Research on MUD Chat Systems - wwestlake/Labyrinth GitHub Wiki

Research on MUD Chat Systems

1. Introduction to MUD Chat Systems

Multi-User Dungeons (MUDs) are online multiplayer real-time virtual worlds, usually text-based, where players can interact, explore, and engage in various activities. Chat systems in MUDs are crucial because they facilitate player interaction, role-playing, and in-game communication. The chat system typically serves as the primary means for players to communicate with each other, exchange information, form alliances, and immerse themselves in the game world.

2. Common Features in MUD Chat Systems

Based on historical and contemporary MUDs, users generally expect the following features in a chat system:

  • Global Channels:

    • General Chat: A channel where all players can communicate regardless of their location in the game world. This is often used for casual conversation.
    • OOC (Out of Character) Chat: A separate channel for discussions not related to in-game events, allowing players to talk about real-life topics or game mechanics without disrupting the immersive experience.
    • Announcement Channels: Reserved for system messages, server announcements, and important game events. These channels are often read-only for players.

  • Local Channels:

    • Room/Area Chat: Communication limited to players within the same room or area, often used for role-playing and localized interactions.
    • Whisper/Private Messages: One-on-one communication between players, allowing them to discuss strategies or have private conversations.
    • Guild/Clan/Group Chat: Channels restricted to members of specific player groups, such as guilds or parties, to facilitate team coordination and group-specific discussions.

  • Moderation Features:

    • Mute/Ban: Moderators and administrators can mute or ban players from specific channels for disruptive behavior.
    • Spam Filters: Automated systems that prevent players from spamming the chat with repeated messages or inappropriate content.

  • Customization:

    • Text Formatting: Players can use basic text formatting, such as bold, italics, and colors, to enhance communication.
    • Emotes: Players can use pre-defined or custom emotes to express emotions or actions in the chat.
    • Channel Filters: Options for players to customize which channels they want to see or participate in, helping them manage information overload.

  • Notifications and Logging:

    • Message Notifications: Players receive notifications for new messages, particularly in private chats or when mentioned in a group chat.
    • Chat Logging: The ability to log chat history, either locally on the player’s machine or server-side, for reference or role-playing documentation.

3. User Stories

Based on the research, here are some user stories that outline what players might expect from the chat system in a MUD:

  • User Story 1: As a player, I want to communicate with other players in a global chat channel, so I can discuss the game and make friends with people outside my immediate vicinity.

  • User Story 2: As a role-player, I want to engage in room-specific chat, so I can interact with other characters in the same area without disrupting global conversations.

  • User Story 3: As a guild member, I want to use a dedicated guild chat channel, so I can coordinate strategies and share information with my guildmates without involving non-guild members.

  • User Story 4: As a player, I want to send private messages to specific players, so I can discuss strategies or personal matters confidentially.

  • User Story 5: As a moderator, I want to mute or ban players who are disruptive, so I can maintain a positive and immersive experience for everyone.

  • User Story 6: As a player, I want to customize which channels I see, so I can focus on the conversations that matter to me.

  • User Story 7: As a player, I want to be notified when I receive a private message or when someone mentions me, so I don’t miss important communications.

  • User Story 8: As a player, I want the ability to format my text and use emotes, so I can express myself more effectively in the chat.

  • User Story 9: As a player, I want the chat to be logged, so I can reference previous conversations or keep a record of important in-game events.

4. Technical Specification

Based on the user stories and research, here’s a technical specification for the chat component:

  • Chat Channels:

    • Implement global, local (room/area), and private channels.
    • Support for guild/clan/group-specific channels.
    • Server-side enforcement of channel permissions (e.g., only guild members can access guild chat).
    • Ability to switch between channels using a simple command or UI element.

  • Message Handling:

    • Implement message broadcasting to all users in a channel.
    • Support for private message handling between two users.
    • Implement notifications for new messages, particularly for private chats or mentions.

  • Text Formatting and Emotes:

    • Support basic text formatting (bold, italics, color).
    • Implement a set of predefined emotes, with possible support for custom emotes.
    • Allow users to send actions or descriptive text (e.g., “/me smiles” to display “User smiles”).

  • Moderation Tools:

    • Implement server-side moderation commands for muting, banning, and kicking users from channels.
    • Include spam detection and prevention mechanisms.

  • Customization and Settings:

    • Allow users to filter which channels they want to view or participate in.
    • Provide options for customizing chat appearance (e.g., font size, color themes).

  • Logging and Persistence:

    • Implement chat logging, either on the client-side or server-side.
    • Ensure chat logs are easily accessible and searchable for players who want to review past conversations.

  • Performance and Scalability:

    • Ensure that the chat system can handle a large number of concurrent users without significant lag.
    • Optimize message delivery to minimize delays in communication.

  • Security:

    • Implement encryption for private messages to ensure confidentiality.
    • Validate and sanitize all user inputs to prevent injection attacks or other forms of abuse.

Conclusion

This document outlines the expectations and requirements for a chat system in a MUD. By adhering to these specifications, we can ensure that the chat component meets the needs of players and enhances their overall gaming experience.