Going core on the browser

Going core on the browser

How to make Jagged Alliance into a Browser Game

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Cliffhanger Productions

• Founded as Production Company in 2006

• Development Studio since 2010

• Current team size: 20

Jagged Alliance series

• Hardcore turn-based tactical strategy game• Jagged Alliance (1994), Jagged Alliance 2 (1999)• Still active fan-base working on extensions

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Jagged Alliance Online

• Unity-based turn-based f2p Browser game• Development time: 14 months• >100 missions, PvP, management layer

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Target audience

• Hardcore-fans• People who loved the game back in the days• Browser game and Facebook game players who

want more• Core gamers

Conclusions:• Modernize but stay true to the essence of the

original• Make it more accessible• Make it look good, but run on low-spec machines

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Mid-core

Technology choice

• Flash:+ Original game was 2D, so fans would accept it+ Huge installed base, easy access– „Realistic“ graphics style would make huge download– Old-school look, no special effects– Team experience in RT3D

• Unity+ Next-gen browser game feeling+ Great tools the team is experienced in– Mediocre spread– High hardware requirements, plug-in installation

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Challenges & Solutions

• Great looking, but playable on low-spec hardware– Always have different asset quality levels in mind– Optimize, optimize, optimize (Background streaming,

texture optimization)

Low-end dual-core netbook, 20fps High-end quad-core PC, 60 fps

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Challenges & Solutions

• Managing huge amounts of content and code– Split up code and content projects– Avoid using Unity scripts, but share C# code– Set up sophisticated deployment processes

(Automated nightly build, distributed build agents)

• Build a solid code-base in a short time frame that can be re-used– Set up sophisticated testing processes (continuous

integration, test cases)– Use unit testing

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Challenges & Solutions

• Build a game with a client-style scope in a short time– Detailed modular game design up-front– Use middleware to jump start development– Invest into tools to be data driven

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Challenges & Solutions

• Accessible and challenging for both gamer types– Have a large PvE part, and slowly introduce

multiplayer– Focus on interface design and accessibility

• Satisfy expectations of fans– Communicate with the community a lot– Focus group test instead of A/B testing

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Summary

• Look good, but run on low-spec hardware• Include fans in development process• Invest in tools to be data driven• Focus on accessibility, easy deployment and testing

processes

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Thank you

Thanks for your attention!

Questions?

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