Gather_u

A real-time multiplayer RPG game built with modern web technologies, featuring character selection, world exploration, and live player interactions.

🎮 Overview

Gather_u is a browser-based multiplayer RPG where players can create characters, explore different worlds, and interact with other players in real-time. The game features a retro pixel art style with 16x16 character sprites and tile-based environments.

🏗️ Architecture

The project follows a client-server architecture:

Client (/client)

• Framework: Svelte + TypeScript + Vite
• Game Engine: Phaser.js for 2D game rendering and physics
• Styling: Component-scoped CSS
• Build Tool: Vite for fast development and optimized builds

Server (/server)

• Runtime: Node.js + TypeScript
• Web Framework: Express.js for HTTP endpoints
• Real-time Communication: WebSocket for live player interactions
• Database: Redis for session management and real-time data
• Architecture: RESTful API + WebSocket events

🚀 Features (In Development)

• Character System: Multiple character classes with unique sprites
• World Exploration: Tile-based maps with collision detection
• Real-time Multiplayer: Live player movement and interactions
• User Management: Player authentication and character persistence
• Responsive UI: Modal-based interface for game interactions

🛠️ Tech Stack

Component	Technology
Frontend	Svelte, TypeScript, Phaser.js
Backend	Node.js, Express.js, TypeScript
Real-time	WebSockets (ws library)
Database	Redis
Build Tools	Vite, TSC
Development	Hot Module Replacement (HMR)

📁 Project Structure

Gather_u/
├── client/                 # Frontend Svelte application
│   ├── src/
│   │   ├── components/     # Reusable UI components
│   │   ├── lib/           # Shared utilities and components
│   │   ├── scripts/       # Game logic and Phaser scenes
│   │   └── assets/        # Static assets
│   ├── public/            # Public static files
│   ├── assets/            # Game assets (sprites, maps, etc.)
│   ├── package.json
│   ├── vite.config.js
│   └── svelte.config.js
└── server/                # Backend Node.js application
    ├── src/
    │   ├── models/        # Data models
    │   ├── types/         # TypeScript type definitions
    │   ├── routes/        # API routes
    │   └── res/           # Server resources
    ├── package.json
    └── tsconfig.json

🎨 Assets

The game uses Creative Commons licensed 16x16 pixel art sprites for characters, providing a nostalgic retro gaming experience. Map tiles and UI elements follow the same aesthetic.

🔧 Development Status

This project is currently in active development. Core systems being implemented include:

• ✅ Basic client-server communication
• ✅ Character sprite rendering
• ✅ WebSocket connection handling
• ✅ Player movement and physics
• 🔄 User authentication
• 🔄 Scaling
• ⏳ World persistence
• ⏳ Combat system
• ⏳ Inventory management
• ⏳ Chat system

🚦 Getting Started

Documentation for setup and development will be added as the project progresses.

📄 License

This project uses various assets under Creative Commons licenses. See individual asset directories for specific licensing information.

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This project is a work in progress. Features and documentation will be updated as development continues.