Go Back   vb.org Archive > vBulletin Article Depository > Read An Article > vBulletin 3 Articles
FAQ Community Calendar Today's Posts Search

Reply
 
Thread Tools
v3 Arcade - Game Modification Guide & Releases
John's Avatar
John
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,543

 

Norwich, UK
Show Printable Version Email this Page Subscription
John John is offline 01-23-2004, 10:00 PM

How v3 Games Work

v3 Arcade games are a little different to those in the original Arcade and futureal's proArcade.

Instead of a simple getURL which sends all of the variables to the next page, the v3 Arcade uses a completely different system - a series of sendAndLoad events where data is sent and received between the Flash file and vBulletin. As a result, converting games for the v3 Arcade is a little more complicated.

To get games working with the v3 Arcade, a piece of code needs to be inserted which will run on every frame of the Flash movie. (I.e. one looped movieclip which is active across all frames.) A variable also needs to be set to tell the v3 Arcade code when to end the game.

EDIT: INSTRUCTIONS UPDATED TO MAKE THE PROCESS A LOT EASIER!

Converting Games

Converting a game is quite simple, providing you have some basic knowledge of Flash.

Step 1.
Create a blank movie clip, containing two keyframes.

Step 2.
On frame 1 of this blank movieclip, insert this code (not forgetting to change the gamename value to something unique - THIS PRESUMES THAT _root.score CONTAINS THE SCORE VALUE!):
Code:
// HERE THE ARCADE SESSION IS INITIATED
// DON'T FORGET TO CHANGE THE GAMENAME VALUE!
if (this.sessionstarted != 1) {
    this.arcade = new LoadVars();
    this.sessionvars = new LoadVars();
    this.arcade.gamename = "towerball";
    this.arcade.sessdo = "sessionstart";
    this.arcade.sendAndLoad("arcade.php", sessionvars, "POST");
    this.sessionstarted = 1;
}

// IF GAMEOVER=1, SUBMIT THE SCORE AND REDIRECT THE PAGE
if (_root.gameover == 1) {
    if ((this.askpermission != 1) && (this.sessionvars.connStatus == 1)) {
        this.prequestvars = new LoadVars();
        this.pranswer = new LoadVars();
        this.prequestvars.gametime = this.sessionvars.gametime;
        this.prequestvars.fakekey = this.sessionvars.initbar;
        if (_root.score == 0) {
            this.prequestvars.score = -1;
        } else {
            this.prequestvars.score = _root.score;
        }
        this.prequestvars.id = this.sessionvars.lastid;
        this.prequestvars.sessdo = "permrequest";
        this.prequestvars.note = (this.prequestvars.id*this.prequestvars.score*this.prequestvars.fakekey);
        this.prequestvars.sendAndLoad("./arcade.php", this.pranswer, "POST");
        this.askpermission = 1;
    }
    if ((this.pranswer.validate == 1) && (this.finalsent != 1)) {
        this.burnscore = new LoadVars();
        this.burnscore.microone = this.pranswer.microone;
        this.burnscore.gametime = this.prequestvars.gametime;
        this.burnscore.id = this.prequestvars.id;
        if (_root.score == 0) {
            this.burnscore.noscore = 1;
        }
        this.burnscore.sessdo = "burn";
        this.burnscore.send("./arcade.php", "_self", "POST");
        this.finalsent = 1;
    }
}
Step 3.
Now, you need to let the game know when to finish the game and redirect the page. This is done by the setting of a new variable, "gameover". When _root.gameover==1, the game will end.

Find the frame of the "Game Over" page, and add this actionscript to the frame:
Code:
_root.gameover=1;
Save, and export the SWF movie to the appropriate place.

Releasing Games

When releasing a game, please try to stick to the same format as the other games provided below. (I.e. with the installation script.) It should be fairly easy to figure out what goes where. Try to release all games in this thread!


Additional Games So Far

? Pacman (by Paul Neave) - https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showpost....&postcount=102
? Simon (by Paul Neave) - https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showpost....&postcount=130
? Breakout - https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showpost....&postcount=350
? Target - https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showpost....&postcount=359
? Maeda Path - https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showpost....&postcount=469
? Helicopter - https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showpost....&postcount=504
? Curveball - https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showpost....&postcount=506
? Miniclip Snake - https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showpost....&postcount=537
? Towerball - https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showpost....39&postcount=7
? Alien Clones - https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showpost....3&postcount=12
? Penguin Bashing - https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showpost....9&postcount=72
? Mars Rover - https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showpost....&postcount=109
? Disco Racer - https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showpost....&postcount=138
? Joust - https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showpost....&postcount=144
? Hexxagon - https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showpost....&postcount=938
? Monkey Lander - http://www.v3arcade.com/play/showthread.php?t=55
? Pingu Slap - http://www.v3arcade.com/play/showthread.php?t=53
? Bloody Pingu - https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showpost....&postcount=295
? Radial Snake - https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showpost....&postcount=300
? Kill Kenny - https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showpost....&postcount=304
? Alien Attack - https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showpost....&postcount=314
? Ron North's Jewels - https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showpost....&postcount=329
? KickUps - https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showpost....&postcount=363
? Altex - https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showpost....&postcount=403
? Enemy Shooting - https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showpost....&postcount=403
? Jail Break - https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showpost....&postcount=403
? Snow Paul - https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showpost....&postcount=403
? Space Hunter - https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showpost....&postcount=403
? Plasmanaut on Fire - https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showpost....&postcount=443
? Simpsons Shooter - https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showpost....&postcount=447
? Plasmanout V2 - https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showpost....&postcount=464
? Pinball - http://www.v3arcade.com/play/showthread.php?t=182
? Juggler - http://www.v3arcade.com/play/showthread.php?t=207
? Starship Legend - http://www.v3arcade.com/play/showthread.php?t=208
? Aim & Fire - http://www.v3arcade.com/play/showthread.php?t=206
? Plops - http://www.v3arcade.com/play/showthread.php?t=184
? Tie Fighter Shooter - https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/attachmen...chmentid=17650
? Witch Hunt - https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/attachmen...chmentid=17651
Reply With Quote
  #822  
Old 01-29-2005, 03:01 PM
tehste tehste is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 221
Благодарил(а): 0 раз(а)
Поблагодарили: 0 раз(а) в 0 сообщениях
Default

I've used both v3 and IBPROARCADE and I have to say I have returned to v3 because it uses the VB templates system and just runs nicer. IBPROARCADE may have more games and a (better) challenge and tournament system. But the challenge system on V3 arcade is pretty cool. Its the small things really but V3 arcade is probably better suited to VB the only negative thing is the game/(sharing) but there are some pretty cool people with free public ftps for the games at www.v3arcade.com
Reply With Quote
  #823  
Old 01-29-2005, 09:50 PM
rinkrat's Avatar
rinkrat rinkrat is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Long Beach
Posts: 530
Благодарил(а): 0 раз(а)
Поблагодарили: 0 раз(а) в 0 сообщениях
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by internetjunkie
over 800 games are now on my site for download http://www.internetjunkie.org/

Isn't this considered spam since these are not free downloads since you have to subscribe to your site? Maybe VB.org should get a cut of the profits since you are getting the games here and advertising here?
Reply With Quote
  #824  
Old 02-06-2005, 03:17 PM
thenewstlucian thenewstlucian is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 11
Благодарил(а): 0 раз(а)
Поблагодарили: 0 раз(а) в 0 сообщениях
Default

soneone needs to update this thread... lots of game links don't work. and some new games can also be added
Reply With Quote
  #825  
Old 02-06-2005, 07:53 PM
Pseudomizer's Avatar
Pseudomizer Pseudomizer is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Germany
Posts: 614
Благодарил(а): 0 раз(а)
Поблагодарили: 0 раз(а) в 0 сообщениях
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by thenewstlucian
soneone needs to update this thread... lots of game links don't work. and some new games can also be added
Then don't complain and start doing it. Tzzzzzzzzzzzz.

Cheers,
Reply With Quote
  #826  
Old 02-08-2005, 02:22 AM
TwinsX2Dad TwinsX2Dad is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 72
Благодарил(а): 0 раз(а)
Поблагодарили: 0 раз(а) в 0 сообщениях
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Pseudomizer
Then don't complain and start doing it.
Someone did exactly that, over on v3arcade.com, and got it shut down!
Reply With Quote
  #827  
Old 02-08-2005, 10:29 AM
maytrix maytrix is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 12
Благодарил(а): 0 раз(а)
Поблагодарили: 0 раз(а) в 0 сообщениях
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by TwinsX2Dad
Someone did exactly that, over on v3arcade.com, and got it shut down!

It was shutdown because of the copyright issues with the games. That plus John is probably ready to release the Pro version so he is cleaning house.
Reply With Quote
  #828  
Old 02-08-2005, 01:03 PM
TwinsX2Dad TwinsX2Dad is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 72
Благодарил(а): 0 раз(а)
Поблагодарили: 0 раз(а) в 0 сообщениях
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by maytrix
It was shutdown because of the copyright issues with the games.
There will always be those issues - the number of approved games stands at about zero.
Quote:
Originally Posted by maytrix
That plus John is probably ready to release the Pro version so he is cleaning house.
This would be an interesting development, but it may be too late for us - we've made the decision, based on legal advice, to uninstall all v3 & ibPro arcades since there are no paid and licensed games available.

They are a huge resource hit, plus the financial liability is far too great, especially considering the arcade game companies are rumored to be planning an attack on their ideas being used on these types of systems.

I might be willing to fight some little guy over the use of a freely available game, but I am not prepared to defend myself against Nintendo, Sega or Sony.
Reply With Quote
  #829  
Old 02-08-2005, 01:53 PM
John's Avatar
John John is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Norwich, UK
Posts: 1,543
Благодарил(а): 0 раз(а)
Поблагодарили: 0 раз(а) в 0 сообщениях
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by TwinsX2Dad
There will always be those issues - the number of approved games stands at about zero.
This would be an interesting development, but it may be too late for us - we've made the decision, based on legal advice, to uninstall all v3 & ibPro arcades since there are no paid and licensed games available.

They are a huge resource hit, plus the financial liability is far too great, especially considering the arcade game companies are rumored to be planning an attack on their ideas being used on these types of systems.

I might be willing to fight some little guy over the use of a freely available game, but I am not prepared to defend myself against Nintendo, Sega or Sony.
There are plenty of approved games - the problem is that they're all mixed in with the ones which haven't been approved, and there's no way to clearly tell which is which.

With the next release, only authorised games will be available on the site.
Reply With Quote
  #830  
Old 02-08-2005, 08:38 PM
TwinsX2Dad TwinsX2Dad is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 72
Благодарил(а): 0 раз(а)
Поблагодарили: 0 раз(а) в 0 сообщениях
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by John
There are plenty of approved games - the problem is that they're all mixed in with the ones which haven't been approved, and there's no way to clearly tell which is which.
John, I am honestly not trying to start any trouble here, but I believe that guy who was uploading all of those games might have had a point. I mean, think about it. We had permission from Paul Neave for PacMan, but Paul didn't have permission from Namco. And, how well would an email reply hold up in court?

It worries me more than just a bit.
Reply With Quote
  #831  
Old 02-08-2005, 08:46 PM
John's Avatar
John John is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Norwich, UK
Posts: 1,543
Благодарил(а): 0 раз(а)
Поблагодарили: 0 раз(а) в 0 сообщениях
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by TwinsX2Dad
John, I am honestly not trying to start any trouble here, but I believe that guy who was uploading all of those games might have had a point. I mean, think about it. We had permission from Paul Neave for PacMan, but Paul didn't have permission from Namco. And, how well would an email reply hold up in court?

It worries me more than just a bit.
In this case, Paul's version of Pacman would not be allowed on the site.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT. The time now is 09:15 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.12 by vBS
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
X vBulletin 3.8.12 by vBS Debug Information
  • Page Generation 0.05137 seconds
  • Memory Usage 2,347KB
  • Queries Executed 26 (?)
More Information
Template Usage:
  • (1)SHOWTHREAD
  • (1)ad_footer_end
  • (1)ad_footer_start
  • (1)ad_header_end
  • (1)ad_header_logo
  • (1)ad_navbar_below
  • (1)ad_showthread_beforeqr
  • (2)bbcode_code
  • (9)bbcode_quote
  • (1)footer
  • (1)forumjump
  • (1)forumrules
  • (1)gobutton
  • (1)header
  • (1)headinclude
  • (1)modsystem_article
  • (1)navbar
  • (4)navbar_link
  • (120)option
  • (1)pagenav
  • (1)pagenav_curpage
  • (4)pagenav_pagelink
  • (3)pagenav_pagelinkrel
  • (11)post_thanks_box
  • (11)post_thanks_button
  • (1)post_thanks_javascript
  • (1)post_thanks_navbar_search
  • (11)post_thanks_postbit_info
  • (10)postbit
  • (11)postbit_onlinestatus
  • (11)postbit_wrapper
  • (1)spacer_close
  • (1)spacer_open
  • (1)tagbit_wrapper 

Phrase Groups Available:
  • global
  • inlinemod
  • postbit
  • posting
  • reputationlevel
  • showthread
Included Files:
  • ./showthread.php
  • ./global.php
  • ./includes/init.php
  • ./includes/class_core.php
  • ./includes/config.php
  • ./includes/functions.php
  • ./includes/class_hook.php
  • ./includes/modsystem_functions.php
  • ./includes/functions_bigthree.php
  • ./includes/class_postbit.php
  • ./includes/class_bbcode.php
  • ./includes/functions_reputation.php
  • ./includes/functions_post_thanks.php 

Hooks Called:
  • init_startup
  • init_startup_session_setup_start
  • init_startup_session_setup_complete
  • cache_permissions
  • fetch_threadinfo_query
  • fetch_threadinfo
  • fetch_foruminfo
  • style_fetch
  • cache_templates
  • global_start
  • parse_templates
  • global_setup_complete
  • showthread_start
  • showthread_getinfo
  • forumjump
  • showthread_post_start
  • showthread_query_postids
  • showthread_query
  • bbcode_fetch_tags
  • bbcode_create
  • showthread_postbit_create
  • postbit_factory
  • postbit_display_start
  • post_thanks_function_post_thanks_off_start
  • post_thanks_function_post_thanks_off_end
  • post_thanks_function_fetch_thanks_start
  • post_thanks_function_fetch_thanks_end
  • post_thanks_function_thanked_already_start
  • post_thanks_function_thanked_already_end
  • fetch_musername
  • postbit_imicons
  • bbcode_parse_start
  • bbcode_parse_complete_precache
  • bbcode_parse_complete
  • postbit_display_complete
  • post_thanks_function_can_thank_this_post_start
  • pagenav_page
  • pagenav_complete
  • tag_fetchbit_complete
  • forumrules
  • navbits
  • navbits_complete
  • showthread_complete