Shadow Realms on Facebook

[Jumpkick]

I am trying out the Facebook API and wondering if it would be a good place for a MUD to live. I've started work using the same backend i've been working on and a silverlight component for connectivity through Facebook. If you have some free time please hit up the URL below and let me know what your initial thoughts are ( on using Facebook, not so much the game mechanics ).

http://apps.facebook.com/shadowrealmsonline/

[The Ponzzz]

Pretty cool. I was Dhask there. Look forward to updates.

[phantasm]

You are on the right track.
Persistent browser based games are a growing market right now.

[Paradii]

It doesn't seem to be working for me. Most likely I am doing something wrong.

[Jumpkick]

It doesn't seem to be working for me. Most likely I am doing something wrong.

Not you ... i had taken the server offline to work on creatures and AI support. The game should be back up should you want to test out the client and thrash about.

[Paradii]

is it just me or are there only 5 rooms and there is nothing unusual about any of them?

[Jumpkick]

is it just me or are there only 5 rooms and there is nothing unusual about any of them?

Haha, yeah it's not just you. Content is a bit small right now in the city available to players. More rooms will be created once I flesh out a proper map. I'm not much for creating room descriptions so most likely for now there won't be anything unusual about the rooms. I'll be making shops and guilds in the next couple days as well as starter hunting areas to test combat and the likes. Appreciate the appearance in the game and continued testing of the client/server.

[Sean of the Thread]

There are some people here in the community that could help you with the descriptions. They get off on it or something and are actually pretty good.

[Mabus]

Very nice.

Any chance of making the app open source, and allowing other MUDs to use it with modifications?

I know of a couple games that are using a Flash Client to build Facebook apps (like Bleached InuYasha Galaxy (http://apps.facebook.com/biyg_game/), which uses FMud Flash Client (http://bc-dev.net/projects/fmud/))

Good job. Keep up the work.

[Jumpkick]

Any chance of making the app open source, and allowing other MUDs to use it with modifications?

I don't see why not. The client right now is created pretty specific for the game I am developing in my free time, but I could cut out some of the items that make it unique to mine and open it up.

[Jumpkick]

I am going to be making some changes so the application will be offline until probably 5pm PST.

[BigWorm]

Warning to anyone not running Windows: this app requires Microsoft Silverlight.

[Jumpkick]

Warning to anyone not running Windows: this app requires Microsoft Silverlight.

Silverlight is available for Mac and Windows. Novell is working on the installation experience for Linux.

[Drew]

Uck, no thanks, won't use an App that requires Silverlight.

[Jumpkick]

Uck, no thanks, won't use an App that requires Silverlight.

Any particular reason why not? Or just not a fan of Microsoft technologies?

[Mabus]

I don't see why not. The client right now is created pretty specific for the game I am developing in my free time, but I could cut out some of the items that make it unique to mine and open it up.
I look forward to looking it over.

You rock.

[Drew]

Any particular reason why not? Or just not a fan of Microsoft technologies?

The genie is already out of the bottle with Flash (closed source, closed standards, proprietary), I don't want to be part of empowering the same problems on the web except with Microsoft now controlling it.

[Jumpkick]

The genie is already out of the bottle with Flash (closed source, closed standards, proprietary), I don't want to be part of empowering the same problems on the web except with Microsoft now controlling it.

No worries Drew, just like to hear peoples reason for disliking Silverlight. I work at Microsoft and trying to figure out the barriers people have against the technology is something we need to do if we ever hope to get ahead.

On a lighter note, aside from Facebook API being slow as hell and constantly returning 404 and 500 the new design is coming along nicely. I hope to have something up later this evening if for nothing else than to allow people to critique the approach and let me know if it will work for them.

[Jumpkick]

Alright, please let me know what you think of the new paradigm. The idea would be to use the in-facebook application as a launching point with news, help, etc. and the game client would open in a resizable window. For some reason Facebook has decided to sometimes launch the application in a seperate window outside of Facebook but I think that is a problem on their part as the API doesn't allow you to do such a thing on your own.

[phantasm]

You are my hero.

You seem to just code up new projects, randomly, overnight, and they are great.

What else do you got going on.

[radamanthys]

Silverlight doesn't work with Chrome.

Hulk smash.

[Jumpkick]

Silverlight doesn't work with Chrome.

Hopefully that isn't permanent but who knows.

[radamanthys]

Hopefully that isn't permanent but who knows.

Ballmer wants to "Fucking kill Google." I doubt adding functionality to chrome is on the high-priority list.

[Jumpkick]

What Ballmer wants and what individual groups prioritize for their own product adoption are sometimes VERY different. Either way, I hope the product roadmap for Silverlight includes supporting as many browsers as possible.

[Ashliana]

I haven't seen anything that (transparently) uses Silverlight except Netflix streaming, which I like (but usually use on my 360, not PC).

Edit: Also, I don't see Shadow Realms when searching on Facebook and the link in the first post of this thread is broken.

[Sean of the Thread]

He might have the server down working on it.

[Jumpkick]

Edit: Also, I don't see Shadow Realms when searching on Facebook and the link in the first post of this thread is broken.

I've taken the application offline to work on it. I'll post here when I bring it back up with more of the UI that I am thinking for the client.

[BigWorm]

The genie is already out of the bottle with Flash (closed source, closed standards, proprietary), I don't want to be part of empowering the same problems on the web except with Microsoft now controlling it.

Agree big time. Web design that requires a specific OS is totally doing it wrong.

[phantasm]

I hate to interrupt your utopian dreams, but right now, the web is better than ever before and its because of flash/silver light.

[Jumpkick]

I think it really boils down to what programming model you like. ActionScript 3 is moving in the right direction with their OO model but C# is much more elegant and the fact that I can learn the same language to write on Windows, XBOX, Web, Mobile Phone, and a few other platforms really makes Silverlight very desirable.

[Jumpkick]

I am finalizing the Select/Create character screens ( still not fully styled or anything ) so people can start connecting and seeing if it is something that will work for them. I'll update again once I update the facebook application.

[BigWorm]

I think it really boils down to what programming model you like. ActionScript 3 is moving in the right direction with their OO model but C# is much more elegant and the fact that I can learn the same language to write on Windows, XBOX, Web, Mobile Phone, and a few other platforms really makes Silverlight very desirable.

So basically vendor lock in?

[BigWorm]

I hate to interrupt your utopian dreams, but right now, the web is better than ever before and its because of flash/silver light.

Do you work for Microsoft as well or do you just really like Kool-Aid? Can you give me an example of the "the web being better than ever before" because of Silverlight other than Netflix streaming? Serious question.

[Jumpkick]

So basically vendor lock in?

C# is a standardized language. Microsoft doesn't "own" it, they just tend to make more applications, tools, etc. using it and enhancing it.

[Jumpkick]

Completed character creation and I will be putting the game back online tonight. The characters have been removed from the database so you will have to create one again but if you're interested, please try and make a character and wander around the few rooms I have created.

Also, if anyone is interested in generating content I could use a town layout, naming for basic items, spell concepts, etc. I think you should be able to use the Discussion board on Facebook to post ideas.

[Methais]

If Simu was smart they'd get GS in with Facebook.

[Jumpkick]

I've added 100 rats to wander around with players in the 6 or whatever rooms there are. I would like to know if anyone is experiencing undesired lag or anything with the facebook client.

[Jumpkick]

Facebook is apparently having trouble with their application platform structure. The game will be offline until they can figure their shit out.

[Loagan]

The game looks good. I am really looking forward to playing it once it is fully up and running.

[Jumpkick]

Well it ends up that my application for Shadow Realms apparently got corrupted and fell apart. You can remove it from your applications if you like. I am creating a new application at the following url:

http://apps.facebook.com/shadow-realms

[Jumpkick]

I am working on re-implementing the parsing system to allow for more complex messaging like 'get the green longsword from the second backpack'

[phantasm]

I love creating software as much as you.

Recently I have been too overwhelmed with my video game addictions to actually write any code.

Tonight, that changes.

I want to be like you Jumpkick.

[Jumpkick]

I want to be like you Jumpkick.

I am pretty sure that's a terrible idea. Either way, I wish you luck in your coding endeavors. It is certainly something I find enjoyable.

[Jumpkick]

I feel like it is certainly getting there. Hopefully this is the type of syntax everyone is going to be okay using.

>l in my bac
Inside your leather backpack you see an iron longsword and an engraved iron longsword.

>tap long inside my bac
You tap an iron longsword inside your leather backpack.

>tap other long inside my bac
You tap an engraved iron longsword inside your leather backpack.
>

[LeDru]

This looks pretty cool so far. Can't wait till i actually get a weapon.

[Jace Solo]

Didn't work for me...page not found.

[Loagan]

weapon = want for pvp

pvp = mmmmm...

[Jumpkick]

Didn't work for me...page not found.

Sorry about that Ruty. I've been bringing the game up and down making changes. Right now I don't have a permanent server hosting solution, but am looking into it. For the most part, the game is up after 5PM PST.

[Loagan]

Sorry about that Ruty. I've been bringing the game up and down making changes. Right now I don't have a permanent server hosting solution, but am looking into it. For the most part, the game is up after 5PM PST.

I applaud your dedication in giving us another healthy addiction... Even if this is just a way for you to fulfill your own love affair with coding.


Jump, you get the ( :beer: ) smiley!

[Jumpkick]

How many people would be intersted in playing Shadow Realms on their XBOX 360? And yes, you can connect a usb keyboard to your xbox.

[Paradii]

How many people would be intersted in playing Shadow Realms on their XBOX 360? And yes, you can connect a usb keyboard to your xbox.


How many points would it cost?

[Jumpkick]

It would have been 0. However, I spoke with the people from XNA ( the development platform for Indie developers ) and there is currently no way to connect to any network service other that LIVE. So unless people want to play a game with a maximum of 32 players, we'll have to wait for the XBOX version of the client.

[Jumpkick]

Newly created characters are now given 1000 gold coins. There are two shops in town, one of which has a few types of weapons. Please feel free to get one or two of them and whack on the deer north of town.

[Paradii]

How do you equip a weapon?

[Durgrimst]

I just tried finding this and it doesn't seem to be pulling anything up, mind sending me the link?

[Durgrimst]

Nevermind, I am using the new link....

Got it now.

[Durgrimst]

Ok, I have figured out how to get a weapon and all that, and killed a couple deer, but I can't figure out how to loot them to get EXP. Anyone know?

[Jumpkick]

How do you equip a weapon?

Holding a weapon in your hand should qualify for using it in combat.


Ok, I have figured out how to get a weapon and all that, and killed a couple deer, but I can't figure out how to loot them to get EXP. Anyone know?

Currently there is no loot and/or experience. I'll be working on that soon.

[phantasm]

Do you talk to Bill Gates on a daily basis Jumpkick, at least before he retired.

[Jumpkick]

Do you talk to Bill Gates on a daily basis Jumpkick, at least before he retired.

Haha, no unfortunately not. I started working there after he had stepped down. However, I do see Major Nelson all the time if you know who he is.

[Jumpkick]

Alright, I've gone ahead and put in experience gain from killing deer. You should get 100 experience if you kill a same level creature all by yourself.

For killing a creature with a different level you will receive the following experience if you do 100% of the damage.

< 5 = 0 xp
-5 = 50 xp
-4 = 60 xp
-3 = 70 xp
-2 = 80 xp
-1 = 90 xp
+1 = 110 xp
+2 = 120 xp
+3 = 130 xp
+4 = 140 xp
+5 = 150 xp
>5 = 0 xp

For every creature that you help in killing should yield a percentage of your target xp based on the amount of damage you contributed to it's demise. If the creature heals itself you will have to do more damage to retain the same percentage prior to the healing. Hope that all makes sense.

[Jumpkick]

Oh also, experience is similar to Gemstone where you gain experience in a sort of intermediate state ( your mind ) and have to process that before it gets to become real experience. Currently you have a 10% outside of a node to translate that experience, in a node you have a 20% chance. I think it will probably change in the near future to give people a higher % change in a node and a lower % chance outside a node.

[Paradii]

Holding a weapon in your hand should qualify for using it in combat.



Currently there is no loot and/or experience. I'll be working on that soon.


The two handed sword might be bugged. Had it in my hand and it wouldnt let me attack.

[Jumpkick]

The two handed sword might be bugged. Had it in my hand and it wouldnt let me attack.

I double checked and as long as you have the weapon in your hand and have the skill to use it, it should attack for you. Granted if you have two weapons in your hands and don't know the dual wield skill it should allow you to use the second weapon. ( right hand first ).

If you get a chance to try again let me know.

[Paradii]

I tried, but the game failed to retrieve my character and won't allow me to create a new one.

[Jumpkick]

AHh right, i am in the middle of upgrading some stuff. Give me a little bit to bring it back up. Working on getting some basic magic in there.

[Jumpkick]

This project has been cancelled in order to try something a little more interesting. It will still be in the text-based gaming segement, but a little different.

[Makkah]

Lose the facebook bullshit.

[Jumpkick]

Yeah, I most likely will just stick with a Silverlight client from a website. I'd like to make an installable client but I don't think most people would want to go through the hassle of installing something to play.