Hi all. I have found this little trick to pass data to my game via the URL. I use it in tests to skip to a scene or to set a variable. Note it uses *script.
*create jump_to_scene ""
*script var jump_to_scene=new URLSearchParams(window.location.search).get("scene"); if (jump_to_scene) {this.stats.jump_to_scene = jump_to_scene}
*if jump_to_scene = "<YOUR SCENE>"
*set <VARIABLES YOU MAY NEED>
*gosub_scene <YOUR SCENE>
I have tested this locally and on dashingdon. This link, for instance, sets the game size, skipping the initial choice.
Hi @Charles_Parkes, those were not real links, but only examples on how to use the concept. I updated the post to clarify this, and added a real example.
The ability to pass data into the app could be used in a million ways:
Low-tech state saving: encode the state in a URL and bookmark it. The app may show something like: to get to this point, use this URL:
URL-to-the-game?state=XXXX
You could pass a sequence of choices to get to a particular configuration as a stress test (similar to randomtest, but more specific). → You can write a regression test suite for your app.
You could pass an encoded password/signature to unlock additional levels or features (you’d need to obfuscate the code too).
Some configuration (language, theme, sound) could be in the URL.
You could simplify/skip some part of the game.
In general, you could control anything that can be controlled by an *if statement.
Mind if I ask about one application I’ve been mulling over?
If you had a game with a main character and a ‘buddy’ or friend npc. And you set the main character up normally using a set number of characteristics, that could generate a number string - (9126738349835975340002 that kind of thing)
If you export the string onto the COG forum in a post or direct message, could that string be used to generate the ‘buddy’ in another persons game (assuming all the character characteristics were interpreted in game using a series of *if statements)?
Weirdly specific, I know, but I think it helps me understand the ramifications of what you’ve explored here, if I can apply it to problems I’ve thought about in the past.
Don’t feel you need to respond, the above is interesting enough!
EDIT: Actually - nevermind, I think that’s achievable just with *input_number and coding an interpreter.
Yeah, reasonably sure you can check the value of a specific character in a string. Seen it done and it’s not too complex, but I’d have to check my notes for how to write it out properly.
You could 100% import characters from another person’s game.
@Charles_Parkes@will you just made CS games social!! Imagine one person finds the rare Sword of Destiny in a game, they can then share it with their friends. Or they become the rulers of Andalasia, their friends can join there.
It would require a lot of code to share and reconstruct the state, but it’s doable (or at least conceivable). @will please share your tips. This reminds me of @stainedofmind password system from a while ago.
