Multiplayer Games

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Looking Forward

There are many opportunities left to explore multiplayer computer games.

Being Alone Together

In many games (incl. MMO games) players are alone as individuals or small groups within a much larger world.

  • "Instances" force almost the same missions one after the other.
  • There is a sense of not truly experiencing the same world.
  • But, the social landscape is real and massive.
  • "Instances" addressed having thousands of simultaneous players in the same area.

"Alone together" led to question whether there isn't something more to be had from MMO design.

Multiplayer, Multiplatform

Multiplatform is quite different from multiplayer.

  • Adapt display, options, etc. to device.
  • Unlike multiplayer, not yet well adopted.
  • Content is visual and high priced.
  • Not easy to adapt.

Why not a game playable in a mobile phone, a desktop, and a console?

Multiplayer, Multipurpose

Most (massive) multiplayer games are for entertainment.

  • Also for training and education.

Consider the possibilities for virtual worlds used to their fullest extent.

Social Networking

Social networks feature game communities.

  • The small scale of people's networks keep those communities from "massive".

Eventually, evolve to draw upon it for extensive socialization, recruitment, and play.

Types of Multiplayer Games

Multiplayer digital games evolved and diversified since the 1990s.

Quantity-Based Distinctions

Number of supported players.

  • Massive: thousands plus.
  • Different design approaches.
  • No social interaction in two-player games.
  • Four plus players possible trading and negotiating.
  • Players grouped in teams: team dynamics.
  • How to make the player feel like he makes a difference?

Besides technical issues, the number of players entail different design questions.

Play-Based Distinctions

Usually multiplayer games mix types of play.

  • Four common types of multiplayer play:

  • Real time: allow players to move simultaneously.

  • Turn based: force players to take turns when playing.

  • Competitive, PvP: player (or group) against player to achieve a goal.

  • Cooperative, PvE: play together to solve a problem.

Most MMO games mix and let choose PvP and PvE.

Time-Based Distinctions

Real-time and Turn-based.

  • Real-time synchronous: play together.
  • Real-time asynchronous: allow play at any time, either together or alone.
  • Some games mix real-time and turn-based.
  • E.g. Real-time exploration and Turn-based combat.
  • Turn-based allow players to consider their moves.
  • Timers can limit turns or the game can be ``Show up when you want''.

Technology-Based Distinctions

Multiplayer games have many names.

  • MUD Multi-user Dungeon, text-based worlds.
  • MMO Massive Multiplayer Online.
  • LAN Local Area Network.
  • BBS Bulletin Board Game, hosted client-side.
  • IP Bound to services like Steam, Valve, Switch.

Issues in Multiplayer Game Design

Multiplayer game design present unique issues.

Dynamic Scalability

The game should remain playable as players come and go.

  • Consider a MUD:

    • It starts with only a couple of players.
    • Then players show up by the tens and then by the hundreds.
    • The world needs to react to the number of players.
    • E.g. spawn creatures with the number of people in a zone.

  • Other kind of games have a different questions.

    • If the connection drops, should an AI bot takeover?
    • Can a new player join a game in progress?
    • Is there a limit to the number of players in a match?
    • Should player's rank each other reputation?

Griefing

Attacking or negatively affecting other players for enjoyment.

  • It is rarely enjoyable for the targets of the griefer.
  • To combat griefing:
    • PvP servers.
    • Reporting and Recording.
    • Block Communications and Contact.

Attract the Old or the New?

Several kinds of players must be considered with online games.

  • Players who never played an MMO: Everything is new.
  • Players familiar with MMO but new to this game: Tend to move in groups of friends.
  • Players familiar with the game.
  • Some mechanics make the game friendly to new players but less compelling for experienced ones.