Project Overview

The Multiplayer Car Racing Game is a real-time, web-based racing game where multiple players compete on a virtual racetrack. Each player controls a car using keyboard inputs, and the goal is to finish the race as fast as possible. This project is excellent for final-year Computer Science students because it involves real-time synchronization, multiplayer networking, physics simulation, collision detection, and leaderboard management.

Key Features

1. Multiplayer Gameplay

   • Players can join a race room using unique game codes or lobby system.

   • Each player controls their car in real time.

   • Cars’ movements are synchronized across all connected players.

2. Car Controls

   • Arrow keys / WASD for acceleration, braking, and steering.

   • Option for touch controls for mobile users.

3. Race Tracks

   • Multiple racetracks (straight, curved, obstacle-based).

   • Increasing difficulty with sharp turns, speed boosters, and barriers.

4. Physics & Collision

   • Cars accelerate/decelerate based on player input.

   • Collision detection with track boundaries and other cars.

   • Off-track penalty (car slows down or resets).

5. Leaderboard & Scoring

   • Real-time leaderboard showing race positions.

   • Final scoreboard with lap times, fastest lap, and winner.

6. Game Modes

   • Quick Race: Short race with random track.

   • Tournament: Multiple rounds, cumulative scoring.

   • Time Trial: Players race against the clock instead of each other.

7. Chat & Interaction (Optional)

   • Players can chat in lobby before/after the race.

   • Emoji reactions during the race (for fun interactions).

Technology Stack

• Frontend: HTML, CSS, Bootstrap, JavaScript (Canvas/WebGL for graphics rendering).

• Backend:

  • Node.js with Socket.IO (best for real-time synchronization of cars’ positions).

  • OR PHP/Java for match management and storing race results.

• Database: MySQL / MongoDB (for player stats, leaderboards, race history).

How It Works

1. Game Initialization

   • Players log in or join via guest mode.

   • Game server creates/join rooms (using WebSockets for real-time communication).

2. Race Start

   • Countdown timer before the race begins.

   • Cars are placed on the starting line.

3. Gameplay Loop

   • Player input (keyboard/mouse/touch) updates car position.

   • Car physics engine calculates speed, drift, and collisions.

   • Server broadcasts updated positions to all connected players.

4. Race Progression

   • Lap counter keeps track of progress.

   • Real-time leaderboard updates positions dynamically.

5. Game End

   • Winner declared when all laps completed.

   • Final leaderboard displayed with stats (fastest lap, total time, rank).

Enhancements (Optional)

• Power-ups & Boosts: Speed boosters, oil spills, or shield pickups on the track.

• Custom Cars: Players choose or unlock cars with different attributes (speed, handling, acceleration).

• AI Bots: If not enough players join, AI cars fill the race.

• Spectator Mode: Users can watch live races.

• Mobile-Friendly: Add tilt controls for car steering.

• 3D Support: Using Three.js or Babylon.js for 3D racetrack rendering.