INTRODUCTION

Network game design: Single board games can be played with computer. In this type of games, it will be monotonous to play the game. There is another kind of games where games can be played similar to the games you play along with other player. This can be achieved using network games. When two players are connected over network Using (TCP/IP) and IP address and port number are accessible then a user interface can be provided to facilitate both players to play the game. To design the network game, following points needs to be considered

• Identify the game to be developed. For example Chess, backgammon, checkers etc..
• Identify the number of players allowed in the network game. Chess, backgammon, checkers allow two player games
• Identify the rules for the games. The game can be extended to check the rules before placing the move
• Design GUI - Required menu items, board design, layout etc.. See NetChess for how the GUI was designed.
• Design communication protocol between two applications i.e. between server and client. This is the language between the two applications. Any standard protocol is available, then it can be used. Or a proprietary protocol can be designed.
• A facility can be provided to allow observers to view the game
• A facility to extend the GUI to connect the internet game servers. For example Chess game can be played with other players using Chess server

Server: A server application will run with port numbers. This will be decided by the user who runs the application as server.

Client: A client application need to get the IP address and port number from the user who runs the server application. The client should connect to the server application using the IP address and port number. Server can accept or reject the connection.

Observers: An observer application also need to get the server IP address and port number. It should connect to the server application. Observer application should not do any modifications in the application except providing the chat feature.

Chat feature: Chat feature is one of the important feature which makes the game live. This can be provided to exchange the comments. This can be extended to chat with observers as well

GUI: This is one of the important component in the network game design. This should be design with easy to use, good look and feel

Communication protocol: Communication protocol is the language between the client and server. The communication should happen in both sides. Example can be when sending the move information, then send the "move Nf3". In the above syntax <Length> <command><data>. Length is the number bytes which sent in the packet. Command needs to be designed in such a way that both server and client understands. Here command is "move". Data is the actual data which needs to be sent.

This is a basic design approach. Move features can be added based on the required/need.