Behind the Scenes: Man vs Machine

MuchDifferent‘s browser-based FPS / world record attempt / tech demo took place on Sunday, and while the team underestimated the number of people who would be interested in taking part, and struggled to balance the game, the world record attempt and tech demo were a success!

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJKLHjHjxBc]

The highest number of players reached was 999, breaking the world record!

Man Vs Machine: Review

Man vs Machine is a browser-based FPS, designed as a world-record attempt and tech demo by MuchDifferent.

The aim is for 1000 players to simultaneously battle it out as either Man or Machine: Man is equipped with an explosive projectile dealing splash damage, whilst Machine uses piercing, precision lasers to deal damage to single targets.

First up, the main site was unable to take the strain, and had a Google redirect slapped on it.  I found a mirror; a page with unstyled CSS but most importantly, the option to get in and play.  I managed to get in (as Man) long enough to see a mass of machines under shields on the horizon..

I fired a shot or two before the connection dropped.. I got one kill, anyway.

I reconnected, and was placed on the side of the Machines where I was killed as soon as spawn-protection was over.  This happened over and over, and I don’t think I even killed a single enemy.

Man has splash damage, meaning they only needed to keep firing in the direction of the Machines to guarantee a kill, while Machines have to wait for the shield to disappear before firing, find a target and aim.. and then hope to hit something.

Machines are bunched up in groups, there is no cover, and nowhere to run out from to try and flank the humans.  I feel the Machine’s model is too large as well, as your allies all-too-effectively block your view of the enemy.  A larger map might allow players to get out and move around, and let this be a bit more fun.

Sure, this is a world-record attempt and tech demo – but this wasn’t even close to fun to play as a Machine.

Man vs. Machine

Man vs. Machine is a browser-based FPS game intended to be playable for just one day as part of a world-record attempt / demonstration of Unity and load-balancing server technology PikkoServer from Swedish non-profit organisation MuchDifferent.

The World Record attempt will be made on 29th Jan, 2012.  On that day, players pick their team: Gamers (Man) or Developers (Machines), and then play.  Man is equipped with an explosive projectile dealing splash damage, whilst Machine uses piercing, precision lasers to deal damage to single targets.

Man vs. Machine will be limited to 1000 players concurrently, with slots only becoming available if players leave the game.

More information, including technical aspects of the game, is available here.