I tried to create a multiplayer tank battle game. It’s based on LibGDX using the HTML5-backend to compile to JavaScript. I am aware the showcase says ‘no javascipt’ but this is Java-related. I can provide an executable JAR or so as well if it is really needed (proof)? The server is implemented in Java using Jetty.
In any case, I should warn you that this is more of a prototype/alpha. To try it out just point your browser to the web page below. It takes about 1-2 minutes to load (it looks like it’s not doing anything at the beginning; just wait). You will be connected to the server automatically, there is no login or anything. Make sure your browser supports WebGL (Chrome, Firefox, Safari with WebGL enabled, most likely Opera and possibly IE 11+).
What the game concerns; you currently can move your tank around and shoot other players. Right now, there is only 1 room setup allowing for a 32 vs. 32. Not sure if 64 players per room is feasible networking-wise but we’ll see. There is chat too.
Request for Feedback
With this post I am actually hoping to get some feedback. Not sure how much interest there is in such a game?
- Would you be interested in the continued development of the game assuming all the quirks/problems will be fixed?
- What type of game play would you prefer (e.g. Capture the Flag, etc.)?
- It’s a tank game but it could as well have foot soldiers, zoombies etc. Preferences?
- What ping do you get (how many players were in the room at that time)? What FPS?
- Assuming the game has loaded and you are playing for 1+ minute, does everything appear smooth?
- Would you play it again? Why would you play it again?
- Other comments?
Current Shortcomings
This is a prototype so the following things aren’t quite up-to-par (I can probably fix most but it’s going to take time).
- The tank only has 8 directions: I wanted more but unfortunately that was the only suitable graphic I had. Also, the turret for the tank doesn’t rotate separately what I think would be cool to have. If there is enough interest, I’ll get an artist to help.
- There is only 1 “boring” map to play on. Also, there is no real goal besides shooting all other players (better if they are not in your team :-).
- The game tends to “hang” for the first 20-30 seconds when you play. It especially hangs when it tries to load the sound effects. Also, the sound effects don’t play as nicely in the browser compared to when I run the game as a standalone app on my computer. In any case, after everything is loaded it seems to run smooth (at least for me).
- The game works best in Chrome/Firefox. I haven’t tested in Opera. It doesn’t work on IE 10 but it might work in IE 11. It works on Safari (Mac) if you enable WebGL but it hangs a couple times at the beginning until all the sounds are loaded (after is fine). Might work in other browsers with WebGL/WebSocket support.
- Firefox tends to hang when the game is loading. Just tell it to wait. JavaScript is single threaded so some stuff block not only JavaScript but appearantly the whole browser.
- Fullscreen tends to work fine on Chrome/Firefox but doesn’t quite work as expected in other browsers.
- Game credits are missing.
- Let’s hope the server doesn’t die due to bugs. I have tested it but… (I’ll monitor it)
Game: Play in Browser
Screen:
Ohh, and yes LibGDX rules!!!
