The Tao of Soccer
TOS is a multi-player real time soccer simulation game. In this game, human controlled soccer players compete with or cooperate with AI controlled soccer players. The game is implemented in Java using client-server architecture.
A soccer server sets up a virtual soccer field, simulates all players and a ball, and enforces the laws of the game.
Two kinds of clients can be served by the soccer server. They are players and viewers. Each kind of client can either be a GUI accepting human interaction or an AI program, which can not be distinguished by the soccer server. The server communicates with clients by exchanging LISP-like ASCII strings over UDP sockets. This means that developers can develop clients and even a soccer server by using any type of programming language which has UDP and ASCII string utilities.
As a player client, it receives the visual and auditory sensor information from the soccer server, and sends control and communication commands to the server.
As a viewer client, it receives the visual and auditory sensor information from the soccer server, and sends only communication commands to the server.
The game is written for different interest groups. First of all, soccer fans can play it on-line with their friends, to improve their team strategy and to better understand the tao of their favourite sport game. Secondly, researchers in AI and Robotics can use it as a test-bed for human-machine mixed multi-agent systems research. Thirdly, students who are interested in computer science/engineering can write AI programs for soccer players to improve their programming skills.