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Instead of multiplayer...


Overlord
(@overlord)
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Joined: 12 years ago
Posts: 138
Topic starter  

I accepted long ago that multiplayer isn't possible in Pioneer. I have also thought for a long time that it would be nice to have some picture/backdrop while in a station to give more of a real feel. For example you could have a large starport scene, with a foreground seating area with people sat, or something like that. Could have some background noise like an airport.

 

Then I thought what if it worked like a lobby? So if you docked on Earth, any players docked on Earth would be sat in the lobby too. They could even be seen sat in a seat on the screen having a drink. You could have a chat box to say hello, maybe trade goods or talk about where you've been/going.

 

Now I know the obvious problem is that with all those places to go the chances of actually docking somewhere where someone else is, is remote to say the least. But it might be nice for new players who are always going to start in the same systems to have a high chance of seeing someone else and getting some help. It would also add too the immersive feel of the game when you venture away from a populated place and head off into deep space. Maybe to increase the chances of meeting someone could be increased by using each system as the location.

 

Obviously its only a chat room, once you're flying there wont be anyone else flying around even if they departed the same time as you. Of course there would be people who think its silly to have someone take off in their ship and then not be anywhere. Just thought it might be the next best thing to mp.

 

I'd be interested to know what sort of resources it would take for something like this, seeing as all it needs is to know when a player is docked and where and to open a channel to anyone in the same place.


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 Anonymous
Joined: 54 years ago
Posts: 0
 

It could be a nice idea... Maybe using an open protocol, like xmpp.


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robn
 robn
(@robn)
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Joined: 13 years ago
Posts: 1035
 

Then I thought what if it worked like a lobby? So if you docked on Earth, any players docked on Earth would be sat in the lobby too. They could even be seen sat in a seat on the screen having a drink. You could have a chat box to say hello, maybe trade goods or talk about where you've been/going.

I like the idea.

 

Fyi, we have some <a href="""ideas for network features already, and I have a scriptable HTTP/JSON client on a branch already. I'm expecting to have it available in alpha 30 - I'm still finishing off a sample server.

 

That's client support, but its going to take someone setting up and running a server to provide the features for the game to hook in to. None of the current developers have the time or inclination at the moment (to my knowledge), but if there's a web developer or two here that fancies building some sort of community site with integration hooks for the game, then there's an opportunity for fame and glory 🙂


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Overlord
(@overlord)
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Joined: 12 years ago
Posts: 138
Topic starter  

Hey thats great! Just the sort of thing I was thinking. I'll look forward to it.


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Potsmoke66
(@potsmoke66)
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Joined: 7 years ago
Posts: 1815
 

now hmm, as if...

 

anyway yeah, that's a really good idea, meet in a lobby, pilots lounge or casino, "last waterhole" whatever.

i guess once players know some attractive places they will return from time to time.

 

yep, and the "blue screen" could finally be replaced, s2odan started such once with a texture for it, nothing special just a used looking panel of some sort.

i liked it and i can imagine easy various backgrounds and different scenes for a "pilots lounge", up to 3D? why not.

 

ah, we have this other thread, i will read it first and prob. post some of my old ideas.


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