Multiplayer - IP-2025/waves-of-the-fallen GitHub Wiki

Multiplayer Overview

In the main menu, players can choose between "Singleplayer" and "Multiplayer"
Selecting Multiplayer gives two options: "Join Game" and "New Session"
- "Join Game": A text field appears where players can enter a session ID. Clicking "Join" connects them to that lobby
- "New Session": A new session is created and the session ID is displayed permanently on the screen
Once 2 to 4 players have joined the game can be started with "Play"
Players in the lobby can change their name. Only ASCII letters and numbers are accepted. The maximum length is 10 characters

If one or more players die, they are revived at the end of the wave (as long as at least one player survives)
If all players die, the game ends, and they return to the lobby menu
A death player is visually indicated (with something like a tombstone) so teammates can recognize it
If one or more players leave the game, it continues as long as at least one player remains. If all players leave, the lobby is closed
Leaving a game returns the player to the main menu
- The difficulty adjusts accordingly for the remaining players

Each player has their own independent inventory and earned XP
Each player gains the same amount of XP per kill of a standard mob
In boss fights (before visiting a shop) all players receive the same amount of XP and gold
Players cannot trade items or currencies (Gold, XP) with each other
All players who reach Endless Mode receive their earned gold as a reward
Players who leave before reaching Endless Mode receive no gold as a reward

If a player is off screen, a small player icon appears at the edge of the screen
If a player is on screen, they are fully displayed
- Their name and health are shown above them
All current players are permanently listed at the edge of the screen, making it clear when a player quits

The shop (weapons and upgrades) is independent for each player
- Each player receives a unique selection of weapons and upgrades

These are initial assumptions and may change depending on the software stack, such as the game engine

A central server hosts the multiplayer game
When starting a lobby or joining an existing one, the players device connects as a client to the server
The server hosts the game, streaming enemy and player positions and other necessary data
The client renders the game based on this data and sends its own updates, such as position changes and player actions back to the server
Latency should be kept low and stable
In case of connection issues, a timeout will automatically send the player back to the main menu
- A corresponding info screen will be displayed
- Rejoining during a round is not possible