scienceboy, it is based on a server to client method and not p2p, I don't know about torrent servers, but this is all it is to it.
There is a server, in which there are all maps and pictures and stuff, and your save files, and you become a client who obtains the stuff.
Better off he could be going for the less bandwidth way, in which he gives you all the maps, pictures and everything except your save file. That way it is difficult to cheat and yet it leaches less net, this is very good for dial up people, and the server hosts themselves.
He can't use the p2p in this, that will destry the game, though you could use p2p for trades and matches, still it should be server-client here as well.
EDIT: Sorry, I was just reminded, torrent servers are mostly server-client as well, the person who wants it goes to the server which fetches the data from the other user, if it is this way, the save file would be on the user's computer, and this would be really bad considering that the save file being on the users computer especially on an MMORPG, can be hacked and this wouldn't only effect their game but the whole worlds, and why would a person need to access another user's stuff, only for trading right.
And if you meant that the files be stored on someother computer, it would be pointless, it won't increase the speeds to much of an extent or something, basically the program needs to be on a server, and if you put these files on the server as well, it doesn't speed it up much, so yeah.
Better off having the game files on the user's computer, lol I am not talking about the server, besides the server doesn't need many files, the client needs it, whereever it is getting them from, the server or hard drive.