C++ and HL2

[Nem2k]

I know there are some very good c++ programmers here and was wondering if any of you were wanting to work on a project

its a HL2 mod called Avalon. scifi FPS. Ill tell you exactly what the game entails but first id just like to see if theres anyone here interested in working on such a thing?

we're not necessarily looking for someone immensely talented. as long as youre dedicated to the game and willing to learn more advanced game programming as you work on the project, then youd be ideal :)

[Notsosuperhero]

Hey Nem. Just for future reference. This kind of topic would be better suited for the Open Positions board.

[sunny_sz]

Very well , and very interesting . ;)

[SuperMe79]

I have been working as a C++ developer for 4 years since graduating from university. I feel I have reached a plateau in my current position and am not learning / advancing my technical knowledge as much as I would like. I looking for new challenges and joining a game mod team sounds promising.

What I Can Offer
---
Good C++ competence
Quick learner
Highly self motivated
Interest in games

What I Want
---
Learning opportunities
To work with people better than me
Design and implementation challenges
Exposure to multithreading, performance / optimisation, graphics, UNIX / Linux development
Exposure to UML, design patterns, agile processes and extreme programming
CV++ (If you're American, a CV is the English word for a Resume)

If you think we can help each other get in touch.

[Ejaz]

[ Moved Thread ]

[Jambozal]

Cheers for moving. I'll post a quick description of this mod project here now, since we're in the Open Positions thread now.

We are looking for competent C++ coders to work on Avalon, a new FPS multiplayer modification for the Half-Life 2 engine.

This is a not-for-profit endeavor. Our goals are to create an extremely playable and fun multiplayer game, which is also an intelligent and tactical shooter. We are a group of experienced modders, which already include one good c++ coder. Realising the size and scope of this total conversion, we've decided it would be useful for us to have another 1-2 programmers around, so here we are asking for your help.

Our requirements:
- A good team work ethic and self motivation
- Ability to work alone effectively, and work with other coders, mappers, and sound engineers in the HL2 environment
- Experience with the HL2 SDK a plus, but not required
- You must own a copy of HL2 (it is not expensive - head over to http://www.steampowered.com for more information)
- A love of computer games and sci-fi is a big plus :)

Modding is a very effective way of getting a foothold in the gaming industry. Many mods, such as Counter-Strike, Day of Defeat, and Red Orchestra among others, have gone commercial. Having a released modification on your resume really shows your organisational and programming abilities to prospective employers.


Now for the description:

With Avalon, a new sci-fi multiplayer FPS for the HL2 engine, we're taking on quite an ambitious project with regards to code. There will be quite a bit of lower engine work, and alot of netcode reworking - Source wasn't built to handle vehicles in multiplayer (especially with 40+ players on a server), and thats what we plan on having. Also there's going to be a sophisticated squad system, with alot of tactical radar and 'squad orders' functions associated with that. We're reworking the radio message communications menus, the HUDs, we're scaling maps to be at least twice as big as normal HL2 maps, we're introducing a load of new map entities. We want to do a few new shaders too, although that hasn't been decided on yet.

Our primary game mode is going to be based on point capture, similar to battlefield, but with a few twists. Players will be given a choice of class. There will be a primary and secondary capture system, whereby some points will need to be captured first (the reasons for this depending on the map and situation). Once all points are captured, players will attempt to capture the other team's base.

The reasons for this type of play we're going for are based on the many mods and games we've been playing for a while. To take a couple of examples -

With Dystopia, a HL2 mod ( http://www.dystopia-game.com ) we found it great fun capturing objectives, but it does have a very steep learning curve, since you've got to know these objectives and how to get them right from the start. Plus they differ for each map. Finally, attack and defense roles are assigned to each team - limiting play somewhat. It makes for diverse and fun play, but very intricate at times.
Playing Battlefield 2, we love the tactical play and squad leanings, but just didn't find enough coherence with the other players. It's simply too big. Also, we feel the squad system leaves alot to be desired. Vehicles, while fun, do unbalance the game alot, unless used for transport purposes only. And finally capturing flags seems a little boring; I mean, you're just waiting around while it happens.

So, we decided to stick all the things we like into a new game. Capturing a point will require teamwork, since only one of the classes will be able to actually 'hack' the point. Attack and defense roles are dynamic; eg good teams will be required to do both at the appropriate times - this leaves tactics alot more open. We'll also implement a squad leader system, where SLs can give orders to their squad, and mark attack/defense points on the radar. Also we'll have a 'teamplay points' system, which is a persistent stat base for each player, based on steam_ID (which is Valves system for tracking Steam users). That will be used to determine squad leaders, and probably bragging rights too although points will only be awarded for fulfilling your class and team roles. There will be transport vehicles, which will require at least some skill to drive/fly well.

Concepts:
http://artkid.us/Enviropaint1.jpg
http://www.avalon-mod.com/forum/files/wip_431.jpg
http://www.avalon-mod.com/images/avalonianriflepromo_small.jpg
http://www.avalon-mod.com/images/terranriflepromo_small.jpg

Our backstory is available here:
http://www.avalon-mod.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=31

I've probably forgotten a load of important stuff - it's all in the design document anyway. If you'd like to have a look at that, or you're interested in coding for this mod, give me a PM or msn me at microcreature@hotmail.com :)