Blockland (video game)
Overview
Blockland is a non-competitive, multiplayer, freeware computer game built on the Torque Game Engine in which you build with interconnecting LEGO-type bricks to construct anything you desire in a virtual online world. Users construct massive buildings and LEGO artworks across numerous servers and then systematically destroy and rebuild them again. It was spotlighted on The Screen Savers on February 11, 2005, drastically increasing the userbase overnight.
On February 26, 2005, it was announced that Blockland would be sold commercially under publisher GarageGames. The switch to commercial development means new versions will no longer be free, but they will be enhanced and more polished. Current versions will still be playable.
Game Code Modification
The source code to the game itself is easily viewable and editable in a text editing application. Because of this, the game can be completely rewritten in multiple ways. Because of its large userbase, a variety of programmers exist in the community.
Small scripts to build some structures automatically (such as pyramids, bridges, stairs, etc.) are available as also some larger modifications to the game.
Some features added to the game by 3rd party groups/individuals include:
- Weapon usage
- Vehicles
- Additional bricks
- More inventory slots
- More paint colors
- Bots
- Gametypes
- Server Controls for Admins
The scripting language is TorqueScript. A fansite has created a scripting reference tailored towards programming for Blockland.
The result of the open and accessible nature of TorqueScript has spurred hundreds of game modifications, from major to minor, to be released within the Blockland community. There are also some mod collections, combining several mods into a ready-to-play enhanced version of the game itself. The most popular among these being All in One (AiO), a mod/map pack designed by Lanhoj, and The Better Mod (TBM), a completely packaged mod by many of the blockland communities top coders, modelers, and mappers. An earlier mod pack by the name of Blockland Mods (BLM) created by 007Craft first filled this need for a heavily modified Blockland, but he has since left the community and interest has in this mod has dwindled. Blocklanders are a special group of free gamers that need a constantly changing game in order to keep their highly active minds entertained. Although some old school BLM'ers still use this mod most that prefer it over TBM have adopted AiO since it includes most of the original BLM code.
Map Making
Simple map making as in moving objects only requires pressing F11 when in a mission.
More advanced mapping includes using external tools to model the terrain and any other objects with it.
Most use Quake Army Knife for mapping.
Mods packs
RTB (RTB Post)
AiO (All-in-One for Blockland).
BLM (Block Land Mods).