Author Topic: Playing Online with JCloisterZone (JCZ)  (Read 17462 times)

Offline Meepledrone

  • Owner
  • Chatelain Grand Officier
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 6289
  • Merit: 456
  • It is full of... Meeples!!!
    • View Profile
Playing Online with JCloisterZone (JCZ)
« on: March 22, 2020, 01:13:28 PM »
Hi all,

I don't know why but lately I have been asked several times about setting up online Carcassonne games using JCloisterZone.

After several session of setup on PC and Mac, I would like to share here a small cookbook:

1. Installing JCZ
2. Running JCZ
3. Setting up an online game

Hope you find is useful. All your comments are welcome.



1. Installing JCZ

1.1. Downloading JCZ.

JCZ v4.6.1 is the current version available on jcloisterzone.com, which now fully implements Exp.9 - Hills & Sheep. All players should use the same version to avoid any issues.

Here you can find release 4.6.1 (latest):
https://jcloisterzone.com/builds/JCloisterZone-4.6.1.7z

1.2. Uncompressing the downloaded archive

Once you have downloaded this compressed file, you will need to uncompress it.

On PC, you can use 7-zip, available here:

https://www.7-zip.org/download.html   

On Mac, you can use The Unarchiver, available on the Appel Store here:

https://apps.apple.com/es/app/the-unarchiver/id425424353?mt=12

1.3. Relocating the files

Once uncompressed the archive, you may copy the directory with the extracted files to a location of your choosing.

This directory will contain at least:
* JCloisterZone.jar: JAR file with the actual JCZ program
* plugins: a directory with additional .JAR files providing optional editions and expansions.



2. Running JCZ

Note: The examples below show how Vivita and Meepledrone set up a network game.

2.1. Running on PC

A. Double click on the JCloisterZone.jar file and it should open showing a "JCloisterZone" splash screen, and you are all set.


Example: Vivita gets the JCloisterZone splash screen on her PC after double clicking on file JCloisterZone.jar.

B. If nothing happens, maybe you need to run the JAR file from the command line:
- Open a command line by pressing Windows Key + R and type CMD:

Code: [Select]
Press [b]Windows Key + R[/b]

Then type to open the command line window:

Code: [Select]
cmd

Move to the directory containing the JCloisterZone.jar file by entering the following commands where <X> represents the drive letter containing the JCZ directory and "JCZ directory" is the full path to the directory with file JCloisterZone.jar.

Code: [Select]
<X>:
cd "JCZ directory"

Afterwards, launch JCZ with the following command:

Code: [Select]
java -jar JCloisterZone.jar

If you get the JCloisterZone splash screen and JCZ opens, then your are done.

If these two options do not work for you, you may require to install a Java runtime. Please check here:

https://www.java.com/en/download/

At the time of this tutorial, I'm using Java version 8 update 241 - (build 1.8.0_241-b07).

2.2. Running on Mac

Double click on the JCloisterZone.jar file and it should open showing a "JCloisterZone" splash screen, and you are all set.

Note: If it is the first time you run the JAR file, you may get the following message: "Unable to open app from unidentified developer". If so, press CTRL and click the JAR file to open a menu, then select Open, and click Open. The JAR is saved as an exception to your security settings, and you can then open it by double-clicking. (Thanks wolnic)


Example: Meepledrone gets the JCloisterZone splash screen on his Mac after double clicking on file JCloisterZone.jar

If this failed for you and you require to install a Java runtime, please check here:

https://www.java.com/en/download/

At the time of this tutorial, I'm using Java version 8 update 241 - (build 1.8.0_241-b07).



3. Setting up an online game

3.1. Connecting to the server

Right after opening JCZ, the players will get a screen with various options. In our case we ignore the messages about a new release available for the time being, if any.

All the players joining an online game will click on "Play online" (the button on the right).


Example: Vivita gets the initial screen on her PC. She will press "Play online"

At that point you get a new screen to enter your nickname for the game and to connect to the server. Choose a nickname of your liking and press "Connect".


Example: Vivita enters her nickname and then will connect to the server.

After connecting to the server you get the following screen showing players connected and games created.


Example: Vivita is the only player connected so far. She is waiting for Meepledrone to show up.

As soon as other players complete this step their nicknames will appear on the column top left.


Example: Meepledrone has just connected as shown on the game listing screen. No game has been created yet.

3.2. Creating the online game

One of the players will create a game associated to his or her nickname, by default, which all the others will connect to.

To do so, the designated player will use the suggested nickname or updated it as agreed, provide a password and press "Create game."


Example: Meepledrone enters a password he will share with Vivita. He will create an online game with the default name provided by JCZ.

The designated player will get the main screen to select the players positions and the expansions.


Example: After creating the game, Meepledrone gets the game setup screen on his Mac.

3.3. Joining the online game

The other players, still on the game list screen will see the newly created game and will join in by entering the password and pressing "Join game".


Example: Now Vivita can see the game created by Meepledrone on the game listing screen. She was waiting for the game to show up so she could join in.

Each player will then get the main screen to select the players positions and the expansions.


Example: After joining the game, Vivita can see the game setup screen too on her PC.

3.4. Setting up the game

Once all in, the players may click on the meeple icons to pick their colors and even add AI players if desired. The first player to make a pick will be the one starting game.


Example: Meepledrone can see the game setup under progress on his Mac: Vivita, the remote player, chose red and he chose blue. The base game is the current selection, since no expansions are checked.

Players can also select expansions and associated settings to be used during the game.


Example: Vivita has a symmetrical view of the game setup screen on her PC: she (the local player) chose red and Meepledrone (the remote player on Mac) chose blue. At this moment, additional expansions were selected: Inns & Cathedrals, the River, the GQ #11 mini and The Phantom.

Once the setup is ready any player can press "Start game" to proceed with the game. All the players will see the game area with the initial tile. The game has started and it will be the first player's turn.


Example: The game just started and Vivita is about to place her first tile on her PC. The start tile corresponds to the river source in GQ #11, as indicated during the game set up.



Hope this mini tutorial is useful. If you have any questions or comments, just let me know.

Have fun!

Note: Should any glitch happens during the game, players can leave the game or even disconnect and join again. Unless something really weird happened, they game will resume normally.

Linkback: https://www.carcassonnecentral.com/community/index.php?topic=4561.0
« Last Edit: June 15, 2020, 12:29:20 AM by Meepledrone »
Questions about rules? Check WICA: wikicarpedia.com

Offline wolnic

  • Authors
  • Duke Chevalier
  • *
  • Posts: 1522
  • Merit: 207
  • Ummm and Ahhh! Can't decide!
    • View Profile
Re: Playing Online with JCloisterZone (JCZ)
« Reply #1 on: March 22, 2020, 03:06:56 PM »
2.2 Running on the Mac

I got an "Unable to open app from unidentified developer" message when I tried to run it, so had to CTRL Click the app, select Open, then click Open. The app is saved as an exception to your security settings, and you can then open it by double-clicking.

Then I got a missing JDK alert - To use the "java -jar JCloisterZone.jar" command line tool you need to install a JDK

I downloaded JDK14, installed it, and then when I tried to run the app it errored (JAR file "JCloisterZone.jar" could not be launched) after the Splash screen appeared. There's a Java exception error if it's of any use?
« Last Edit: March 22, 2020, 03:18:58 PM by wolnic »
AutumnForest (C2), Catch Of The Day (C1/2/WD), Cliffs&W'falls (C1/2), Coast (C1/2), FishHuts (C2), Fluvium (C2), NewForest (C2), Harvest (C1/2), Stone Circles (C1/2), Wells (C2), Jordan River 2 (AotC), River I/II (GR)
Devt: Sakura (C2), WinterEdge (C1), WinterCoast (WD/WE) and others

Offline Meepledrone

  • Owner
  • Chatelain Grand Officier
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 6289
  • Merit: 456
  • It is full of... Meeples!!!
    • View Profile
Re: Playing Online with JCloisterZone (JCZ)
« Reply #2 on: March 22, 2020, 03:56:05 PM »
Hi wolnic!

Thanks for your feedback. I will add a note on the security exception for Mac. Thanks!  ;D

I have Java version 8 update 241 - (build 1.8.0_241-b07). Just freshly self-updated today.

Did you pick JDK 1.4 for any particular reason?

Cheers!

Offline wolnic

  • Authors
  • Duke Chevalier
  • *
  • Posts: 1522
  • Merit: 207
  • Ummm and Ahhh! Can't decide!
    • View Profile
Re: Playing Online with JCloisterZone (JCZ)
« Reply #3 on: March 22, 2020, 03:58:02 PM »
That was where the "More Info" button took me. I suppose I'll install the Java runtime instead and see if that helps.
« Last Edit: March 22, 2020, 04:00:47 PM by wolnic »

Offline wolnic

  • Authors
  • Duke Chevalier
  • *
  • Posts: 1522
  • Merit: 207
  • Ummm and Ahhh! Can't decide!
    • View Profile
Re: Playing Online with JCloisterZone (JCZ)
« Reply #4 on: March 22, 2020, 04:02:25 PM »
That did the trick ... many thanks! I was just following the message that the JDK was required ...
« Last Edit: March 22, 2020, 05:08:18 PM by wolnic »

Offline Meepledrone

  • Owner
  • Chatelain Grand Officier
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 6289
  • Merit: 456
  • It is full of... Meeples!!!
    • View Profile
Re: Playing Online with JCloisterZone (JCZ)
« Reply #5 on: March 22, 2020, 04:06:48 PM »
No problem!  ;D

If there are any issues to cover, just let me know.

So you planning a round of online Carcassonne?  >:D

Offline wolnic

  • Authors
  • Duke Chevalier
  • *
  • Posts: 1522
  • Merit: 207
  • Ummm and Ahhh! Can't decide!
    • View Profile
Re: Playing Online with JCloisterZone (JCZ)
« Reply #6 on: March 22, 2020, 05:07:56 PM »
Depends if cabin fever strikes ...

Initially it was just to get it running on my local machine, so I could get some practice in against Adda.

Online supertopix

  • Count
  • **
  • Posts: 322
  • Merit: 3
  • I have updated my profile!
    • View Profile
Re: Playing Online with JCloisterZone (JCZ)
« Reply #7 on: March 23, 2020, 02:53:24 PM »
That did the trick ... many thanks! I was just following the message that the JDK was required ...
Me too, unfortunately...

Offline cicerunner

  • Duke
  • *
  • Posts: 221
  • Merit: 5
  • 2020 meeple vision
    • View Profile
Re: Playing Online with JCloisterZone (JCZ)
« Reply #8 on: April 18, 2020, 11:39:14 PM »
I've got Java installed and have downloaded JCZ.
Double clicking the .jar file (in Windows 10) I see the splash screen, but then nothing ...

Is anyone able to help?

Offline Meepledrone

  • Owner
  • Chatelain Grand Officier
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 6289
  • Merit: 456
  • It is full of... Meeples!!!
    • View Profile
Re: Playing Online with JCloisterZone (JCZ)
« Reply #9 on: April 19, 2020, 04:52:16 AM »
Hi cicerunner!

Have you tried to run JCZ from the command line? Check the instructions above to launch JCZ with the following command:

Code: [Select]
java -jar JCloisterZone.jar

If any error messages are displayed, we may find out what is happening.

Cheers!

Offline zoggop

  • Vagabond
  • *
  • Posts: 2
  • Merit: 0
  • I haven't updated my profile yet!
    • View Profile
Re: Playing Online with JCloisterZone (JCZ)
« Reply #10 on: April 24, 2020, 11:24:32 PM »
When I hit "Connect", it always just goes back to the main menu screen, after a few seconds of saying "Connecting..." I've tried a few different nicknames.

Offline Meepledrone

  • Owner
  • Chatelain Grand Officier
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 6289
  • Merit: 456
  • It is full of... Meeples!!!
    • View Profile
Re: Playing Online with JCloisterZone (JCZ)
« Reply #11 on: April 25, 2020, 12:42:33 AM »
It is happening to me too. I just tried versions 4.4.1 and 4.4.2.

Farin updated the server part a few days ago. I just notified him of the issue on this thread:

http://www.carcassonnecentral.com/community/index.php?topic=4616.msg67837#msg67837

Hope he fixes this issue soon.
« Last Edit: April 25, 2020, 12:54:42 AM by Meepledrone »

Offline farin

  • Duke
  • *
  • Posts: 241
  • Merit: 44
  • JCloisterZone maintainer
    • View Profile
Re: Playing Online with JCloisterZone (JCZ)
« Reply #12 on: April 25, 2020, 06:47:35 AM »
When I hit "Connect", it always just goes back to the main menu screen, after a few seconds of saying "Connecting..." I've tried a few different nicknames.

Hopefully I know a reason. At least I guess. Updated and sorry for inconvenince.

Offline zoggop

  • Vagabond
  • *
  • Posts: 2
  • Merit: 0
  • I haven't updated my profile yet!
    • View Profile
Re: Playing Online with JCloisterZone (JCZ)
« Reply #13 on: April 25, 2020, 10:12:40 AM »
Thank you, Farin!

Offline Bumsakalaka

  • Count Chevalier
  • **
  • Posts: 2212
  • Merit: 31
  • Fan of Fan expansions
    • View Profile
    • www.scifi.sk
Re: Playing Online with JCloisterZone (JCZ)
« Reply #14 on: August 26, 2021, 08:21:38 AM »
I hope this topic will need in short time to be updated to introduce online game in 5.x version of JCloisterZone which we hope will be asap :D Thanks @farin for your work on this game.
Check JCloisterZone Add-ons with fan expansions and also some Slovak sci/fi projects in English https://www.scifi.sk/en/


Share via delicious Share via digg Share via facebook Share via furl Share via linkedin Share via myspace Share via reddit Share via stumble Share via technorati Share via twitter

  Subject / Started by Replies / Views Last post
clip
Playing against 5 on JCZ

Started by Halfling

0 Replies
2771 Views
Last post September 18, 2016, 10:28:54 AM
by Halfling
xx
Abbey and Mayor playing against JCloisterZone

Started by loki

4 Replies
2919 Views
Last post May 25, 2015, 02:27:57 PM
by danisthirty
xx
JCZ 3.4.2 Can't play online

Started by parcs

2 Replies
2584 Views
Last post November 05, 2016, 01:38:41 AM
by Jéré
clip
JCZ 3.1.1 Online Game Error Report

Started by rfielder

7 Replies
5943 Views
Last post March 09, 2015, 05:24:46 PM
by rfielder
xx
play online with JCZ

Started by forumisto

4 Replies
4161 Views
Last post January 30, 2016, 09:55:08 AM
by Decar