Script your own AI in the MMO RTS game Screeps

As far as unique ideas go, Screeps has got my attention. It claims it's an MMO RTS where you the player actually script your units AI. The scripting is done via Javascript, so people who know a fair bit will obviously do a lot better than people who know a small amount.

I sure hope they know what they are doing, this could easily open them up to security issues if they aren't careful. Still, it's a fantastic idea to help people learn programming while playing a game.

It has an odd funding method too, you pay for the game itself which comes with 30 days of "CPU subscription". After that expires, you will be limited to "10 CPU" in the online mode. Even after reading the developer try to explain this CPU limit I am still confused, here's what they said on the Steam forum:

QuoteThe Steam version provides lifetime MMO access with 10 CPU limit, which is enough for running a small colony with a few rooms. If you want to expand more than that, you'd need to buy a subscription. The subscription cost is the same for all players, there is no way to pay more to gain more advantages.

Eventually it will have local servers, so you can play in your own worlds. They are also planning to open source their "world engine", which is pretty sweet.

About the game
It is a MMO RTS sandbox game for programmers, wherein the core mechanic is programming your units AI. With all the attributes of a full-fledged strategy game, you control your colony by writing real JavaScript which operate 24/7 in the single persistent world filled by other players on par with you.

Your colony can harvest resources, build units, conquer territory, trade with another colonies. As you conquer more territory, your influence in the game world grows, as well as your abilities to expand your footprint. However, it requires a lot of effort on your part, since multiple players may aim at the same territory.

Screeps is developed for people with programming skills. Unlike some other RTS games, your units in Screeps can react to events without your participation – provided that you have programmed them properly. And, unlike other MMO, you do not have to play Screeps constantly to play well. It is quite enough just to check once in a while to see if everything goes well.

Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.