Network Duke is back in the browser.
Actually, this is not really news: I launched network DOS games in the browser two years ago. But due to sanctions, this technology was destroyed. Well, I invested all my experience and developed a new version of the js-dos network stack for online gaming. Duke Nukem is currently the only published game that works over the network. But not for long…
IPX over TCP/IP
Most DOS games with network modes work over the IPX protocol, but unfortunately, this protocol doesn’t work in browsers. Therefore, it was necessary to write an implementation of IPX based on web sockets. In other words, all players who launch the game in the browser connect to a shared server and exchange messages over the IPX protocol.
This scheme is universal and allows for running DOS games without any changes.
Starting the game
Actually, it’s all very simple, and I hope that even without a tutorial video, you will be able to handle it.
Here’s a brief guide:
Connect to the IPX server.
Send the link to your friend.
Choose “Network Game” -> “Launch Duke Nukem 3D”.
I’m experiencing lag
The reason is simple — as I already mentioned, the game uses an intermediate server to exchange messages. Geographically, it is located in the Netherlands. The higher the ping to the server, the more lag you will experience. Unfortunately, I don’t have the possibility to buy servers all over the world so that all players have a good ping.
But there is good news — you can set up your own IPX server anywhere in the world and play using it.
But who can I play with?
The js-dos/doszone community is not very large yet, and I don’t have a good answer, but you can join our group on Telegram or Discord and maybe you’ll get lucky.
Game Controls
Movement: WASD
Look around: Mouse
Jump: E
Crouch: Q
Open: Space
Fire: Left Ctrl