Plota Mini-Game

A networked multiplayer board game platform built with C++ and Qt6, allowing two players to play classic board games in real-time over TCP/IP.

Overview

Plota Mini-Game is a university project that implements a client-server architecture for playing multiplayer board games. Players can create accounts, host game rooms, and compete against each other in three classic games: Checkers, Othello, and Connect-4.

Features

• User Authentication: Login, signup, and password reset functionality
• Multiple Games: Play Checkers, Othello/Reversi, or Connect-4
• Room-Based Multiplayer: Create or join game rooms with unique IDs
• Time Controls: Configurable per-player time limits (default: 180 seconds)
• Profile Management: Edit user profiles and track statistics
• Match History: View past games and scores
• Real-Time Gameplay: Synchronized game state across networked clients

Technologies

• Language: C++17
• Framework: Qt 6 (GUI, Networking, Widgets)
• Networking: TCP/IP sockets (QTcpServer/QTcpSocket)
• Build System: qmake
• Authentication: CSV-based user database with password hashing

Project Structure

plota-mini-game/
├── Backend/          # Shared game logic library
│   ├── Games/        # Game implementations (Checkers, Othello, Connect-4)
│   ├── Game.h        # Abstract base game class
│   └── Board.h       # Abstract board class
├── Server/           # Game server application
│   ├── GameServer    # TCP server handling game sessions
│   ├── AuthHandler   # User authentication and profile management
│   └── ServerWindow  # Server monitoring GUI
└── Client/           # Player client application
    └── Widget        # Client GUI (login, menu, game board)

Prerequisites

• Qt 6.x or later
• C++17 compatible compiler
• qmake build tool

Setup and Installation

Building the Server

cd Server
qmake Server.pro
make

Building the Client

cd Client
qmake Client.pro
make

How to Run

1. Start the Server

Run the server application first:

cd Server
./Server

The server will start listening for client connections on the configured port.

2. Start the Client(s)

Run one or more client instances:

cd Client
./Client

3. Connect and Play

1. Create an Account: Sign up with a username and password
2. Login: Enter your credentials to access the main menu
3. Choose a Game: Select Checkers, Othello, or Connect-4
4. Create or Join Room:
   • Create a new game room with a time limit
   • Or join an existing room by entering its ID
5. Play: Make moves by clicking on the board

Games Available

Checkers

• Classic checkers rules with king promotions
• Mandatory captures
• Strategic board game for two players

Othello (Reversi)

• Flip opponent pieces by sandwiching them
• Control the most pieces to win
• 8x8 board gameplay

Connect-4

• Drop pieces into a vertical grid
• Connect four in a row to win
• Diagonal, horizontal, or vertical

University Project

This project was developed as part of a university coursework to demonstrate:

• Network programming with TCP/IP
• Object-oriented design patterns
• GUI development with Qt
• Client-server architecture
• Real-time multiplayer game synchronization

License

This is an academic project. Please refer to your university's policies regarding code sharing and usage.