Screeps: World is an open source MMO RTS sandbox game for programming enthusiasts, wherein the core mechanic is programming your units AI. You control your colony by writing JavaScript which operates 24/7 in the single persistent open world filled by other players on par with you.
In this game, you control your own persistent colony in a shared game world by writing JavaScript code to automate the actions of your "creeps" (units). This allows your colony to operate 24/7, even when you're offline.
The core gameplay loop blends programming and real-time strategy elements. You must write code to control and automate various colony functions, such as resource gathering, construction, defense, and expansion. This programming-centric approach sets the game apart from traditional RTS games where you directly control your units.
As you improve your coding skills and the complexity of your AI, new emergent behaviors and strategies arise. Finding efficient solutions to challenges like pathfinding, resource management, and unit coordination becomes a core part of the gameplay experience. The ability to program your colony's behavior, rather than directly controlling units, encourages a different type of strategic thinking.
The game features a single persistent world shared by all players, where your colony coexists and interacts with those of other players. This creates a dynamic, ever-changing environment where you must adapt your code to respond to the actions of your competitors, who are also programming their colonies to expand and compete for resources and territory. You can form alliances, trade resources, and coordinate defensive strategies, while also engaging in aggressive "code wars" to undermine or destroy each other's colonies.
Progression in the game is not based on linear leveling or gear acquisition, but on continually improving the efficiency and sophistication of your code. You start with a basic colony and gradually expand your influence by writing more advanced scripts to automate and optimize your colony's operations. There is always room for improvement, as you strive to outperform your competitors through better coding.
The game is designed with programmers in mind, providing a rich and flexible API that allows you to leverage your existing coding skills, whether you are a novice or an experienced developer. It supports a variety of programming languages through WebAssembly, including JavaScript, TypeScript, C/C++, Rust, and more, making it accessible to a wide range of developers.
For players interested in improving their programming abilities, the game offers an engaging and rewarding platform. The process of designing, implementing, and optimizing your colony AI can lead to significant skill development in areas such as algorithm design, resource management, and software engineering principles.
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