Overlord — Asymmetric Multiplayer Stealth Game

May. 16, 2022

Overlord is an asymmetric multiplayer game combining stealth, sabotage, and strategy. A team of heroes attempts to destroy the Nexus of a defensive overlord in a procedurally generated world. Each player takes on a unique role in a day/night gameplay loop.

Unreal Engine 5 | C++ | Blueprint | GAS | AI | Multiplayer Listen Server

🔧 Key Technical Systems

🧠 Adaptive Artificial Intelligence (Enemy AI)

  • Custom perception system: managing weak stimuli (hearing, smell) vs strong stimuli (vision, contact).
  • Behavioral states: patrol, alert, combat.
  • Dynamic squad recruitment via NavGrid + AI Director.
  • Action planning via GOAP (Goal-Oriented Action Planning), coupled with an Influence Map.
  • Reactive local responses based on rules inspired by F.E.A.R..

🌍 Procedural Map Generation

  • Modular hexagonal tile system, dynamically placed based on topological constraints and weights.
  • Placement rules defined via DataTables (terrain, obstacles, objects).
  • Dynamic placement of gameplay actors (torches, paths, patrols).

⚔️ Ability System (Extended GAS)

  • Architecture based on Gameplay Ability System, enriched with a data-driven layer.
  • Targeting logic + gameplay effects (buff, debuff, summoning).
  • Examples: blowpipe, speed boost, traps, selective walls, portals.

🛠️ Universal Interaction System

  • Unified and data-driven interaction system.
  • Management of SmartObjects and server/client logic.
  • Used for interacting with objects, lights, levers, sabotage systems.

📡 Multiplayer Listen-Server Network

  • Listen Server architecture (host/join via IP).
  • Use of GameInstance for data synchronization between maps.
  • Replication via RPC, RepNotify, GAS networking included.

🌗 Asymmetric Gameplay Loop

  • Day/night system: planning, stealth, combat.
  • Hero objective: destroy the Nexus in 3 cycles.
  • Overlord objective: slow down, trap, summon via crystals.
  • Fog of War with 3 levels + interactive spotlights.

🎥 Explore the Behind-the-Scenes of Overlord Development

In this series of 10 videos, our team details the key technical concepts of the project: procedural generation, artificial intelligence, data-driven abilities, interaction system, network architecture, and more. Each video dives into a specific aspect of the game, illustrated with concrete demonstrations and explanations from our developers.