"Ensuring Fair Play and Unit Balance in Realm Rumble"

Author: Miguel Martinez Olivares

Posted on: 10/06/2023

The Problem

This week, I encountered some significant issues while working on Realm Rumble. The first was ensuring that the host player couldn't start building until the second player was ready to maintain a fair gameplay experience. The second issue was balancing the early game for dwarves and elves. Dwarves could initially place two barracks compared to the elves' one, creating an imbalance. Both issues were critical as they directly impacted the end user's experience and could lead to unfair advantages or frustrations during gameplay.

 Problem Solution

Fair Play Mechanism:

The issue arose because the host player could start building immediately after launching the game, while the second player had to wait for the connection. To solve this, I implemented a ready-check system. Both players now have to confirm they are ready before the building phase begins, ensuring a fair start.

Unit Balance:

The dwarves had an early-game advantage by being able to place two barracks, compared to the elves' one. To balance this, I increased the strength of the elven warriors to make them more competitive. This adjustment ensures that both races have a fair shot at winning, enhancing the game's strategic depth.

Collision Fixes:

Additionally, I reduced the collision sizes for units and buildings. Previously, some units were getting stuck or couldn't navigate through tight spaces, causing gameplay disruptions. The new collision metrics have resolved these issues.

These solutions significantly improve the end user's experience by ensuring fair play and a balanced game, making Realm Rumble more engaging and competitive.