Welcome to Laser Tag Kafka, a fast-paced multiplayer maze shooter built with Python and powered by Kafka!
Each player runs their own game instance and connects via Kafka topics to battle it out in a shared arena.

Whether you're dodging enemy fire or strategizing with your local setup, this project is as much about learning as it is about blasting pixel enemies.

• 🔫 Local & Remote Enemies: You're always one player. Others are remote enemies, controlled in real time via Kafka messages.
• 💡 Multiplayer with Kafka: Every move, shot, and hit is synced through a Kafka topic — no central server needed.
• 🖥️ Play on Your Own LAN: Yes, really! With a bit of setup, you can run the game with friends over your home network.
• 🧰 Simple Python Setup: No external game engine — just good ol' pygame, some Kafka magic, and Python muscles.
• 📜 Step-by-Step Evolution: Curious how it all came together? Check the historic folder to trace the project’s evolution from basic mechanics to Kafka-enabled multiplayer!
• 🔉 Custom Music: Background music composed with Suno, bringing the jungle skirmish vibes to your ears!

Make sure to check out the full Setup Process to configure Kafka and run the game on your local network.

Install the required packages:

pip install -r requirements.txt

Then launch your instance:

python laser-tg.py

And get them all with the Shoot keys!

• Move with Keys: W, A, S, D
• Shoot with Keys: I, J, K, L

Each player runs their own instance of the game — remote enemies are just other players playing elsewhere!

This project uses a mix of open licenses:

• Game code: GPL-3.0 License
• Fonts: Covered under SIL Open Font License 1.1 and Apache 2.0
• Music: Created via Suno – see track here

Full license details: LICENSES.md

Want to join the tag frenzy or improve the code?
Check the CONTRIBUTING.md and follow our Code of Conduct.

If you're curious about how the game evolved from simple player movement to Kafka-powered mayhem, check out the historic folder.
Each version captures a working stage in the development process — a great way to learn by example.

Now go tag some lasers! 🔫💥