PyBotWar

For the Open Source game design class we're going to try and make an online multiplayer version of the classic RoboCode game. We found a python port on google code http://code.google.com/p/pybotwar/ that we hope to put up on open shift. Robo Code is a game where you actually program a robot that fights other robots in an arena. The robots rely solely on the code you right as you cannot control them once the match starts. Our goals for the project are as follows:

Required:

• Refactor the graphics stack to support a javascript client. Adding json communication between the server and client.
• Upgrade existing sprites and graphics assets
• Prevent users from calling dangerous python packages in their robots
• Facebook authentication

Optional:

• Add new arenas beyond the basic square one
• Add additional weapon
• Add different sensors

Pie in the Sky:

• Communication protocol for teams of robots
• Ability to hack opposing robot's using communication protocol
• stack overflow, false commands, etc.
• RPG elements including leveling up and earning new weapons or stats

At the moment we're still focusing on reverse engineering the graphics stack. We'll then implement a function that exposes the current state of the world using json. From there we simply need to write javascript to draw the game state.

Once our core goals are complete, we'll hopefully have time to focus on adding fun things like new weapons and body types. These would add value to the game play without requiring much time. If we get to this stage of development we should be able to produce several new options.