Would it be simpler/efficient to build a working single player version of a game and then expand it to feature network play if that was your goal all along?
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Novice Question regarding Online Games
Started by tatousolitaire, Nov 19 2012 04:57 PM
3 replies to this topic
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#3 Moderators - Reputation: 8517
Posted 19 November 2012 - 05:17 PM
Single player is multiplayer where n=1.Would it be simpler/efficient to build a working single player version of a game and then expand it to feature network play if that was your goal all along?
Build it with an understanding that n >= 1.
#4 Members - Reputation: 383
Posted 20 November 2012 - 07:53 AM
If you already know that your game will be multiplayer, it is much simpler (and better) to design it multiplayer in the first place.
You have to organize your entities and relations in a way that makes sense in the multiplayer universe. Otherwise you will end up doing a lot of reengineering at the end, which is much more unpleasant.
Now, if you game features 2 modes -- a single player and multiplayer that are very different and independent -- you can start with a prototype of the single player mode just to test your concept.
Still, keep in mind what we learn in Software Engineering about prototypes: once the prototype is "finished" and tested, throw it away and start writing the game itself from ground zero.
You have to organize your entities and relations in a way that makes sense in the multiplayer universe. Otherwise you will end up doing a lot of reengineering at the end, which is much more unpleasant.
Now, if you game features 2 modes -- a single player and multiplayer that are very different and independent -- you can start with a prototype of the single player mode just to test your concept.
Still, keep in mind what we learn in Software Engineering about prototypes: once the prototype is "finished" and tested, throw it away and start writing the game itself from ground zero.
Programming is an art. Game programming is a masterpiece!
