ELECTROTANK UNIVERSE PLATFORM (EUP)

Increase Revenue Opportunities

• EUP’s abundant and flexible variety of virtual goods leads to greater selling opportunities. Clothes, animations, recipes, ingredients, furnishings, roles, abilities. EUP gives you more and better things to sell.
• Questing and crafting capabilities give users more reasons to want virtual goods and more opportunities to use them in a valued fashion.
• Player-to-player trade, currency systems, rewards systems, and vendor solutions increase virtual goods visibility, and accelerate the utilization and velocity of commerce.

Earn revenues faster
EUP can cut months off the production timeline, helping you get the most out of your development resources. Faster time to market means faster time to revenue.

Reduced Expenses

Add and extend features economically
Virtual worlds and MMOs either evolve or die out. For many games, adding or improving upon features can be extremely costly. In many cases, when adding unplanned features or extending existing features in unexpected ways, developers need to overhaul the entire underlying architectures and rebuild components or even whole systems from scratch. With EUP, this is never the case because EUP has been architected from the ground up for extensibility.

Avoid the costs of expanding your dev team
Many game studios simply lack the necessary in-house server-side developer expertise they need to successfully execute Flash or Unity MMOs or virtual worlds. The process of identifying and hiring outside talent diverts precious resources from studio leadership and often yields unsatisfying results. EUP minimizes the server-side developer resources required for a project. Additionally, where needed, Electrotank can help fill the gaps with proven professional services.

Decrease the cost of adding game content
For most Flash and Unity games, the addition of new game content requires substantial (and costly) developer labor. EUP's rigorously designed and real-world tested content components, like the Questing Framework and Crafting System, slash the resources required to add game content. Content tools make it possible for even non-developers to integrate sophisticated game content independently  with no developer assistance or labor required.

Minimize the cost of testing new features
New game features require frequent and ongoing developer testing. In order to test new features or content, new code and content must be integrated, compiled and deployed with all of the moving pieces of a project of this nature: database, server-side code, client-side code and content repositories. Building and deploying all of this can be time intensive – in many projects an hour or more for each test and deployment. And when multiplied by the number times the system must be tested, and the number of people who have to do the testing, these hours really add up. EUP has an extremely efficient build and deploy system that cuts this time to approximately ten minutes. With a five person dev team this can easily save 60 or more developer hours (>$3,000) per week.

Manage Risk

Draw on experience
How much specific real world experience does the team designing your application architecture have building virtual worlds or MMOs with sophisticated features? Electrotank has 10 years of experience bulding 300+ browser-based multi-player games and numerous feature-rich virtual worlds. All of that experience has been applied to EUP. Our pain is your gain.

Be prepared for change
What happens when you want to add a critical new feature that was unplanned in your initial spec? Frequently, MMO and virtual world game architects lack the experience necessary to design a truly extensible system. Understandably, even expert developers will commonly fail to anticipate system requirements for previously unplanned or uncommunicated features. When requirements change, the result is costly redesigns and rebuilds of underlying systems, often touching many pieces of the application. Electrotank has incorporated the hard lessons we learned from hands-on game design into to create a system architecture that anticipates and accomodates changes to your project, expected or otherwise.

Avoid hitting a wall as you scale
Will your project perform at scale? How much budget will you have spent on your application before you find out? Performance of a new application at scale is very difficult to ascertain if you don't have all of your system's components in place. EUP’s system components benefit from proven compatibility and performance, assuring developers from the moment development begins that scalability will not be an issue.

It’s the user experience, stupid
How do you know that your game performance will hold up when there are 15 avatars on screen, after you’ve made it possible for avatars to wear hundreds of thousands of outfit permutations, perform dozens of animations, and interact with thousands of animated objects? There’s only one way, and that is to utilize a system architecture that has been fully developed and tested: EUP.

Server-side Architecture

ES4 - ElectroServer

ES4 is the high performance socket layer of EUP. It accepts thousands of inbound client connections and intelligently routes messages between them. EUP is integrated with ElectroServer via the extension feature, which allows for custom code to work within ElectroServer.

EUP (ES4 Extension)
Extensions are a feature of ES4 that enables developers to add custom functionality. Most of the server-side portion of EUP was created as an ES4 extension. Through this extension EUP is able to process and send messages via the transaction engine, interact with the database as needed, and run logic.

Data Access Layer & Metadata Support
This layer simplifies database access and allows users to extend any entity in the system with custom fields, using Java code. This is a unique advantage of EUP. Developers can modify data and seamlessly integrate custom fields without having to make any direct edits to the database. Metadata can be as sophisticated as desired without requiring changes to underlying EUP data structures.

High Performance Protocol Engine (Protogen)
This is a framework to support creating protocol specific objects dynamically via a simple declaration file. Protocol message objects (client and server) and their codecs are generated by EUP, saving developers significant time and effort.

Event Framework
This allows the server to listen for specific events and run custom code as a result. These events can be the result of a client transaction such as client requesting to buy an item, or they can be server-generated events such as detecting when an avatar has completed a quest. Listening for these events allows developers to make things happen based on known events.

Transaction Engine
The Transaction engine on the server handles inbound requests from the client, passes them to the appropriate transaction, then sends the appropriate response to the client. This framework allows users to employ EUP's 65+ built-in transactions or to develop custom transactions to perform any action. For example, a user may request to send an in-game mail message to another user. This would result in a response to the requester indicating if the send was a success, and an event to the recipient indicating a new message has been received. Combined with the entities framework and Protogen, creating transactions and wiring them up takes very little time because Protogen automatically handles the wiring of actual protocol messages to the transaction.

Entities Framework
An entity is an object that has some meaning in EUP or in a specific EUP implementation. For example, an avatar is an entity that contains properties that describe a specific avatar (name, inventory, etc). Entities are represented on the server and the client and are automatically serialized/deserialized via the client and server, making it easy for developers to work with them.

Content Tools (AIR Application)
These tools are used to configure EUP, manage content, and provide administrative abilities. They provide a one stop place for almost all content management, and can be set up with different access levels for different users. Here are some examples:

• Configuring EUP - Add new types of an entity. If you decide to start selling hats then you would create a new hat type of item.
• Managing content - Content, such as which hats are now available for sale, can be added, edited, or deleted with these tools. Vast amounts and types of content that can be managed here, from world maps to quests and more.
• Administrative abilities - These tools allow information about each account and each avatar to be viewed and edited.

Web Server
The web server is used to contain all files related to the final deployed application. This includes things like the Flash or Unity client to download, map files, and images and sounds used throughout the experience. The tools also use the web server for managing assets.

Render Server
There are several ways to handle avatar construction. One of the most flexible ways requires that avatars be assembled on-demand on the server. In some cases they may be rendered directly from 3D models, and in other cases they may be assembled using pre-existing images. The render server accepts a request from a client for the assets needed to display an avatar, and fulfills that request based on the needs of the application. Not only does using the render server give you access to some complex layering abilities in an avatar, but it takes the human element out of most of the process, both minimizing the potential for graphical errors and automating the creation of the bulk of avatar content.

Client-side (AS3) Architecture

EUP AS3 Client - This is the API client developers use to communicate with EUP. It handles client-server transactions and manages certain things automatically such as the state of an avatar's inventory or the current state (logged in/ logged off) of each entry in a friends list. Developers will quickly find themselves at home here since it is the gateway to most of EUP and is easy to use.

ES4 Client API
The EUP AS3 Client uses this at a lower level to handle the actual sending and receiving of all messages. Since EUP is built on top of ES4, this layer is needed. There may be rare times that a developer needs direct access to ElectroServer. When that time comes a reference to the ElectroServer API is accessible through the EUP AS3 Client.

Sound Manager
The sound manager is used to group and play sounds in a convenient and memory-friendly way. Sounds that are in a group can have their volume and pan settings controlled at once. The sound manager makes it easy for developers to work with audio.

High Speed Isometric Rendering Engine
Enjoy fast and smoothly rendered animations in large scrolling areas with low overhead and high frame rates. EUP's system draws a conceptual bubble around avatars and notifies any entity or system of other activity within that bubble, facilitating proximity-based asset loading and unloading. By using this renderer you benefit from years of rendering engine optimization that make this the highest performance Flash isometric engine available.

Avatar Renderer
This is a flexible piece of EUP that loads sprite sheets, dices them up, and stores the avatar information for later access. The playback of an animated avatar is not necessarily a linear sprite sheet, but rather allows flexibility to jump from key frame to key frame in whatever order or duration you define (via EUP's Content Tools). The obvious benefit to using this system is the ability to minimize the byte size of an avatar animation through intelligent use of playback sequences.

Lightweight Module Framework
In large-scale web applications it is often smart to divide the application into various smaller pieces that can be loaded in as needed. These pieces are called modules. This framework makes it easy to implement a modular design, allowing multiple developers to work on the application with fewer conflicts and making the system more easily extensible.

Transaction API (client side)
The Transaction API allows the client to send requests to the server and process server responses and server events. The responses and events lead to actual code events that can be captured by the client if needed. The EUP AS3 Client processes many transactions internally to automatically manage things like inventory for the avatar currently logged in, and that avatar's friend list.

Asset Loader
In practice there are dozens to hundreds of files that need to be loaded during a single experience. The Asset Loader provides a way for these files to be loaded or prioritized for loading. It gives one single API for loading any file type needed, removing the common headache of loading multiple file types.

Localization Framework
This provides a way for the application to be localized into as many languages as needed. Unique IDs are given to individual text entries. In code, the text is added via the localization API based on an ID. At run time the text for the appropriate language is loaded and used. Localization content is managed via the content tools so that it can easily fit into a company's content management pipeline.

Efficient Communication Layer
EUP utilizes binary protocol for maximum efficiency. This includes a binary map that is automatically compressed. Items contain binary headers to reduce load times. Both of these features ensure rapid entry into the world and the best user experience possible.

Situation Specific Data Mapping
This framework utilizes java annotations to enable the dynamic representation of multiple “views” of a single entity based on content.

Per User Security Controls
This extensible security feature is based on a structure in which every transaction in the system has customizable groups that can execute it. A user is tied to those groups upon login.

Integrated Login Capability
A generic login process that can be integrated with existing login systems to support single sign on, including an LDAP or remote database.

eCommerce Hooks
EUP’s underlying architecture makes implementation of tiered subscriptions, virtual goods and commerce simple. Event hooks inside the system allow for easy integration with external services.

Proximity Loading of Items, Avatars & Chat
This is the powerful ability to draw a conceptual bubble around avatars and notify any entity or system of other activity within that bubble broadcasting notifications about world items, other avatars, NPCs, etc. This enables massive scrolling world areas without degrading the user experience. It also allows for more efficient use of bandwidth optimization and greater use of unique world features.

Powerful Eventing System
Developers can extend EUP by listening for events that the system fires on the server in order to respond to or veto the actions of a player. One example would be hooking into the proximity bubble.

Customizable User & Shared Spaces
Users can individually or jointly place, relocate, customize and interact with items and features in shared or privately controlled rooms or areas. The system allows for definition of security rules and behavior concerning avatar and item interactions within the context of specified virtual spaces. This allows a group or groups of users (defined as granularly as desired) to jointly share and manage shared rooms with items.

Vendors
EUP's vendor system supports item asset categories, inventory tracking, pricing and restock behaviors.

Comprehensive Item Structure
Items are anything that can be owned, traded, mailed, or placed in world. EUP provides a generic framework that supports trading, rendering, transporting, locating and customizing any item.

UGC
With EUP, players can create extensively customized unique items (clothing, furnishings, props, etc.) that can be instantly integrated with existing model animations on the fly. These items can be traded, worn, sold or used like any other items in the system.

Avatar System and Inventory
Customized states, inventory, items, currency, quests and crafting are all supported by EUP's approach to avatars and inventory. The inventory system supports the capacity for item types and to be associated with locations on the avatar or in the world. States (Muddy, Frozen, etc) can be configured based on event, proximity or location.

Item Spawning
EUP allows for the placement of items at specific locations in the world that dynamically spawn based on an easily configurable algorithm.

Full Mail System with Attachment Support
The system offers a robust mail system, with the ability to send in-game player-to-player mail or system generated mail, including support for attachments.

Automatic Instancing
EUP has the ability to automatically instance an area view, and create copies of it as needed based on configurable capacity settings.

Dynamic Questing Framework
This is a generic, yet flexible system that allows you to develop database-driven user quests with minimal custom code.
A quest is defined as a series of tasks with a goal and reward, and can be chained to other quests.

Chat System & Filtering
Benefit from a deeply developed system for list and open private and public chat. EUP includes a modular, customizable, distributable, real-time filtering system, including a pre-built expression filters, Bayesian filters, black lists and white lists. Each filter can be independently designed and built, and then tied to a larger chain of filters in such a way that if desired it can be distributed across multiple machines on a cloud like Amazon’s EC2.

Currency
Points and/or money can be easily tied to an avatar, items and vendors items.

Crafting
Avatars can invoke "recipes" they have purchased or earned to create world items, clothing, etc. if they possess the prerequisite consumable and non-consumable ingredients. Specific recipes can be tied to avatar types, and if desired, invocation can be limited based on proximity to world objects.

In-Game Moderation
A Powerful lightweight console that allows in-game moderators to exercise whatever abilities and rights they are granted. Typically these would be the ability to teleport, kick or ban players, grant or rescind items or abilities, and invoke or revoke game privileges.

Avatar Animation Editor
Animation Editor is an incredibly powerful tool for manipulating and customizing avatar animations, allowing content integrators to optimize visual experience and file size easily. A simple, drag-and-drop interface provides exceptional flexibility and control. Without requiring the use of a 3D content creation software or animators, Animation Editor gives your content integration team the ability to specify the point of view used to generate sprite sheets, sequence and customize frames from the sprite sheets, specify frame duration, loop, preview and deploy animations, among other features.

Map Editor
Map Editor gives non-developers unparalleled access to the utilities needed to create and manage deeply engaging world areas without having to interact directly with other aspects of the system. Via the Map Editor, content managers can quickly and easily create world areas, add and edit multi-layered backgrounds, and modify elements of the isometric grid to direct and shape game play. The interface also allows users to place items within areas, convert static items into dynamic world items, and incorporate elements like quests, teleports, item spawn points, animated objects and interactive locations into a project. The tool also displays an outlined view of the map universe, providing a detailed visualization of the inner layers within each world.

Item Editor
Item Editor provides a highly functional, easy-to-use interface for creating, editing and managing all aspects of in-world items in the game. The Item Editor presents all items available in the database in an intuitive interface. Content editors can create new items and view and edit any number of key properties of existing items, such as item type, locale, and associated image assets, as well as any custom properties. The interface also allows content managers to quickly specify the key properties required to integrate world items into a map.

Quest Editor
The Quest Editor helps drive a richer gaming experience by facilitating rapid development of in-game quests. Via a simple interface, users can quickly designate who can join a quest, specify the prerequisites required to join, allow for granting of any items required, set out the tasks or sequence of tasks that make up the quest, and designate whether items from the quest are destroyed after use or persist, among other features. The tool incorporates over a dozen prebuilt tasks (touching a world item, coming in close proximity to a world item, speaking and/or trading with non-player characters, etc.) that enrich the questing experience. Additional task types can be customized for your project.

Recipe Tool
Recipes enrich the gaming experience by allowing users to gather sets of items that when combined can generate rewards or other game items. The Recipe Tool provides a streamlined interface for creating and editing recipes and the properties that govern them, for example the type and quantity of inputs, whether those inputs are destroyed upon use, and the type and quantity of outputs.

Badges Tool
The Badges Tool allows users to define achievement-based awards and status, and to input graphical assets associated with those achievements. The tool provides a single view through which every player’s achievement data can be viewed, created, edited, and deleted, and allows for the creation of rewards or badges that highlight those achievements, providing greater player incentive for deeper engagement. The tool is highly flexible, allowing rewards to be grouped by activity, organized hierarchically, assigned to specific locales, and previewed prior to implementation.

Emotes Manager
The Emotes Manager is a highly practical tool to manage emoticons used by players in chat. Content integrators can create, delete, and edit emotes and data related to emotes, including animations, keystrokes, and localized content.

The Avatar Admin
The Avatar Admin Tool manages all aspects of an avatar, from creating a new avatar for an account, to viewing and editing player character data, to removing avatars from the system. Via this window, managers can view and edit core properties related to the avatar, such as the related account, character statistics, ban histories, the avatar’s location, items in the character’s inventory, social relationships, groups and group privileges, and other custom properties.

Locale Editor
Locale Editor is a real-time localization management tool that simplifies, organizes, and accelerates translation of game content for local audiences. As new game content is added anywhere in the system, Locale Editor automatically pulls in text strings requiring localization into a single, easy-to-use workspace through which translators can translate, edit and publish content real-time as well as track and filter translation projects by status. Locale Editor can also be configured to flag misspelled translations, drawing on dictionaries that can be pulled into the tool using Adobe’s AIR tool, Squiggly.

Role Privileges Editor
Role Privileges Editor is a highly flexible and efficient tool for managing and administering roles and permissions available to your content and operations teams via EUP’s tool suite. The Role Privileges Editor provides a single interface through which content management roles, and the tools and permissions they require, can be customized to your team’s setup. Access to tools, and the depth of permissions allowed (i.e., view only, or “add and delete” access) can also be assigned, revoked, and edited in real time, giving maximum flexibility in managing the workflow behind your project, whether your team is in-house or scattered around the globe.

Data Manager
The Data Manager Tool is a streamlined administration tool that gives unfiltered access to all available entities on the system. Through a single interface, users can create and delete entities on the system, as well as edit key properties of each entity. As such the data manager tool provides a highly practical tool for managing low-level aspects of all entities on the system without the assistance of a database administrator or Java developer.