows-centric development
- − Default UI is very minimalist