The short version of the concept is as follows: Midgard is the mythical world of humans in the age of the ancient sagas. Players create a character and inhabit this world, taking on a craft or trade and contributing to their tribe or village. As the game progresses, players are able to play more and more strategically, eventually advancing to the position of chief or council member. At this point in the game, they can start a new village, choose which buildings to construct, hire thralls, recruit other players, trade with villages, create new alliances – basically become the ruler of an entire society. Or players can choose to just excel in their chosen profession, becoming, for example, the world’s best blacksmith or hunter or cook or Viking, leaving the politics and empire-building to other players.