Game Demos

The Net-Building Game Demo

The Net-Building Game Demo demonstrates a multiplayer weaving game where multiple mermaids can collectively construct and use a net. By spinning kelp around a special spindle, mermaids can create a net. Nets can be used to catch, herd, and shield schools of fish. The net can also be used to trap other mermaids.

Controls

• UP ARROW - increase the weaving speed of needle.
• DOWN ARROW - decrease the weaving speed of needle.
• RIGHT ARROW - increase the spinning speed of mermaids .
• LEFT ARROW - decrease the spinning speed of mermaids.
• PLUS KEY - increase number of mermaids
• MINUS KEY - decrease number of mermaids
• SPACE BAR - randomly change number of mermaids

Eco Manager

The Eco Manager demonstrates how complex behavior emerges from a managed ecosystem in Mermaids. It explores how gameplay emerges from knowledge of complex systems - in this case, a virtual ecosystem. The Eco Manager is a module that manages the ecological relationships between types of game objects. For example, the Eco Manager maintains that small fish school with other small fish and that sharks school with small fish, but the small fish do not school with the shark. The EcoManger controls other ecological relationships, including consumption, excretion, hiding relationships. Small fish consume oxygen, and they excrete carbon dioxide. When the small fish are scared of predators, they hide in the coral.

In this demo, red indicates that the organism is attacking, yellow indicates fleeing,and purple indicates hiding.

Controls

• MOVE MOUSE - aim the mermaid movement.
• CLICK MOUSE ON MERMAID - plant a coral or pick up kelp.