Ambient: The Multiplayer Game Engine

Re:Ambient: The Multiplayer Game Engine by modeless on Thursday February 23, 2023 @02:22AM (#34907800)

> The compiled assets are always streamed to clients, so that they can immediately start playing without having to download all of the content first.

I think there's a real opportunity here, if done well. It should be feasible to get initial load times down to single digit seconds, https://venge.io style, but then with progressive enhancement to AAA level graphics assets. I think that could be disruptive.

Load times on most games are ridiculously huge especially if you include download/install times, which you should, and not just initially but for patches too. There's no fundamental reason it needs to be so slow, and I think the industry is underestimating how much it's collectively costing them.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ambient: The Multiplayer Game Engine by bootloop on Thursday February 23, 2023 @03:40AM (#34908293)

This is what I didn't understand about Google Stadia. I thought they will make gaming bigger in Youtube and automatically show a "play now" button next to the video. Maybe even the possibility to join the game of the streamer. It would work in an instant without download.

And because you have control over the game you can give everyone a hour or so free demo time, only then they need an abo.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ambient: The Multiplayer Game Engine by modeless on Thursday February 23, 2023 @11:53AM (#34912996)

Yeah, Stadia's load times were still bad, it was silly. And they didn't streamline entry into most games so you'd still be watching publisher logos, pressing Start to continue, navigating menus, logging in, accepting additional clickthrough license agreements, etc. What a farce that was.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ambient: The Multiplayer Game Engine by Tossrock on Thursday February 23, 2023 @05:49AM (#34908992)

This is how Roblox has worked for more than a decade. Note the valuation.

[ Parent | on HN ]