1 Getting Started

1
1 Getting Started
SW Development CourseMultiplayer Multimedia Apps
on the Web

• Possible Applications
• What is DimensioneX
• Understand dev environment
• How to install
• Creating a basic multiplayer

2
What do we want to make?

• Possible Applications
• GDR Multiplayer, Adventure Multiplayer, MMORPG
• Turn-based games
• Innovative multimedia apps
• Turism
• e-Commerce
• e-Learning

3
What is DimensioneX

• Its a game engine it makes your software run by
  doing the basic things, but
• parts are missing (graphics, messages and
  multimedia elements), also your desired
  interactions

4
DimX Server Architecture
DXWWorld
DXWWorld
DimensioneX(servlet multiplayer)
Web server (Tomcat)
Java
Windows / Linux
5
A few Features

• Simple to use (no downloads nor installs)
• Web based
• Sounds/Music
• Scripting VisualBasic-like language
• Free hosting 24/7 (www.gamesclan.it)
• Instant visibility (13,000 visits/week) for your
  own little project

6
Practice 1.1

• A test tour
• Connect to a
• www.dimensionex.net
• English
• Online Games
• Underworld

7
Working Tools

• DimensioneX Server (JavaTomcatDimX)
• Text editor (Textpad)
• Developers Reference (PDF)
• Optional
• Image management (ACDSee)
• Image editor (Paint Shop ProAnim Pro)

8
How to install

• Download from www.dimensionex.net
• Follow instructions
• Readme.PDF
• Installation Manual (online, WIKI)

9
Development environment
10
Start the server

• Click Programs/Apache Tomcat/Monitor Tomcat
• Run the service
• Navigate to
• http//localhost8080/dimx/ (menu)
• URL like
• http//localhost8080/dimx/servlet/multiplayer?gam
  eslot

11
Creating a basic MultiplayerLets Roll

• Open world1.dxw in the system folder

12
DXW Format

• WORLD
• def. WORLD
• GUIROOMS
• LINKS
• ITEMSCHARACTERS
• SCRIPTS
• END_WORLD

13
WORLD

• WORLD
• NAME World 1
• IMAGESFOLDER /dimx/pics/
• VERSION 1.5
• AUTHOR Cristiano Leoni
• HELP http//www.dimensionex.net...
• (body of the game/world)
• END_WORLD

14
Practice 1.2

• edit world1.dxw, restart server
• Add viewadmin to the URL
• Click Restart

15
ROOM

• ROOMS
• ROOM beach
• NAME The beach
• DESCRIPTION It is a sunny beach
• IMAGE spiaggia1.jpg
• IMAGE face image.jpg
• END_ROOMS

face NSEW
16
Practice 1.3

• On Google/Images look for 3 suitable scenes
• Plan how to link them
• Save in pics
• Right-click, save image as
• Edit game and restart

17
LINKS

• LINKS
• LINK c1 beach-room2 E
• MLINK c2 beach-underground D
• NAME pit
• (more LINKs)
• END_LINKS

18
Practice 1.4

• Place LINKs!
• Edit game and restart, test

19
ITEMS

• ITEMS
• ITEM box
• NAME a box
• DESCRIPTION Just an ordinary box
• POSITION beach
• ICON icoBox.gif
• ATTRLIST open0,hideable0
• IMAGE 80x64 box.gif
• SHOW ICON
• END_ITEMS

20
Practice 1.5

• Make a box!
• Edit game, restart and test

21
CHARACTERS

• CHARACTERS
• ATTRLIST type0,Health10,Strength1,Experience1
• ' Type da 10 onwardsmonsters
• ' from 1 to 9 humans
• ' 0 means non-combating robot
• CHARACTER guy
• NAME A Guy
• DESCRIPTION A walking guy.
• POSITION beach
• ATTRLIST type1,Strength3
• IMAGE 120x120 chrSurfer.gif
• END_CHARACTERS

22
Practice 1.6

• Add a character
• Edit game and restart, test

23
SCRIPTS

• SCRIPTS
• EVENT guy.onLook
• Speak Hey, whats up?", Leave me alone!
• END_SCRIPTS

24
Esercitazione 0.7

• Add interactivity
• Edit game, restart, test

25
Summary

• Possible Applications
• What is DimensioneX
• Understand dev environment
• How to install
• Creating a basic multiplayer