Pitcher's Duel is a simulation focusing on the one-on-one contest between a batter and a pitcher in the sport of Baseball. Will include both against-the-computer and networked interplayer variations.
One measure of success in whether we simulate the experience is the 'flinch test'. If the batting user flinches at seeing a fast ball coming to the plate, the simulation is a success.
The game presentation will use 3D graphics for the pitcher and batter roles; tentatively, the interface will support optional require Stereoscopic display, such as LCD glasses technology. (how can you optimally represent/simulate the batters view without depth perception?) The pitcher control will be via a GUI point-and-click interface, and the batter's control will be via a joystick or mouse operation. See PitchingPage and BattingPage for more detail.
The rest of the game, including fielding and baserunning, will be minimally represented (2D graphics) with no more complexity than to provide context for the pitcher-batter confrontation; Pitchers pitch and batters bat differently with runners on base than without. See the SimulationScope page for more.
The principal language used will be Python, and we intend to use:
- [Pygame], an SDL library
- [PyOpenGL], an OpenGL library
- For network functionality, we may use [Networking for Pygame] (a new project), or [Twisted]. See PausingReactor? for more on networking.
[eD3D stereo glasses] technology
The network play will be very tolerant of slow connection speeds; the basic game design is fashioned to avoid any need for close tolerance timing between player operations. The interplayer networking functionality does not require a server other than the two contestant machines. Eventually, we will provide a league-server to manage leagues for interplayer competition, and maintain statistics.
Target platforms will include MS Windows, and others as practical. None of our indicated libraries and prerequisite technologies are MS only.
As a subordinate project within Pitchers Duel, a 'pure python' engine has been developed and released as SPyRE. See the [SPyRE docs].
Obstacles include:
Finding or implementing an animation engine in Python.
Securing the source against manipulation (cheating) for interplayer play.
Your comments or assistance are appreciated. If you would like to get involved in this project, let me know what you can offer and what involvement you want. The project particularly needs artists.
You can find current progress notes at the [Pitcher's Duel Weblog].
Email me at: dkeeney at travelbyroad dot net [mailto-link]
David Keeney
