I’m sure many of you reading this have heard of, or at least seen, Chillingo’s ‘Tap that,’ an app that allows users to play trivia games with other people via their smartphones.’
I have no idea how many downloads Tap that has, but it has to be in the millions. And that is just one example of a mobile game that is a descendant of online multiplayer games such as Warcraft or Halo.
These types of games are perfect for group chats or family gatherings where users can sit around a table and play together. They are also wonderful for children’s parties, where they can practice their social skills and learn about colors, numbers, or animals while playing.
While these types of games are great for casual play, they suffer from one major flaw: they are always connected to a network. This is fine when you are at home, but if you are away from your phone (or other device), you may not be able to connect to the network, and thereby lose access to the game.
For the sake of convenience, let’s say you are out with friends. You decide to grab a bite to eat, and then play a few rounds of Halo before hitting the bar again. But, if your phone experiences a loss of connectivity while in the middle of a game, what do you do?
You could try and find a WiFi hotspot to join, but that might not be available in every location. Or, if you are driving, you may not be able to access WiFi easily at all.
Since these games are always connected to the internet, they are easy prey for hackers who want to gain access to your personal information. While this type of attack might not be possible, or at least incredibly difficult, it is still a concern.
If you are interested in creating a mobile game but don’t necessarily want to commit to always being online, then you should consider looking at a distributed networked game. Using popular game engines like Unity or Unreal, and leveraging something like Amazon’s AWS (Amazon Web Services), you can build a mobile game that is both offline AND connected to the internet when necessary.
Why is it important to create an offline-friendly game?
Since we live in the digital era, it is important to keep up with the times and avoid being left behind. If you are not equipped to handle digital transactions securely, then it is advisable to avoid using online methods completely.
Even if you are using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to encrypt your connection, cybercriminals might still be able to access your personal data if your device is compromised. If you are running an app that is constantly connected to the internet, then you are giving away your privacy every time you use it. Better to keep your apps and games offline unless you absolutely need them to be online.
For the same reason, if you are creating a game, then it is essential that you build it in a way that allows users to play even when offline. Simply put, if you cannot create a fully functional game without being connected to the internet, then it is not ready for public consumption.
Why is it important to create a multiplayer game?
Games that allow users to play against or with other people are called multiplayer games. Since we are social creatures and often like to compete against others, multiplayer games give us the opportunity to do that. And who doesn’t love competing against others? Especially when there is a prize involved?
It would be great to sit down with friends and family to play a few games, but why should we have to choose between playing alone or with others? Why not have the best of both worlds?
By creating a multiplayer game, you give users the opportunity to connect with others and play (or train) together.
Even better, you can create a scoring system where players can compete for high scores and compare them with other players. This encourages friendly competition while still keeping track of who is winning.
If you are looking for a way to introduce your friends to gaming, or just want to play some games with people you know, then creating a multiplayer game might be the way to go.
Where can I learn more about creating a multiplayer game?
The best place to learn more about multiplayer games is the internet. There are numerous sites, blogs, and forums where you can get tips and tricks on building the perfect game.
Of course, if you are looking for finished products, you can always check out gaming websites such as GameSpot or IGN, where you can find reviews of games as they are released. They also often have tutorials on how to play specific titles, which can be very helpful.
What other platforms should I consider creating a game for?
If your game is available for download, then you can consider creating mobile and tablet versions of it as well. But beyond that, you might want to create a version for the Xbox (Xbox One), PlayStation (PlayStation 4), or Nintendo Switch (Nintendo Switch Lite), since those are the ones I use the most and would recommend to others as well.
These games can be played either online or offline, so if you are looking for an easy way to play your favorite games on the go, then you can try out one of these devices.
And don’t forget about Steam, the great all-in-one gaming platform that can be accessed both online and offline. Since games on Steam are stored on their servers, you don’t have to worry about losing access to them if your device experiences a loss of connectivity. This is why most games on Steam are considered to be “PC” (Personal Computer) quality, instead of mobile or tablet graphics. But even then, nothing is perfect, and it’s always good to have a backup plan just in case.
Mobile games are a great way to introduce interactive entertainment to the masses. If you are looking for a way to have some fun with your friends and family, then creating a multiplayer game is the perfect way to do that. With the right tools and some understanding of security, it is possible to build a fully functional mobile game that does not require an internet connection, ensuring that players can enjoy the game even when offline.