Don't want to see articles from a certain category? When logged in, go to your User Settings and adjust your feed in the Content Preferences section where you can block tags!
We do often include affiliate links to earn us some pennies. See more here.

Script your own AI in the MMO RTS game Screeps

By - | Views: 8,903
YouTube Thumbnail
YouTube videos require cookies, you must accept their cookies to view. View cookie preferences.
Accept Cookies & Show   Direct Link
As far as unique ideas go, Screeps has got my attention. It claims it's an MMO RTS where you the player actually script your units AI. The scripting is done via Javascript, so people who know a fair bit will obviously do a lot better than people who know a small amount.

I sure hope they know what they are doing, this could easily open them up to security issues if they aren't careful. Still, it's a fantastic idea to help people learn programming while playing a game.

It has an odd funding method too, you pay for the game itself which comes with 30 days of "CPU subscription". After that expires, you will be limited to "10 CPU" in the online mode. Even after reading the developer try to explain this CPU limit I am still confused, here's what they said on the Steam forum:
QuoteThe Steam version provides lifetime MMO access with 10 CPU limit, which is enough for running a small colony with a few rooms. If you want to expand more than that, you'd need to buy a subscription. The subscription cost is the same for all players, there is no way to pay more to gain more advantages.


Eventually it will have local servers, so you can play in your own worlds. They are also planning to open source their "world engine", which is pretty sweet.

About the game
It is a MMO RTS sandbox game for programmers, wherein the core mechanic is programming your units AI. With all the attributes of a full-fledged strategy game, you control your colony by writing real JavaScript which operate 24/7 in the single persistent world filled by other players on par with you.

Your colony can harvest resources, build units, conquer territory, trade with another colonies. As you conquer more territory, your influence in the game world grows, as well as your abilities to expand your footprint. However, it requires a lot of effort on your part, since multiple players may aim at the same territory.

Screeps is developed for people with programming skills. Unlike some other RTS games, your units in Screeps can react to events without your participation – provided that you have programmed them properly. And, unlike other MMO, you do not have to play Screeps constantly to play well. It is quite enough just to check once in a while to see if everything goes well.

Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
0 Likes
About the author -
author picture
I am the owner of GamingOnLinux. After discovering Linux back in the days of Mandrake in 2003, I constantly came back to check on the progress of Linux until Ubuntu appeared on the scene and it helped me to really love it. You can reach me easily by emailing GamingOnLinux directly. Find me on Mastodon.
See more from me
The comments on this article are closed.
5 comments

minj Jun 20, 2016
This might be just be the best nerd game ever... or a total crap? This pricing model is weird but my finger is itching
Lefl Jun 20, 2016
From the trailer it looks like a build your own Geth Simulator :D
Crazy Penguin Jun 20, 2016
Quoting: minjThis might be just be the best nerd game ever... or a total crap? This pricing model is weird but my finger is itching

Same here! Would have bought it right away, if it wouldn't have that greedy pricing model.
Qantourisc Jun 21, 2016
Looks interesting, but I have no desire to compete with everyone. (MMO)
Gobo Jun 21, 2016
I really like the idea, but I'm not so sure about being thrown into the melting pot of MMO mayhem right after the tutorial. I'd like to be able to explore the game without much threat first, building a library of functions and strategies. Sure, they have a sandbox on their page, but I'd prefer some kind of staged progression. Like: once you beat certain goals you may advance to more difficult terrain and face off against other players who managed to get that far. Essentially my fear is you will encounter a number of high level players with well established AI routines right off the bat.

Let's wait for the reviews on the planned local hosted worlds.
While you're here, please consider supporting GamingOnLinux on:

Reward Tiers: Patreon. Plain Donations: PayPal.

This ensures all of our main content remains totally free for everyone! Patreon supporters can also remove all adverts and sponsors! Supporting us helps bring good, fresh content. Without your continued support, we simply could not continue!

You can find even more ways to support us on this dedicated page any time. If you already are, thank you!
The comments on this article are closed.