Development of an innovative OpenCoOp system for creating and adding an online cooperative mode to single-player simulator games
Project title
Development of an innovative OpenCoOp system for creating and adding an online cooperative mode to single-player simulator games
Name of Beneficiary/Beneficiaries
PYRAMID GAMES SPÓŁKA AKCYJNA
Name of programme
Smart Growth Operational Program
Competition
GameINN
Project value
PLN 868,313.00
Funding value
PLN 615,609.75
Project delivery period
01.10.2020 – 09.12.2022
Get to know our team
Video
What problem does our project solve?
We are a company producing computer games, and for years we have been wondering how, with the optimal distribution of costs and working time, we can turn a single-player game into a multiplayer game with the possibility of cooperation between players. Cooperative games have been highly appreciated by audiences for years, but they require appropriate architecture from the very beginning of the project. In the case of smaller studios, decisions to create a multiplayer game are rarely made at the very beginning, which is of course justified by cost reasons.
Our project aims to help smaller developers by providing them with the ability to port a game from singleplayer to multiplayer at an acceptable cost and time.
For us, as authors of our own projects, it is also a chance to reach a wider audience with our productions. Our largest game, Occupy Mars: The Game, using the OpenCoOp system, will have a cooperative version in which players will be able to join forces to create a well-functioning Martian colony. The system created as part of the research and development program allows for quick analysis of whether the project is portable and whether it is a profitable option. Thanks to this, both our company and other companies interested in technology can open up to a completely new market segment.
Who will benefit from the project results?
Our project will definitely benefit not only companies specializing in game production, but also players who, thanks to the use of OpenCoOp technology, can socialize while playing together. The production of computer games is aimed at customers from all over the world, which also has a positive impact on the export of Polish products. The Polish gaming industry is already recognized around the world, and subsequent publishing hits may further strengthen Poland's position among the leaders of the gamedev industry. By porting games from single-player to multiplayer, companies can refresh their titles and build their popularity again, and use their full potential in less time than writing the game from scratch. This solution also extends the game's 'life' cycle. Sometimes it is the lack of a multiplayer mode that limits the reach and reduces the sales potential.
What was the biggest challenge for us in implementing the project?
While working on OpenCoOp, our biggest challenge was time - not only in terms of maintaining the work schedule, but also related to the parameters we assumed during conceptual work. The key advantage of the system is the speed of, for example, verification of existing games in terms of assisted porting, as well as delay times during matchmaking or the gameplay itself. Thanks to the joint efforts of the Team, discussing problems and constant communication, we managed to solve the most pressing issues and create a system that can be implemented in many game projects.
Our advice to other Applicants
If we can advise other Applicants anything, it would definitely be to maintain constant communication between team members. This is the element that can ensure success. During the implementation of the project, there will certainly be obstacles (in our case it was the pandemic), difficult moments or misunderstandings, but joint attempts to solve problems will not only engage all group members more closely, but will also allow us to come up with non-obvious solutions. Constant contact also helps to avoid situations in which something is not done or not done on time. Openness to asking questions and constructive criticism is also key.
Another piece of advice, from a completely different category, is to keep your design documents in order and buy a color printer - the logos placed on each design document must be printed in color.