5 replies to this topic

[IrkenInvader]

I want to make an RTS game and enable people to set up games through a web site.

I have made some RTS games before, so far they have been very simple with basic pathfinding and only a few units. I am thinking the game could be done in silverlight (decent graphics is not a priority) with C#, as that is where I have the most experience. I also have some experience using openGL and DirectX, but those seem like they would be more difficult to use with a web launcher and 2D graphics is just fine for my game.

The web integration part is where I have the most questions. I basically want to make lobby for players to set up games, then launch the game. It should also have some other features like chat and a ladder. What languages or tools should I learn to make the website (I have almost 0 web development experience)? Is something like this even feasible for someone with limited resources? I am thinking the game would run in browser, but is it also possible to have the site launch the game and have it run separately?

Edited by IrkenInvader, 13 October 2012 - 05:32 PM.

[Black-Rook]

I would suggest using JAVA for an online RTS game if you're alright with programming client and sever.

You can also look into Unity, I believe you can make a multi-player game and use Unity Web-player to access the game through your browser.

http://unity3d.com/unity/
http://unity3d.com/unity/engine/networking

[kidman171]

I am thinking the game would run in browser, but is it also possible to have the site launch the game and have it run separately?

I'm not sure on this but I think your users would have to install a browser plugin in order for you to be able to launch applications on the client computer. I know that EA's play for free games all require you to install a plugin and you can only start the game by logging into the website and launching it from the browser, but its installed on your computer.

[DpakoH]

I want to make an RTS game and enable people to set up games through a web site.

I have made some RTS games before, so far they have been very simple with basic pathfinding and only a few units. I am thinking the game could be done in silverlight (decent graphics is not a priority) with C#, as that is where I have the most experience. I also have some experience using openGL and DirectX, but those seem like they would be more difficult to use with a web launcher and 2D graphics is just fine for my game.

The web integration part is where I have the most questions. I basically want to make lobby for players to set up games, then launch the game. It should also have some other features like chat and a ladder. What languages or tools should I learn to make the website (I have almost 0 web development experience)? Is something like this even feasible for someone with limited resources? I am thinking the game would run in browser, but is it also possible to have the site launch the game and have it run separately?

first, i would advise you to forget about silverlight, even microsoft is abandoning this technology why dont you do it using html5 and javascript as apparently this is the future of the web.
second, you said you have done some basic rts projects, can you share something?

have a nice day!

[Black-Rook]

I don't know much about HTML 5, but as DpakoH suggested, check it out.

I searched online and found a browser MMO in HTML 5 + Websockets
https://hacks.mozilla.org/2012/03/browserquest/

Considering what he was able to do, and have players moving around in real time with each other, you should be able to get an RTS going.

[IrkenInvader]

Thanks for all the replies, you guys are awesome. Going to scrap everything and adventure into html 5 and javascript.