Simon Willison has reported on a new update to Battledrones, designated version 14, which introduces a four-player map called Compass Rose. Alongside the map, the multiplayer networking code utilizing WebSockets has been modified to accommodate up to four players simultaneously. The development involved adding four-way rotational symmetry to the layout, as well as support for up to four AI players. Human players can join sessions via share links or QR codes, with any spare slots automatically filled by AI.
Multiplayer Expansion and AI Integration
The transition from two-player limits to a four-player capacity represents a notable shift for the project’s online mode. By leveraging a non-audio based WebSocket architecture, the system allows human participants to connect directly through browser-compatible links and QR codes. The inclusion of automated AI backfills ensures that matches can proceed with a full complement of four combatants regardless of how many human users have joined the session.
Unknowns and Future Implementation Details
Despite the release of version 14 and the Compass Rose map, several technical aspects remain unaddressed. The announcement did not specify the exact underlying mechanisms used to manage network latency or state synchronization across four simultaneous connections. Additionally, future plans regarding whether older maps will be retrofitted for four-player support were not mentioned in the available details.
As development continues, users will likely test the limits of the new WebSocket multiplayer infrastructure and AI integration.
Lead image: Júlio Riccó / Pexels
