the webgame interface should be clean, uncluttered and yet still offer significant functionality and art.
the interface should probably be initially implemented in php with some limited client side java
it will be only used for pushing user data from forms into the db and for retrieving data for display, no processing will be done on this level, except for minor mathematical calculations
eventually it can be migrated to another product (I know igor will yell at me for even thinking of php at this point -EJ)
the backend will probably be python powered and use postgre sql
data transfer between the interface and python backend will take place only through db queries, this should eliminate any syntactical errors and ensure that the data is handled properly both forwards and backwards.
the model should be fully data driven and data independant with db information providing all settings and configuration files providing easy access to modifiable functions. The intent is to redistribute the code freely forother universe games
the webgame willbe designed for star wars in so far as it will support features needed for the universe, but allow expansion for different mechanics.
Interface
a player will log in and be presented with the following(eventually will be able to select what to view, intial versions will be fixed)
Events: what has happened of note in the Galaxy (this can be filterable and is essentially the news) Orders Queue: a listing of completed and pending orders and their completion and initation dates (this is detailed in the Actions Log) This also shows the remaining number of Orders that can be issued in the current Time Period
Communications: an integrated messaging system dependant on game variables.
Economic indicators: states the economic production of the players empire and other financial and Resource Information
Assets: a filterable list of all Assets the player has, People, Navies, Armies, Stations, Facilities are listed by Sector, System and Planet
Tools: a list of planning tools like economic advisors and fleet advisors, Security Advisors and Intelligence gathering, finally a Encyclopedia of all things in the game (dependant on intelligence)
a Galactic Map that shows the players teritory in relation to the rest of the Galaxy
Play order
- The player logs in and reviews thier Orders Queue to see what has been completed, what is pending and how many orders they are able to give in the given Time Unit
- The player reviews Events in the galaxy and Communications with other players
- The player reviews their Resources to determine what they have available
- The player reviews thier Assets to determine the status of units and facilities
- The player determines a course of action and enters the Galactic Map to implement thier plans
- Players are presented with System and Planet level overviews as they browse the Galaxy map and they review detailed information on each Asset they are viewing
- The player selects an Asset to give an order to it
- The player issues Orders on an Asset level basis and assigns Actions, this can include, Reconisance, Diplomacy, Policy, Production, Asset Movement or Military Direction and the timing of each order is set
- The player continues to give orders until they are finished or their Orders queue is full
- The player reviews thier pending orders and submits them, then logs out
