Warhammer 40k Table Top... ONLINE!(planning)

[Darmago]

So In IRC we've discovered that a program like this could be really simple... so We're going to start of with a list of features we want.

The goal being to play Warhammer 40k table top with other players.

What we will need

GUI: should probably have a 2d scrollable map and menu, along with movable and hopefully graphical representations of units and terrain.

Internet Capability: Has to be able to allow several computers to play the same game at the same time. Possibly Hosting via IP, possibly LAN(hamachi)

Dice roller: self explanatory really

Statistics: The rules, in an easy to get to manner. I.E. click on a carnifex, and read the text box to see what its all about.

Disclaimers: Try and placate GW into not shutting this down.

Optional Stuff

Pretty graphics: We honestly don't need anything fancy. but if we can incorporate mediocre to good graphics then it can only make the game better

Rule Checker: make it so that you can't do stuff that is against the rules. I.E. move your imperial guard squadron over impassible terrain.

Discuss

[Giggilyomeromicon]

I don't think the rule checker should be "optional". If nobody else feels like it, I'll start writing down the rules and stuff for it.

Also, disclaimers. When dealing with GW you can never have enough of those.

[Darmago]

The rule checker would add a lot of code that we don't necessarily need.

I mean, you don't have a rule checker in normal tabletop, you can phyiscally move your IG platoon over impassible terrain, but you don't and we can live without it. So basically Its going into optional because if we want to save a lot of time, we can leave it out.

Its not a core value that the game won't work without.

[Ktan]

The only way I could see to sidestep the GW issue is to somehow make it so that you require the codex to use the race (eg, a page reference from the Codex to unlock that race)

Of course, if GW hear about this at all, they'll shut it down, I'm certain. It takes money away from people buying models.

I actually think it's a good idea, it's just your going to have a hell of a time getting a viable disclaimer.

[Aqo]

Good luck, have fun.

I give you three... wait, four weeks, before you give up on this project.

[Giggilyomeromicon]

From GW's intellectual property page(s)

"MODIFICATIONS, TOTAL CONVERSIONS, AND GAMES

We want people to express their enjoyment of our games with as little interference from us as possible, as long as they behave reasonably with our IP and follow any reasonable requests that we may make. We are not inherently opposed to hobbyists creating games or mods using our IP, in fact we are flattered that people want to spend so much time creating games and mods in the GW universes.

If you want to make a game, TC or a mod using our IP you must adhere to the following (in addition to the general principles as outlined above):

* Any game or mod must be a "total conversion." In other words, you must not use our intellectual property (logos, images, names etc.) in relation to the worlds, names, logos, or images of any other company. For example, you cannot place our Space Marines in a Disney total conversion using the Unreal engine, but you could make a TC solely using Space Marines with the Unreal engine. This is, of course, assuming that you have permission to use the Unreal engine.
* Please bear in mind that we may require you to remove the game or mod from any public forum at any time so that we can comply with any licenses that we may have with computer game publishers/developers. Be aware that we may even have to insist that the mod be destroyed. Please take very careful note of this statement, as we would not want you to feel unfairly treated at a later date.
* The game or mod must be strictly non-commercial – this includes any web site that the mod or game is hosted on. You also cannot pay a printing company to publilsh copies of it onto CD. It may also mean that you cannot get sponsorship.
* It must be made clear on any readme files, splash/intro screens and accompanying material that the game or mod is unofficial and the origins of the intellectual property must be made obvious (e.g., your mod might say �Battletoes � a total conversion for XXXX (insert game name) using intellectual property owned by Games Workshop. Used without permission...etc." See the relevant disclaimer on the following page.).
* The game or mod must not devalue any Games Workshop product in any way.
* Any distribution (zipped or otherwise) of the whole, or any part, of the mod or game must be accompanied with the appropriate disclaimers and must also follow these guidelines.
* The functionality, atmosphere, and parameters of any mod or game must be consistent with the relevant IP."

http://uk.games-workshop.com/legal/ moar if you want

So, as far as I can tell we're all set for making this (in the legal department).

[kongurous]

As my first post unbanned in awhile, I have this to say: I've scanned their legal files and the original suspicions were correct: proper disclaimers are all we need. They can't touch us if we simply stay within their guidelines, which shouldn't be hard as they're very well-defined.

[Darmago]

I've found an interesting program that might be able to get us the GUI... the rest(besides the internet connection) should be easy for me, and fall right into place. Its called GTK, and if you have any experience with it let me know.

We're also going to need some "graphic designers" to help out with making the GUI look pretty.

[Darmago]

double posted for bump
I've found an open source program for the table-top version of Battle-Tech, which, with a few changes, could possibly be changed to 40k.

I would hope that someone more experienced in programming than I could take a look at it to see what can be done. It appears to have been programed in Java

here's their main page

http://megamek.sourceforge.net/idx.php?pg=main


Screenie

http://megamek.sourceforge.net/pics/mm-screen-arrows.png

Anyone bored enough can make sprites that fit in a 50 pixel diameter circle

Heres a kinda template http://up.kupatrix.com/f/8/afgab.jpg

[Dayoh]

I know someone who programs in JAVA, Aqotrooper does we can ask him nicely :)

[B.A.Baracus]

I love this idea, dont let it die guys.

[Darmago]

From GW's intellectual property page(s)

"MODIFICATIONS, TOTAL CONVERSIONS, AND GAMES

We want people to express their enjoyment of our games with as little interference from us as possible, as long as they behave reasonably with our IP and follow any reasonable requests that we may make. We are not inherently opposed to hobbyists creating games or mods using our IP, in fact we are flattered that people want to spend so much time creating games and mods in the GW universes.

If you want to make a game, TC or a mod using our IP you must adhere to the following (in addition to the general principles as outlined above):

* Any game or mod must be a "total conversion." In other words, you must not use our intellectual property (logos, images, names etc.) in relation to the worlds, names, logos, or images of any other company. For example, you cannot place our Space Marines in a Disney total conversion using the Unreal engine, but you could make a TC solely using Space Marines with the Unreal engine. This is, of course, assuming that you have permission to use the Unreal engine.
* Please bear in mind that we may require you to remove the game or mod from any public forum at any time so that we can comply with any licenses that we may have with computer game publishers/developers. Be aware that we may even have to insist that the mod be destroyed. Please take very careful note of this statement, as we would not want you to feel unfairly treated at a later date.
* The game or mod must be strictly non-commercial – this includes any web site that the mod or game is hosted on. You also cannot pay a printing company to publilsh copies of it onto CD. It may also mean that you cannot get sponsorship.
* It must be made clear on any readme files, splash/intro screens and accompanying material that the game or mod is unofficial and the origins of the intellectual property must be made obvious (e.g., your mod might say �Battletoes � a total conversion for XXXX (insert game name) using intellectual property owned by Games Workshop. Used without permission...etc." See the relevant disclaimer on the following page.).
* The game or mod must not devalue any Games Workshop product in any way.
* Any distribution (zipped or otherwise) of the whole, or any part, of the mod or game must be accompanied with the appropriate disclaimers and must also follow these guidelines.
* The functionality, atmosphere, and parameters of any mod or game must be consistent with the relevant IP."

http://uk.games-workshop.com/legal/ moar if you want

So, as far as I can tell we're all set for making this (in the legal department).

We're screwed.