A coder's blog.

Ideas, projects, problems and solutions - whatever is interesting.

Changelog

Current status of the browsergame with code name “Little Goblin”

Little Goblin Browsergame

Testserver: schedim.de

Projekt page: littlegoblin.de

Note: “Little Goblin” is the name for an open source browser game framework. It’s also the name of the reference implementation of a game using this framework.

  • refactoring is good and will occur often
  • game mechanics are still fluid and subject to change with notice

Current status of project Little Goblin

Version 0.3.2 “Tick-Tock” / 2013-02-12

  • Fixed #3: add gameName config parameter as default title to pages.
  • Changed: Run game ticks in a background thread (no more need for a cron job to run ticks)
  • Fixed #14: Version link in footer was broken.

Version 0.3.1 “Resume” / 2013-01-27

  • Fixed: admin can edit ItemTypes again.
  • New: admin can assign categories to item types.
  • Fixed: inputValidationService no longer croaks on ‘null’-String.
  • Cleanup code.
  • Added more documentation (items, guilds)
  • Project is now language level Java 7
  • Grails 2.2.0

Version 0.3.0 “Cleanup” / 2012-11-18

(a lot of internal changes)

  • Updated to Grails 2.1.1.
  • Fixed session handling.
  • Fixed HTML error in /goblinOrder/_order_list
  • Refactoring pages to use sitemesh layout instead of using homebrew solution.
  • Fixed item filter: remove unnecessary conversion of list to array. (ItemService).
  • Removed old prototyps JS-library files since we have been using jQuery for some time.
  • Fixed message id in highscore.gsp.
  • Added more documentation.
  • Added custom equals & hashCode to many domain classes.
  • Fixed: do not double-encode chatterbox messages.
  • Fixed: textarea in chatterbox.
  • Removed redundant “def inputValidationService”, which is inherited from BaseController.
  • Started work on extended documentation.

Version 0.2.7 / 2011-10-29

  • Fixed cronGoblin and CronController for recurring events (would previously go into an infinite loop).
  • Added configurable registration with confirmation mail.
  • Added testMode parameter to config file.
  • Updated spring-security-core plugin
  • Added FeatureAdminController.
  • // Note: 0.2.7 will probably not work perfectly due to unfinished Grails 2 transition.

Version 0.2.6 - 2011-10-01

  • mproved ItemType admin interface: you can now edit how many equipment slots an item takes.
  • Updated french translation.
  • Enabled configuration file outside of war: you can now override DataSource and Config by adding a file 
    "classpath:$ {appName}-config.groovy", or
"file:$ {userHome}/.grails/${appName}-config.groovy" or
"file:$ {System.env.LITTLE_GOBLIN_HOME}/$ {appName}-config.groovy"

    this makes for better control and easier configuration of the database settings.

  • Added an example configuration file.
  • New install.txt and updated readme.txt
  • Added optional Facebook like button (Don’t worry, you can configure it in your own game). (Facebook integration was done by Pauline).

Version 0.2.5 - 2011-08-28

  • Fixed equip / remove equipment bug which rendered the main inventory section in the side inventory bar.
  • You can now sell part of a stack of items instead of the whole stack.
  • You can now define how many pieces of an item you want to buy.
  • Items bought in the shop are stacked to existing items in your inventory (if they are stackable)
  • ItemTypes have a package size - so it is possible to buy one set of 12 arrows.
  • First part of ItemAdminController implementation.

Version 0.2.4 - 2011-08-08

  • Refactored Quests, show QuestGivers in town.
  • Updated design and layout.

Version 0.2.3

  • Updated the french translation.
  • Improved design and layout.
  • GrandMelee now allows players to use items.
  • Database schema changed.
  • Removed inventory from several pages where it was not really useful.
  • Move items from home to person and vice versa.

Version 0.2.2

  • Fixed a little CSS bug

Version 0.2.1 - 2011-07-10

  • Upgraded to jQuery 1.6.1.1
  • Upgraded to spring-security-plugin 1.1.3

Version 0.2 - 2011-07-10

  • Fixed bug in Mob class (Mob.name overwriting Creature.name) which could cause fights to throw a GRE.
  • Basic Grand Melee now works (with the limitation that you cannot use items during the melee yet).
  • Added CronGoblin module to repository.

Version 0.1.51 - 2011-06-04

  • Added MobAdminController
  • Added PostOfficeController: basic functionality to send items to other player characters (for a 10% fee).
  • Fixed Bug in Puppet quest (would throw GrailsException).
  • Added MeleeController - fight other players in a big melee. [This is not finished yet]
  • Advanced french translation by keyznotized and jellina

Version 0.1.50

  • Fixed bug in canEquipItem check: the code did in some cases return false even though an item was “equippable”.

Version 0.1.49a - 2011-05-10

  • Fix for QuestController (did not work with new EncounterMob)
  • Fix for mob images (did not work correctly with MobImage)
  • Fix for quest steps (StepChild class not used correctly in some places)
  • Fix for test quests: orc.encounter was assigned to other quest steps.

Version 0.1.49 - 2011-05-09

  • Started translation to French (by keyznotized)
  • New: You can manage reputation message maps in the administration section.
  • AdminController for products (including ComponentAdmin and SkillRequirementAdmin). You can now create products for crafting which need components and require specific skills.
  • Added AdminController for ProductCategories.
  • Added ShopAdminController so it is now possible to create shops complete with inventory and owners.
  • Added QuestGivers
  • Added AdminController for QuestGivers and QuestTemplates.
  • Added AdminController for Encounters
  • New classes: EncounterMob, GoblinScript
  • Fixed bug in admin controllers where single value selections in multiple-select fields were handled incorrectly.
  • Added AdminController for QuestSteps

Version 0.1.48 - 2011-03-06

  • Fixed NPE on some controllers (moved springSecurityService to BaseController) - reported by ra-hoor-khuit https://sourceforge.net/tracker/?func=detail&aid=3200353&group_id=317345&atid=1334694
  • Upgraded to Grails 1.3.7
  • Fixed NPE when removing equipped items. - reported by ra-hoor-khuit https://sourceforge.net/tracker/?func=detail&aid=3200354&group_id=317345&atid=1334694
  • Added a name field to Encounter class to improve reusability of encounter steps in multiple quests. Changed BootStrap to reflect this change.
  • Added LicenseAdminController: you can manage licenses for images (and later: other media objects)
  • Changed MobImage class to map n:m MobTemplates to MobImages. This is a more elegant solution to have one mob have several images.
  • Changed Image class and fight view to use direct URL instead of filename + hardcoded image path.
  • Added ImageAdminController: you can now manage images in LittleGoblin.

Version 0.1.47

  • Fixed: GetReward-Script croaks.
  • Fixed: Create new character fails.

Version 0.1.46 - 2011-02-23

  • Added Categories to ItemTypes and Shops.
  • Added CategoryAdminController
  • You can filter the items offered in the shop by multiple categories.
  • Renamed class User to UserAccount because “user” is a reserved word in PostgreSQL (and quoting the table name did not work).

Known Bugs:

  • GetReward-Script croaks.
  • Create new character fails.

Version 0.1.45 - 2011-01-16

  • Added TownAdminController.
  • Added ArtistAdminController.
  • Global config entries now may have a description.
  • Added GlobalConfigAdminController.
  • Added link to little goblin image on landing page.
  • Removed unnecessary class ShopTemplate.
  • Added DiceAdminController.
  • Added ShopOwnerAdminController.

Version 0.1.44 - 2011-01-06

  • Added GuildAdminController.
  • Improved usability on AcademyAdminController.

Version 0.1.43 - 2011-01-05

  • Fixed field type in UserProperty.
  • Added relation to ItemType in RequiredSlot.
  • Improved documentation.
  • Added AcademyAdminController.

Version 0.1.42 - 2011-01-03

  • Added mapping from image to artist class.
  • EquipmentSlots now belong to creatures.
  • Added administrative CRUD for EquipmentSlotType objects.
  • Fixed relational mapping between Features and ItemTypes.

Version 0.1.41 - 2010-12-05

  • Updated security system to grails core security plugin.
  • Added administrative CRUD for CombatAttributeType as a first admin-feature.

Version 0.1.40

  • Added logging messages during startup.
  • Moved highscores from landing page to their own page.
  • Added “Enter character name:” to start page so users will know what the text field is for.
  • Changed login link so player is redirected to character list after login.
  • Added logout link (placement is not optimal, but suffices for the moment).
  • Improved player’s starting page.
  • Added the basis of a simple help system.

Version 0.1.39 - 2010-10-20

  • Academies now only offer skills which are exactly the level of the player character.

Version 0.1.38

  • Added first version of crafting system.
  • Items have a location (currently: AT_HOME / ON_PERSON)
  • Items may be stackable.
  • Display stackable items correctly in Inventory
  • Improved code documentation
  • Fixed bug with logging code in script classes.
  • Fixed bug which prevented the “equip” action on items during combat.
  • Improved tests (which still fail due to unresolved canoo webtest <=> ajax issues)

Version 0.1.37 - 2010-08-22

  • Added API for cron process, which enables learning of skills after a given period of time has elapsed.
  • Combat Skills are factored into the fight calculations.
  • Show combat skills on character sheet.
  • Fixed bug where new characters could be created with arbitrary attribute values.

Version 0.1.36

  • Added Skills and SkillSets (which you can learn in the Academies) [working, but has no game effect yet]
  • Added LearningQueues for Skills.

Version 0.1.35 - 2010-07-18

  • Fixed bug where monster’s combatAttributes were not properly drawn from MobTemplate. https://sourceforge.net/tracker/?func=detail&aid=3027832&group_id=317345&atid=1334694
  • Moved from Prototype to jQuery (JavaScript library)
  • Added Academies (places to learn new skills)
  • Added Guilds (as organisations which grant access to academies and later on may enable crafting abilities)

Version 0.1.34

  • Added ChatterBox to Orders.
  • Added classes for skills and crafting. (Currently unfinished, but compiles)

Version 0.1.33 - 2010-07-03

  • Added MailBoxController and message system: Inbox, Outbox for player.
  • Move messages from Inbox / Outbox to Archive, delete messages (still needs a nice icon).
  • Added new file release on Sourceforge: https://sourceforge.net/projects/littlegoblin/files/

Version 0.1.32 - 2010-06-20

  • HTTP Session now caches PlayerCharacter id which should reduce passing around of the pc.id parameter.
  • Added GlobalConfigService: fetch global values (like: email of admin, price of coins, etc)
  • Added the concept of coins for Admins who wish to commercialize a game based upon LittleGoblin
  • Creatures (and PlayerCharacters) may now be male or female (or none).
  • Added Guilds, which are called Orders in LittleGoblin. Players can join/leave/create etc a guild.

Version 0.1.31 - 2010-06-15

  • Added PlayerMessages: Show the newest game events to the player.
  • Added reputation system. You can now gain or lose reputation levels with a faction.
  • Display reputation score and description on character sheet.
  • Added test factions dwarves and elves.
  • Added demo quest “A walk in the forest” to test reputation system.

Version 0.1.30 - 2010-06-12

  • Added DamageType “normal” to the short sword and long sword.
  • Added 2-handed Weapon long staff.
  • A user can create new characters.
  • New page: Character Sheet, available from town view.
  • Characters may have descriptions.
  • Fixed bug in Healing Potion.
  • Items may be used again.
  • First release of war file on Sourceforge.net for download.

Version 0.1.29 - 2010-06-12

  • Introduced AJAX: Shopping and equipping your character is now a lot easier.
  • Inventory and equipment is shown outside of combat.
  • Removed empty “Background” element on start page
  • Implemented option to sell items in the shop.

Version 0.1.28 - 2010-05-31

  • Fixed some HTML issues
  • Moved links to game status and imprint into left column to simplify layout

Version 0.1.27 - 2010-05-26

  • Filter solved quests from town view.
  • Reloading after server restart can lead to NPEs. Fixed some of those.
  • Added CombatAttributes: a weapon or creature (or PlayerCharacter) may have attacks modifiers now like a fire or cold attack.
  • CombatAttributes also are used to the enable resistance modifiers to specific attack types.
  • Added straw man quest
  • Added some weapons (torch, toothpick of death, fire whip, short sword, long sword)
  • Fixed StackOverflowError in equipItem action
  • Added WebTest for equipItem

Version 0.1.26 - 2010-05-24

  • Fixed HTML code
  • Fixed StaleObjectStateException bug (hopefully)
  • Added login name and password of test account to login screen.
  • Added new 3-column css layout, which looks ok (except on IE).

Version 0.1.25 - 2010-05-16

  • Added functionality for quests with branches.
  • Quests may have rewards.
  • QuestsSteps may allow the player to pick up items and deliver them.
  • Added link from shop back to town.
  • Added ugly crone quest.
  • QuestSteps may have EncounterScripts which are executed when the player has an encounter.

Version 0.1.24

  • refactoring of Item classes: moving them into their own package.
  • refactoring of Feature class: item features are no longer scripts (which are ugly to debug) but classes.
  • Test-Char Gobi starts the game with 20 gold.
  • ItemTypes have an availability (= chance of appearing in a shop)
  • added first webtest: ShopWebTest (which logs in and tests if it is possible to buy an item)
  • PC is resurrected when he re-enters the town, not upon starting a quest.
  • fixed layout on death page slightly.
  • added some more quests for testing.
  • improved layout of fight page (event messages do no longer fill up the whole screen).
  • fixed GRE when fleeing
  • fixed “combat unfinished after flight” bug (after login, user would be returned to the combat from which he ran away)
  • added info text on landing page (currently for schedim.de, where the test server is running)

Version 0.1.23 - 2010-04-19

  • added the first simple version of a shop. No inventory yet, but it can be selected in the town overview.

2010-04-18 Little Goblin goes to Sourceforge

Little Goblin is now a Sourceforge project

Currently I am setting up the project, importing the source code from my private Subversion repository and so on. v 0.1.22 - 2010-04-13

  • Show PC base data (HP, XP, Gold) in Town & Fight controller.
  • Render character and mob data from a template.
  • Added artist’s name and a link to the artist’s website for monster images.
  • Added: quest.description
  • The player is shown the quest description before he starts the quest.
  • Static images are now served from images.schedim.de (and are no longer included in the goblin.war)

Version 0.1.21

  • Changed to versions instead of iterations. Its more natural.
  • Quests have a level. A player is shown the top 10 quests for his current questlevel.
  • Changed from in-memory database to MySQL (Postgresql could not be installed on the server…)
  • Added Artist class + first image by Lucas Pandolfelli
  • MobImages may have height+width attribute set

2010-04-11

Wrote down some thoughts about where this games is going - something like a roadmap

;)

Iteration 20 - 2010-04-06

  • Added (very simple) town page
  • Added (very) basic quest infrastructure - it’s not much, but should work for the moment. You can start the (only) quest, fight the orc and return to town.

Iteration 19 - 2010-03-21 / published: 2010-04-06

  • A resurrected character is now restored to full health (instead of 10 HP).
  • Count a characters victories.

Iteration 18 - 2010-03-20 / published: 2010-04-06

  • MobTypes may have images.
  • Monsters get one random image on creation. If a creature has no image, a help message is shown.

Iteration 17 - 2010-03-16 / published: 2010-04-06

  • Creatures may have gold.
  • Items may have a gold value which is initialzed from the item type’s base value.

Intermezzo - 2010-03-26

no update for some time - system is currently being refactored to use towns and quests.

Those changes need to be in place all at once, because for example a town without a way to start a quest or a quest without a goal and some reward would not be very useful or no fun to playtest.

But to use Granny Weatherwax’ words: It ain’t dead.

Iteration 16 - 2010-03-15

  • Added death count to PlayerCharacter (and show on Highscore).
  • Fixed HTML on some pages (missing closing tag).
  • Adjusted CSS / layout on login page.
  • The effects of the healing potions now appear in the list of combat messages.
  • (config: visiting schedim.de does no longer present you with a login screen (i hope))

Iteration 15 - 2010-03-14

  • Fixed broken HTML (missing ‘body’ tag on some pages).
  • Added basic CSS stylesheet.
  • Added landing page.
  • Added ACEGI security plugin with registration & login.
  • Added EquipmentSlots (still without function, but initialized for each player character).
  • Added equipment - it is now possible to equip items (if appropriate).
  • Added Item “Leather cap” (currently without function except to test equipment).

Iteration 14 - 2010-03-12

No code update, but I created a couple of tasks and wrote a post about Artwork needed for Little Goblin

Iteration 13 - 2010-03-09

  • Creatures now have maxHp (before, there was only one variable “hp”)
  • Added a new Item: Potion of Healing
  • Items can have features now (which are little Groovy scriplets)
  • Items can have a number of uses.
  • Items may be rechargable (otherwise, they are destroyed once they have been used).
  • Items have a type (before, each user would have received the same items. Now, new items are instantiated whenever treasure is found).
  • Added an imprint page (for legal reasons)

Iteration 12 - 2010-03-07

  • Added 6 Monsters for a little variety.
  • Show combat messages on death and victory screens so you can see the last event of a fight.
  • Fixed bug where combat messages were saved out of order which made it look like a dead char was still fighting.

Iteration 11 - 2010-02-28 - inventory

  • user now starts with a list of characters and may choose one of them to fight. Currently: 1 available.
  • show inventory during fight

Iteration 10 - /2010-02-24/ item

  • added the first test item
  • added TreasureService class, which will return a list of items for a mob. Currently: always return the one and only item available.
  • use Subversion for Version Control.

Iteration 9 - /2010-02-24/ fix db

  • show current iteration # on each page
  • cleaned up domain classes (Dice is no longer serialized but a proper domain class now)

Iteration 8 -/2010-02-23/ configure

  • Configured logging correctly. Debugging is much easier when you can actually see what happens.
  • Added this page.
  • Configured apache for new domain (schedim.de). As soon as the DNS records are updated, it should function as a reverse proxy for the Jetty server on this machine.

Iteration 7

  • Installed Jetty6 on dewarim.com
  • Uploaded goblin.war - though it does not redirect properly yet. Probably needsd mod_jk

Iteration 6

Groundwork: added classes:

  • Item, ItemType
  • Character.slots + EquipmentSlot

The new classes are currently without functionality.

Iteration 5

  • added cause of death to highscore

Iteration 4

  • moved CombatMessages relation to Combat class.
  • CombatMessages are displayed in i18n-version
  • unsolved: logging does not work.

Iteration 3

  • Added MobTemplate so it’s possible to have more than one Monster of a given type. Also, it is now possible to individualize monsters.
  • Added relation Character - 1..n - CombatMessages to store CMs along with the character.

Iteration 2

Automatic refresh of fight-page. Problem to solve:

<meta http-equiv="refresh" content="5;URL=/goblin/fight/fight?pc=${pc.id}&mob=${mob.id}"/>

does work,

<meta http-equiv="refresh" content="5;URL=/goblin/fight/fight?pc=${pc.id};mob=${mob.id}"/>

does not work - error message: (Provided id of the wrong type for class de.dewarim.goblin.Character. Expected: class java.lang.Long, got class java.lang.String)

Iteration 1

Basic Functionality

  • You start the game with a goblin. You can fight one monster, Ork.
  • Both you and your opponent have the same chance of winning.
  • You can flee at any time, in which case you will be send back to the start page, where you can start a new fight, being completely healed.
  • Winning a fight will net you 1 experience point.
  • Loosing a fight will gain you an entry in the highscore list, which is sorted according to experience points.
  • No matter if you loose or win, the game will start over and you can gain more experience points. Between fights, both combatants are set to 10 hit points.