Subterfuge

Description

Subterfuge takes the concept of the classic game Spy vs. Spy and expands it into a 3D world. Each player has the goal of collecting five objects inside the level and escaping with all the objects in hand. Each player also has traps and weapons which can be used to slow down other players and even cause them to lose items.

For more detailed information and to download the mod, visit http://www.subterfugemod.com

What I worked on

The big tasks that I tackled with Subterfuge were creating a container object to hold the collectables and creating an inventory system for the collectables/weapons/traps. Along with that, I implemented the win/lose conditions for when one player collected all the items and reach the goal (escape point) of that level. With the container objects, the most challanging task was getting a system working that would populate all container objects with random items when the map loads. The inventory system was tricky due to having heavy integration with the GUI. We had to give the player a way to visual tell what items he had, when he loses an item, and when other players have collected all the items needed to win the match.

Skills Used/Learned

• Utilizing a pre-existing game engine in C++
• Client/server specific programming and
  communication between the two using a messaging system
  
• High-level gameplay programming
• Using a CVS to manage source code
• Using the Hammer level editor to test code features

History

Starting as a UAT class project, Subterfuge ran for two semester before it ran out of steam as a class. A UAT instructor, Micheal Eilers, came up with the original concept which was expanded on and refined by students. Taking what was already completed, a few dedicated students took the project and continued to develop it. The game modification is looking to have its first release in the near future.