GSoC/GCI Archive
Google Summer of Code 2013

SuperTuxKart

License: GNU General Public License version 3.0 (GPLv3)

Web Page: http://supertuxkart.sourceforge.net/GSoC_ideas

Mailing List: mailto:supertuxkart-devel@lists.sourceforge.net

What is SuperTuxKart?

SuperTuxKart is an open source 3d kart racing game. We want to make the game fun more than we want to make it realistic. You can play with up to 4 friends on one PC, racing against each other or just try to beat the computer.

See the great lighthouse or drive through the sand and visit the pyramids. Race underground or in space, watching the stars passing by. Have some rest under the palms on the beach (watching the other karts overtaking you :) ). But don't eat the bananas! Watch for bowling balls, plungers, bubble gum and cakes thrown by opponents.

You can do a single race against other karts, compete in one of several Grand Prix, try to beat the high score in time trials on your own, play battle mode against your friends, and more!


The game in its current form has been under steady development since 2006 and has been downloaded more than 2 million times worldwide. It is SourceForge's "Project of the Month" in April 2013, and is included in all major Linux distributions (OpenSUSE, Debian, Ubuntu, Gentoo, etc.). It was used by Microsoft in their IllumiRoom trailer, and even used in a TV series (“Friday Night Lights”, Season 3, Episode 11).


Who is the SuperTuxKart Team?

The game SuperTuxKart is developed by a group of volunteer. We have a set of people working professionally in the IT area ready to mentor new students. Teaching and mentoring people interested in game development was always an important aspect of developing SuperTuxKart.

What does the game look like?

[IMAGE http://bluefilms.fanz.in/fanzin/prd/templates/fanzin/v3/images/play.png]

Projects

  • Graphical improvements This project is about improving the graphics of STK with modern techniques, such as SSAO.
  • Network core for SuperTuxKart(STK) This project aims at providing SuperTuxKart a functioning core network, a feature I think SuperTuxKart really need to meet greater success. I don't have the pretentiousness to code everything that this game needs to be fully available online, but this proposal lays the foundations that the game requires. The main goal of this project is that with no addition, game is playable on LAN (and networks with low ping), and that with some additions it becomes available for WAN.
  • Networking Lobby Currently SuperTuxKart can only be played solo against computer controlled characters or with up to 4 friends on one computer. A great addition to the game would be an online multiplayer option so that users can play together more easily. To provide this new experience, some basic features have to be implemented first. This project includes the most essential features like user registration, server selection and a lobby interface, complemented with an achievement system and the ability to add and challenge friends.