Author Topic: Universe Sandbox: from Simulation to Game? (Read 32789 times)

SuperNova · « **on:** November 10, 2009, 09:14:06 AM »

this is what Universe Sandbox needs to be a (choose one from below)

Universe Sandbox to RPG

a spaceship to fly with
a rocket/laser in spaceship
Enemie species
Money/Gold

Universe Sandbox to MMO

1 online universe to edit by all players
Spaceships to travel
all system are connected to eachother, so you can travel to them
List of players
Money/Gold

Universe Sandbox to MMORPG

All things from: MMO and RPG

what do you think that would be the best?

plz Dan, react on this

Chaotic Cow · « **Reply #1 on:** November 10, 2009, 10:23:15 AM »

Neither. I like it how it is.

Isn't there someone on the forums involved in making a Space game on here?

If you want a space MMO... Play

EVE ONLINE

Bla · « **Reply #2 on:** November 10, 2009, 12:16:56 PM »

If you wanted to make it a RPG or MMO, you would need a server, and I don't think Dan can afford to buy and maintain a server alone.
And even if he could, I don't think it fits into the idea of Universe Sandbox - it's made for simulating, not for playing with other players. With lots of players being able to edit the same system, bodies could appear from nowhere or get deleted, and the simulation would become very strange with masses being added and removed. And what about the time step?

I like the idea of a spaceship simulator you could use to fly around with though, but that should be like the flight simulator in Google Earth where you play alone. Also, when getting close to objects, they might not be so amazing at all since their textures probably aren't more than max 2048^2 pixels.

I don't think it's a good idea to change Universe Sandbox into a MMO/RPG, since it wasn't what it was made for originally. If you want a space MMORPG, Infinity: The Quest for Earth is in development and has a galaxy full of 400 billion stars you can interact with when it comes out.

FGFG · « **Reply #3 on:** November 10, 2009, 12:53:01 PM »

I'm with Chaotic Cow and Bla

Quote from: Bla on November 10, 2009, 12:16:56 PM

If you want a space MMORPG, Infinity: The Quest for Earth is in development and has a galaxy full of 400 billion stars you can interact with when it comes out.

Exactly

Naru523 · « **Reply #4 on:** November 10, 2009, 12:58:18 PM »

Same. I just like it how the way it is.

atomic7732 · « **Reply #5 on:** November 10, 2009, 03:24:58 PM »

I like it the same. If you changed it to either, it would loose the create it yourself, and put more, "just play it". If you just take a spaceship and maybe an enemy race into what we have, I'd be happy.

Dan Dixon · « **Reply #6 on:** November 10, 2009, 04:26:20 PM »

It's an interesting idea, but personally making games doesn't interest me as much as making a space simulator that reflects reality.

I do find the idea really interesting. Are there ways that Universe Sandbox could have a multi-player element?

SuperNova · « **Reply #7 on:** November 10, 2009, 11:42:25 PM »

Quote from: Dan Dixon on November 10, 2009, 04:26:20 PM

It's an interesting idea, but personally making games doesn't interest me as much as making a space simulator that reflects reality.

I do find the idea really interesting. Are there ways that Universe Sandbox could have a multi-player element?

yep

System Connecter
Select 2 systems and connect them

Bla · « **Reply #8 on:** November 10, 2009, 11:50:51 PM »

Perhaps something like a in-built browser where you can upload your systems so others can play with them. I think it will be very hard to make two persons use the same system, with the timestep for example. Then there can only be one editing the system, while the other want spectates. Spectator mode?

FGFG · « **Reply #9 on:** November 11, 2009, 06:14:36 AM »

As I already suggested...

- Chat between the users on Universe Sandbox and on the forum (all together) and maybe with language channels.

EDIT: Universe Sandbox chat

Chaotic Cow · « **Reply #10 on:** November 11, 2009, 10:51:07 AM »

Quote from: Bla on November 10, 2009, 11:50:51 PM

Perhaps something like a in-built browser where you can upload your systems so others can play with them. I think it will be very hard to make two persons use the same system, with the timestep for example. Then there can only be one editing the system, while the other want spectates. Spectator mode?

I actually PM'd Dan something like this. Never thought about a Ingame browser though.

That takes a server though.

witold · « **Reply #11 on:** November 11, 2009, 02:22:52 PM »

Quote

this is what Universe Sandbox needs to be a (choose one from below)

Universe Sandbox to RPG

* a spaceship to fly with
* a rocket/laser in spaceship
* Enemie species
* Money/Gold

Universe Sandbox to MMO

* 1 online universe to edit by all players
* Spaceships to travel
* all system are connected to eachother, so you can travel to them
* List of players
* Money/Gold

Universe Sandbox to MMORPG

* All things from: MMO and RPG

what do you think that would be the best?

plz Dan, react on this

atomic7732 · « **Reply #12 on:** November 11, 2009, 05:56:18 PM »

Quote from: Bla on November 10, 2009, 11:50:51 PM

Then there can only be one editing the system, while the other want spectates.

Both people could edit, I don't see why they couldn't. Paired with the chat, you could co-operate to make something.

NEW IDEA!

There could be a mode where you (single player or multi player) have to make a certain type of system or o a certain thing to meet objectives.

E.g. "SLingshot an object around a planet" or "Slingshot an object around a planet, then collide with the sun."

FGFG · « **Reply #13 on:** November 11, 2009, 11:19:25 PM »

Quote from: NeutronStar on November 11, 2009, 05:56:18 PM

I don't see why they couldn't.

You need a processor to calculate the simulation. You should have an incredible internet connection to transfer instantaneously all the data to or more players.

Bla · « **Reply #14 on:** November 11, 2009, 11:48:59 PM »

Quote from: Bla on November 10, 2009, 11:50:51 PM

Perhaps something like a in-built browser where you can upload your systems so others can play with them. I think it will be very hard to make two persons use the same system, with the timestep for example. Then there can only be one editing the system, while the other want spectates. Spectator mode?

Quote from: Chaotic Cow on November 11, 2009, 10:51:07 AM

I actually PM'd Dan something like this. Never thought about a Ingame browser though.

That takes a server though.

Why would he need a server? Isn't a browser just a program that allows someone with an internet connection to show pages on the internet? If a browser was implemented into the program, it would simply show the pages. I don't see why a server is needed for that?

FGFG · « **Reply #15 on:** November 12, 2009, 05:45:52 AM »

Quote from: Bla on November 10, 2009, 11:50:51 PM

Perhaps something like a in-built browser where you can upload your systems so others can play with them. I think it will be very hard to make two persons use the same system, with the timestep for example. Then there can only be one editing the system, while the other want spectates. Spectator mode?

Quote from: Chaotic Cow on November 11, 2009, 10:51:07 AM

I actually PM'd Dan something like this. Never thought about a Ingame browser though.

That takes a server though.

Quote from: Bla on November 11, 2009, 11:48:59 PM

Why would he need a server? Isn't a browser just a program that allows someone with an internet connection to show pages on the internet? If a browser was implemented into the program, it would simply show the pages. I don't see why a server is needed for that?

Where do the data for the systems will be stored? Not on the user's computer as they wouldn't be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you need a server...

you can hire it but it costs money.

Bla · « **Reply #16 on:** November 12, 2009, 10:47:39 AM »

Quote from: Bla on November 10, 2009, 11:50:51 PM

Perhaps something like a in-built browser where you can upload your systems so others can play with them. I think it will be very hard to make two persons use the same system, with the timestep for example. Then there can only be one editing the system, while the other want spectates. Spectator mode?

Quote from: Chaotic Cow on November 11, 2009, 10:51:07 AM

I actually PM'd Dan something like this. Never thought about a Ingame browser though.

That takes a server though.

Quote from: Bla on November 11, 2009, 11:48:59 PM

Why would he need a server? Isn't a browser just a program that allows someone with an internet connection to show pages on the internet? If a browser was implemented into the program, it would simply show the pages. I don't see why a server is needed for that?

Quote from: FGFG on November 12, 2009, 05:45:52 AM

Where do the data for the systems will be stored? Not on the user's computer as they wouldn't be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you need a server...

you can hire it but it costs money.

Then we are talking about the spectating system, and not the browser.

Chaotic Cow · « **Reply #17 on:** November 12, 2009, 11:19:05 AM »

What....I said there would need to be a server to store the systems and possible textures that others upload and others can download.

Of course the files wouldn't be very big so wouldn't need much.

FGFG · « **Reply #18 on:** November 12, 2009, 01:32:02 PM »

Quote from: Bla on November 12, 2009, 10:47:39 AM

Then we are talking about the spectating system, and not the browser.

No, the data still have to be stored somewhere. Maybe not a great server but still a server (similar to the one of this site)

atomic7732 · « **Reply #19 on:** November 12, 2009, 03:25:17 PM »

Why not it take you to a PAGE of the site (same server) and yo clcik on one that opens in US?

Bla · « **Reply #20 on:** November 12, 2009, 11:29:17 PM »

Quote from: Bla on November 12, 2009, 10:47:39 AM

Then we are talking about the spectating system, and not the browser.

Quote from: FGFG on November 12, 2009, 01:32:02 PM

No, the data still have to be stored somewhere. Maybe not a great server but still a server (similar to the one of this site)

What data?

FGFG · « **Reply #21 on:** November 13, 2009, 05:26:38 AM »

data about systems maybe?? -.-

Chaotic Cow · « **Reply #22 on:** November 13, 2009, 08:54:13 AM »

Well I PM'd Dan told him that making a subsite or whatever so people can upload/download Systems and Textures for US.

How he does it or if he does it is up to him.

Bla · « **Reply #23 on:** November 13, 2009, 09:45:14 AM »

Quote from: FGFG on November 13, 2009, 05:26:38 AM

data about systems maybe?? -.-

That's what I'm saying - the data for the systems isn't needed for a browser. It could simply display internet pages, perhaps only the Universe Sandbox sites, from the program itself.

FGFG · « **Reply #24 on:** November 13, 2009, 12:05:00 PM »

...

If you want to use systems created by other users you have to download them from somewhere right?

Chaotic Cow · « **Reply #25 on:** November 13, 2009, 02:03:44 PM »

Yes, FGFG.

Right now the only way is when someone adds it to their post in the forums.

But if we had a central place for people to download from be easier.

ff2 · « **Reply #26 on:** November 13, 2009, 02:18:28 PM »

MMORPG if he could ity would cost alot of money

atommo999 · « **Reply #27 on:** November 16, 2009, 12:20:48 PM »

also you'd need to add more detail on each planet so its a bit like google earth, so the adventurers can land on it and explore

Magnetar · « **Reply #28 on:** November 16, 2009, 01:47:00 PM »

Quote from: atommo999 on November 16, 2009, 12:20:48 PM

also you'd need to add more detail on each planet so its a bit like google earth, so the adventurers can land on it and explore

Lol.

Quote from: SuperNova on November 10, 2009, 09:14:06 AM

this is what Universe Sandbox needs to be a (choose one from below)

Universe Sandbox to RPG
a spaceship to fly with
a rocket/laser in spaceship
Enemie species
Money/Gold

Universe Sandbox to MMO
1 online universe to edit by all players
Spaceships to travel
all system are connected to eachother, so you can travel to them
List of players
Money/Gold

Universe Sandbox to MMORPG
All things from: MMO and RPG

what do you think that would be the best?

I dislike all these ideas.

However I think an idea would be to include a script system into US which allows some small user modifications of the software. In a similiar way how the Garry's Mod for the Source Engine allows users to include custom scripts which change the gameplay and it's functions.

Baleur · « **Reply #29 on:** November 24, 2009, 11:02:17 AM »

Quote from: FGFG on November 10, 2009, 12:53:01 PM

I'm with Chaotic Cow and Bla

Quote from: Bla on November 10, 2009, 12:16:56 PM
If you want a space MMORPG, Infinity: The Quest for Earth is in development and has a galaxy full of 400 billion stars you can interact with when it comes out.

Exactly

Except that that game will never be completed, or released lol.
As much as i admire indie developers, being a 1-man project in terms of programming just isnt gonna cut it for a massive game as that (the most massive game in the history of gaming even). He really needs to swallow his pride and set up a studio, invest money into the project, and hire more people to actually make it a reality rather than a 20-year-long hobby.