Merchant Empires

Merchant Empires is a PHP - Python - PostgreSQL multiplayer web browser based game of strategy, role-playing, combat and trade and is loosely based on both Trade Wars and Space Merchant games.

The Merchant Empires code stands as a dated but functional example of what is required to write a multiplayer, web-based game, with all source code provided. Some games based in this code are: Dont Panic Merchant Empires (DPME), Samus Merchant Empires (SME), DCSG and UniverseRPG.

History

Bryan Brunton create and run this game during the years 2000 to 2001. Also wrote the game in order to learn PHP, Python and web technologies. The game at that time was fairly popular with as many as 500 active players.

APME project continues the development of Merchant Empires, coded originally by Bryan Brunton.

The AdvancedPowers development team has launched severals rounds of Merchant Empires, between them, "Generation 4.5" on December 19th, 2003; "Profit & Prey" on August 9th, 2004; "The Price of Power" on June 1st, 2005; "The Spoils of War" on July 29, 2006; "Crossroads of Destiny" on 2007; "Phoenix Factor" actually running since July 7th, 2008.

Gameplay

Choose from one of five detailed races--the warrior Mawlor, the merchant Vinoan, the scientist Paragon, the secretive Xollian, or the insectoid Zyck'lirg.

Explore a vast galaxy, with hundreds of star systems and thousands of planets. Build a base of operations; buy and sell almost fifty different types of goods to create and control trade routes; establish a centre for scientific and weapons research. Pilot one of almost one hundred ships in fleet warfare; co-ordinate attacks on rival bases; mine up space lanes; or prowl through deep space on the hunt for enemy warships.

Play alone, or in alliances with up to one hundred other players. Be a trader, or a warrior. Build up your own small area, or be an empire-builder. Be a lone wolf, or be a Fleet Commander.

Be the scum of the universe or a hero of the Empire... the Merchant Empires universe has it all.

Gold Memberships

Players arent in anyway required to donate money but any donations are apperciated and donating does get players a little Gold membership icon next to the name as well as a few links more easily accessible from the current sector screen instead of having to use the technology screen (most notably Dss MkII). Buying a Gold Membership (GM) is a voluntary way to support Merchant Empires and help pay for server costs, this is the main way of supporting the Merchant Empires game. The money gained by buying GMs is used to cover server running costs (electricity, replacement parts for broken down equipment, ISP bills) and for server upgrades. The Development and Administrative Teams work on the game in their own free time, for no pay so players can to thank them for it there is this option for helping out.

Rules

MerchantEmpires is monitored by Game Helpers and Game Administrators each of whom have the duties to help any player and the rights to ban any player suspected of misconduct and violation of the rules. APME game rules

Players are generally informed of news and other things such as changes in rules or new versions through 3 places:

* IRC:

# IRC Web-based
# Main channel #me and Help channel #help
# Server irc.advancedpowers.com and/or irc.us.advancedpowers.com

* The Forums

# APME Forum
# APME Old Forum

* The Newspaper in-game

Main Menu

See Also

Main Menu