The Secret World is a dark fantasy massively multiplayer online role-playing video game set in the 'modern day real world' by developer Funcom. Ragnar Tørnquist is the creative director of the game. The Secret World's ability wheel allows player to change their class anytime the player is not in combat. A player can still fill traditional MMO roles (tank, healer, melee dps, range dps) but the ability wheel allows for a tailored class in the way the player would prefer to play. This is unlike in traditional MMOs, in which the character's class is selected at the character creation phase of the game and can never be changed. There are also no restrictions on weapons; players can become a spell caster, use guns, or use sword and fist weapons. Missions come in several varieties. The main plot follows a faction driven quest storyline, which is persistent throughout the game. In addition, the player can play up to 1 main missions, 1 dungeon mission, side quests that are limited by faction, and 3 general side quests which are open to anyone, and are predominantly fetch and hunting quests. However, Missions can include a variety of puzzles that are quasi-alternate reality games and require searching the Internet for various clues through an in-game browser. Investigation missions require the players to fact find or problem solve. It is different in other quests in the way that brute strength is not necessarily needed to overcome the mission. Sabotage missions are best done through stealth by sneaking past enemies and hacking security systemsThe Secret World utilises guilds in the form of Cabals. Cabals can be made up of a single faction, or a combination of any number of factions. The game features an original setting created by Funcom, with contemporary elements as well as 'magic, myths, conspiracies and dark horrors.' Tørnquist debunked several rumors surrounding The Secret World, stating that 'there are no aliens or science fiction elements' in it. He also denied any connection of The Secret World to The Longest Journey.
