Njudge
|
|
In computing, Njudge is an implementation of a Diplomacy (game) adjudicator, receiving orders and sending messages and results via email.
It works on a variety of Linux and Unix platforms.
Njudge was originally written in the late 1980s by Ken Lowe as a project to learn C as well as to serve local interest in Diplomacy. It then expanded and was installed on several servers internationally. With the advent of free email access for all, its use has boomed and the most active judge has in excess of 10,000 registered players and more than 100 games active at any one time.
It is an email based system, and uses its own special syntax for commands, surrounded by a signon/signoff sequence, with a password verifying the user. No web interface at present exists, although there does exist Alain Tésio's mapping service that uses a modified mapit program to interpret move results onto a graphical map. Commands not only allow orders for units to be made but messages to be sent to other players. A master is normally also appointed (usually the creator of the game) who can use a whole set of special commands to alter game parameters.
Many different variants, both of rules and of maps are also implemented. Among this are Modern, Youngstown, and Colonial Diplomacy. In addition, Njudge supports the play of Machiavelli, a game similar to Diplomacy.
The code is free for non-commercial use, and players of judges are not charged for their use, so that a steady increase has been seen both in the judges and the players that use them.
External links
- Njudge Homepage (http://www.njudge.org)
- Alain Tésio's Mapping Service (http://www.floc.net)