What was the name of the first MMORPG to popularize the genre?

The name of the first MMORPG to popularize the genre was Ultima Online. Released in 1997 by Origin Systems, this game introduced gamers to a vast virtual world where they could interact with thousands of other players simultaneously. Ultima Online's open-ended gameplay, extensive player customization, and dynamic player-driven economy captivated a massive audience and set the foundation for the massively multiplayer online role-playing game genre as we know it today. It showcased the potential of online multiplayer gaming, paving the way for many other successful MMORPGs that followed in its footsteps.