Just a thought (Score 1)

This would be best implemented ala quakeX series, that being client/server. You have small "server" (read IMMORTAL) processes on your server machines that server up "levels", and the client on your desk. All you really need is the network link. Every level is another machine, with its own user assigned needs, monsters, weapons, secrets (?)....

Hmm, sysadmins "playing" each other thru the backbone...

The only drawback is needing a gamespy type program to find the games, um, systems....