Subspace Presentation

So as part of this module, I worked on an analysis for the still running massively multiplayer online 2D spaceship fighter game Continuum (formerly recognised as Subspace). The game was originally developed in 1995 as "Sniper", which was a project that utilised advanced (at that time) prediction algorithm(s) that reduced network overhead (lag), which in turn enabled a larger multiple player online game to be played over dial-up connections. This was the only real "online game" innovation it has had, but the game itself has had a huge influence on other sci-fi related videogames.


The game was released by Virgin Interactive Entertainment publicly as Subspace in 1997, but the servers were shut down after a few years. The game was originally developed by Burst, led by Jeff Peterson (aka Jeff P.) and Rod Humble, for the US branch of the now-defunct Virgin Interactive. Later on, Jeff Petersen would use SubSpace as inspiration for Sony Online Entertainment's Infantry and Cosmic Rift. This was when Estonian developer Priit Kasesalu (who later became head programmer developing Skype and Kazaa) developed an identical client and renamed it "Continuum". 




Games today strive for the kind of support from players with new mods and maps that this game has had for 13 years, and that is what interests me a hell of a lot. Also notably the well-structured functional chat system which accommodated the full spectrum of communication. It works simply and allows players to effectively communicate with each other efficiently, and I think that is part of the massively addictive quality that this game holds. The ability to customise and create your own maps and additions to the game is something that may appeal more to a different area of the gaming population, the ability to modify aspects of the game and have that control makes people want to share experiences fascinates me. This aspect also seems to contribute to the feeling of "community", as even relations between the playing population and the staff members that moderate the game. In fact, I was actually staff for a while myself, so I had the ability to host games, answer help calls, ban players who would make the general gaming experience less pleasant for others (cheaters, racists, spammers and other abusive individuals).


But anyway, I think I took a lot in from actually analysing this game, it has allowed me to take into account the gaming experience more than the technicalities and the physical aspects that make those experiences possible. I've looked into many areas of the game although that may not actually be reflected in my powerpoint slides, and I'm happy that I have taken enough into account so that I understand what kind of output I want for my game.