A mixed-paradigm component architecture for implementing web-based game servers

Games are a well-suited testbed for the development and evaluation of concepts and tools in artificial intelligence (AI). In our paper we outline the architecture of a web-based game server that was developed to support the teaching of artificial intelligence at the university level as well as research in the domain of AI and rule-based language development. The server combines a Prolog-based declarative approach with Java-based server technologies. The architecture consists of multiple, strictly separated components. Declarative components comprise the gameindependent core engine as well as game-dependent logic and visualization descriptions. General operations (e.g. user management, load balancing, match maintenance etc.) and rendering of the visualization descriptions with actual GUI techniques are implemented imperatively. External interfaces are provided to integrate remote developers and learners to facilitate usage beyond the borders of a single university