I want to make a simple multiplayer game

Getting Started
1

I’m really interested in programming video games, but to be honest I’ve given it a try before(learning I mean) and I couldnt seem to figure anything out. From what I understand… you can do something with just some models(with animation clips) and simple scripts. I wanted to make a game similar to the “Worminator” game from the “Tornado Twins”(which you can check out on youtube(type in Worminator Tornado Twins.)

The first thing I want to do is get some models with animation clips. Then I want to create scripts for movement and animation and firing projectiles and getting hit by the projectiles and subtracting health and respawning. After that is all done I want to make it multiplayer.

If you check out the worminator game from the tornado twins you will see that the models in that video are not animated with animation clips… nor is it multiplayer. I think I can figure out how to make some simple scripts for movement and animation and the combat(which is basically just projectiles and getting hit and subtracting health and respawning.)

… but I don’t think I can figure out the multiplayer. I was wonering if someone could just show me a simple way to make a game where the players can connect the host and be given their character.

2

Forget animations or models or multiplayer for now.

Start with 2D single player. Then work out 2D for split screen multiplayer. Then look at building a game with UNet multiplayer.

UNet does a lot of the hard work of networking for you. This still leaves it as one of the hardest topics to program.

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You’re suggesting that 2d is easier than 3d. I don’t think there is anything difficult to understand about 3d modeling and rigging and animation.

4

Simple multiplayer… what is that?

You can make super simple games without programming but only with purchased assets. If you want any customization, then you’ll run into programming. Ironically, at that level you’ll be super lost just looking at the scripts…

And so forth

5

I agree, simple multiplayer sounds like an oxymoron. Everything is relative sure (simpler than something), but still.

6

Multiplayer should be considered an advanced topic. You might be able to fake it till you make it, but with limited programming experience dont expect it to be easy.

2D is generally easier than 3D. The things you mentioned are trivial when it comes to 3D. The complexity comes in 3D code.

7

Simple multiplayer? You find that and I’ll join you. I’ve been trying to get my head around the complexity of java networking, and let me tell you, its a clusterf*ck of classes, methods, threads and so interwoven that I have to close my project after a while and wonder what I got myself into.

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In 2D none of these things need to happen, therefore it’s much quicker. Sticking to 2D is simply a way to get you to doing multiplayer faster.

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9

Well of course it’s like that if you bother to do it correctly. If you want something easier on the eyes, just jam it all into one class :slight_smile: Java networking isn’t that bad.

@omnisdingin it doesn’t get any easier than UNet, download some of the sample projects in the multiplayer section of the forums and look at everything marked [SyncVar], [Command] and [ClientRpc].

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The problem for me is trying to find a good tutorial on java networking that covers multiplayer/mmo game design. I can’t find one, and you’d think that after all the MMOs and multiplayer games made, even with java, there’d be at least one. But all the tutorials I have found do some simple networking or the person doing the tutorial doesn’t take the time to explain they why of the code, just zips through it.

That’s why I am waiting for the Linux editor for Unity, their new networking system is awesome and I can focus less on the underbelly of the code and work on my game.

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Definitely look into RPCs. You’ll have less network traffic and less not-good-ness. The built in unity stuff is demonstrable not-good. Download any of the samples and then on the client try running into a wall. The server gets there first and your client bounces off the wall before reaching it.

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HA, simple multiplayer, good one.
Im currently using Playfab for my multiplayer however.

If its so simple, do it.

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Yeah I really woukl like to make some models with animations. And I truly do think it is simple .Just characters that slide and jump and shoot.

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Here’s a script I have so far it is for a character that moves/jumps/shoots/gets hit and takes damage/dies/respawns. I don’t have the translate set to any specific vectors because I’m not sure what x/y/z are in the series nor am I sure how big the integers have to be. Its also not for any specific engine.

I want a script that will connect the clients to the server and give the players control of certain game objects.

15

Starting to sound a lot like a “Please make my game for me” thread. If you want a script, write one.

Here is a starting place. http://docs.unity3d.com/Manual/UNet.html

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I mean like how much could I pay someone 1. to take my script 2. revise it for an engine 3. make a script to connect the clients to the server and give the players control of characters with this script attached to it 4. revise my same script again to work with the multiplayer script

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Oh, right, this thread.

Go download the samples from the multiplayer section and check out what’s already available before you think you need to get more people involved.

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Well that would entail me trying to figure out something that I maybe can’t comprehend. It would be cool maybe to see how to add custom assets to a marketplace project but I would rather pay someone(when I have money) to make something much more simple… and then add my assets to that.

19

Just make it with primitives to see if the gameplay works & is fun. If it is try your multiplayer on one screen. If it’s still fun start replacing the assets with nicer ones. It will take a little bit longer but you won’t be wasting time & money on assets up front only to find the game isn’t fun or is to hard to make.

20

Paying someone is a valid option if you have no interest in programming. Check out the commercial threads or PM someone you trust. You’ll typically need an artist as well for most projects. Some people can do both.

Be aware that programmers aren’t cheap. About two thirds of the potential clients that approach me disappear as soon as they hear my rates. I’m starting full time work tomorrow, so my time available for freelancing is limited. But you are welcome to PM me for further discussions. Quoting rates and making deals in the public threads is frowned on by the mods.

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