The Back End
HvZ is more complicated than assasins or tag, and it needs a complex game system to manage it.
Every group that we know of that plays HvZ uses an internet solution to manage their game - software called the Back End.
The core functions of an application that runs yor game of HvZ must be:
- Ability for players to register, and enter contact information like e-mail address
- Ability for players to learn who else is playing, so humans know who to avoid and zombies know who to tag
- Ability for Zombies to enter a tag into the website
- Ability for a tag to feed more than one zombie
- Starvation timer for each zombie, telling them how long they have to live before starving
- Ability to adjust player profiles and starvation timers to fit game events and plot
Some schools have added advanced features like in-game messaging, maps of tags on campus, photos of players, and forums. These features all add to the player experience.
What You Need
In order to get your back end running, you need server space, you need a domain (.com name), and you need the code to run the game.
Some schools pay for these resources on their own, and have CS students at their school code a unique application. This can be expensive, and take months to develop.
HvZ SOURCE
HvZ SOURCE is a game hosting service and bitchin' back-end that we, the creators of the HvZ game, will give to you, the mods, for free.
We will give you free server space (hosting), a free domain (YourSchool.HvZSource.com), and, most important, the awesometacular HvZ Game Engine.
HvZ Source has all of the rockin features above, plus, it tracks player statistics across multiple games, helps you create and manage missions, and gives your players places to talk about strategy.
SOURCE is more than a game engine - it is a community of players ready to help you get your game started and solve your problems. It's a service that we're really proud of, and really happy to give to you. For free.
When you're through with this guide, fill out this form, and we'll hook you up.
Step 6: Set Up Your Software And Open Registration
Once your game is planned out, you've cleared everything with your administration, and the dates are locked in... it's GO TIME. Get your game online with HvZ SOURCE or your own hosting solution.
If you choose the Do-It-Yourself solution, there are two programs (Karl vs. Zombies, and TurboHvZ) which an experienced sysadmin can install and run on a server. You'll find these free game engines hosted on HumansVsZombies.org.
If you make your own software, we'd love to hear about it, and offer it for free on our site. You know where to reach us.
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