[Abandoned] Research & Conquer

[TaCktiX]

Bandwidth is cheap. If we had a different variety of XML handy to code it instead of having to do it "long-form" this wouldn't be an issue in the first place.

[-=- Tanarri -=-]

Bandwidth is cheap. If we had a different variety of XML handy to code it instead of having to do it "long-form" this wouldn't be an issue in the first place.

I would agree... I'd rather have a full gameplay XML than cut it down for the sake of it running faster, whether it be on people's computers or on the server. If it's THAT much of an issue for people's computers, then we can look at changing it after Beta phase. If it's too slow for the server, then I and plenty other people on the site pay money for a reason and have had seen very little on the part of Lack ever since I joined to improve the site. I understand that he's busy, but if a larger XML file means Lack has to throw $5k at a new server or finally get around to dealing with upgrading the XML, then I can't say that I'd be terribly heartbroken about it.

I realize I'm probably sounding like a bit of an ass here, but there's been a long list of improvements that I've been looking forward to for a while, some of which would really not be that big of a deal to implement, and the thought of having the gameplay of the map take a hit because one of those improvements hasn't been made pushes on a sore spot.

[Victor Sullivan]

XML file is complete!!!!

http://www.4shared.com/document/VcLnkF7Q/ResearchAndConquer_v_035.html

That is truly a noteworthy feat. No number of emoticons could express your massive accomplishment...

[DogAlmighty]

Been watching this map awhile now, it looks incredible. Best of luck in the final stages!

[Victor Sullivan]

XML file is complete!!!!

http://www.4shared.com/document/VcLnkF7Q/ResearchAndConquer_v_035.html

That is truly a noteworthy feat. No number of emoticons could express your massive accomplishment...

And TaCktiX did a fantastic job, too *coughs*

[OliverFA]

We shouldn't sacrifice at any point gameplay for XML speed. People's computers are powerful enough to handle a little heavy-weight XML.

This is just one more issue that this map has to overcome. The map has suffered so many obstacles since the begining. However, all of them have been beaten until now. And this one will also be

I would prefer not to cut the map anymore. After all, is my baby, and I love it. But on the other hand, I am not sure how popular would that map be if it took long time to load it

Today could not test it. I'll do my best to make the test tomorrow.

[OliverFA]

Bandwidth is cheap. If we had a different variety of XML handy to code it instead of having to do it "long-form" this wouldn't be an issue in the first place.

I would agree... I'd rather have a full gameplay XML than cut it down for the sake of it running faster, whether it be on people's computers or on the server. If it's THAT much of an issue for people's computers, then we can look at changing it after Beta phase. If it's too slow for the server, then I and plenty other people on the site pay money for a reason and have had seen very little on the part of Lack ever since I joined to improve the site. I understand that he's busy, but if a larger XML file means Lack has to throw $5k at a new server or finally get around to dealing with upgrading the XML, then I can't say that I'd be terribly heartbroken about it.

I realize I'm probably sounding like a bit of an ass here, but there's been a long list of improvements that I've been looking forward to for a while, some of which would really not be that big of a deal to implement, and the thought of having the gameplay of the map take a hit because one of those improvements hasn't been made pushes on a sore spot.

Yes. It is a real pitty. With all the creativity here in the Forge, dozens of different maps could be made. This would benefit CC greatly. Just imagine some of the things that are suggested and would be not so difficult to create. Like lighthouse for FoW.

[OliverFA]

XML file is complete!!!!

http://www.4shared.com/document/VcLnkF7Q/ResearchAndConquer_v_035.html

That is truly a noteworthy feat. No number of emoticons could express your massive accomplishment...

And TaCktiX did a fantastic job, too *coughs*

Thanks We still need to be pushing however

Been watching this map awhile now, it looks incredible. Best of luck in the final stages!

And thanks

[OliverFA]

Bad news. The 400 KB version http://www.arrakis.es/~oliverfa/Researc ... 200.38.XML is still too big for the map inspect tool. I wonder what this really means for the map...

However, as I am keeping every version of the map, going for a simpler version does not mean we are losing all the work. (In fact they are also uploaded in the 4share site) so if I have some time I'll try to do a 0.39 version with the two areas divided and see what happens.

That way we will be able to choose if we go with the simple version (0.39) or the 400KB version (0.38)

[natty dread]

Well, I don't really know if the map inspect tool is indicative of whether the CC server can handle it or not. I think we're going to need some input from the mods or admin on this...

[-=- Tanarri -=-]

Bad news. The 400 KB version http://www.arrakis.es/~oliverfa/Researc ... 200.38.XML is still too big for the map inspect tool. I wonder what this really means for the map...

However, as I am keeping every version of the map, going for a simpler version does not mean we are losing all the work. (In fact they are also uploaded in the 4share site) so if I have some time I'll try to do a 0.39 version with the two areas divided and see what happens.

That way we will be able to choose if we go with the simple version (0.39) or the 400KB version (0.38)

I hope it doesn't come down to breaking the gameplay of the map just 'cause the XML can't support it properly. As far as the popularity of the map goes, I think that's something to worry about once the map hits Beta. It won't be until then when we'll know how big of an issue it is. This is an area that I could probably help with testing, since we have four computers where I live, including a 6 year old desktop and a new Intel Core i3 laptop.

[OliverFA]

Bad news. The 400 KB version http://www.arrakis.es/~oliverfa/Researc ... 200.38.XML is still too big for the map inspect tool. I wonder what this really means for the map...

However, as I am keeping every version of the map, going for a simpler version does not mean we are losing all the work. (In fact they are also uploaded in the 4share site) so if I have some time I'll try to do a 0.39 version with the two areas divided and see what happens.

That way we will be able to choose if we go with the simple version (0.39) or the 400KB version (0.38)

I hope it doesn't come down to breaking the gameplay of the map just 'cause the XML can't support it properly. As far as the popularity of the map goes, I think that's something to worry about once the map hits Beta. It won't be until then when we'll know how big of an issue it is. This is an area that I could probably help with testing, since we have four computers where I live, including a 6 year old desktop and a new Intel Core i3 laptop.

That's also a good idea. I'll keep the broken down version as a last resort, but let's test how the 400k version plays during the beta. No need to do more preemptive corrections.

I wonder how long it will take until we receive word about the official XML revision.

[TaCktiX]

So how is the CA team going about XML checking this map? I haven't seen or heard anything.

[isaiah40]

So how is the CA team going about XML checking this map? I haven't seen or heard anything.

1kb at a time!

[-=- Tanarri -=-]

So how is the CA team going about XML checking this map? I haven't seen or heard anything.

1kb at a time!

Any idea roughly how long we should be expecting before the XML gets passed? A week? Two? A month? If you guys are going through manually, that's probably going to take some time

[OliverFA]

So how is the CA team going about XML checking this map? I haven't seen or heard anything.

1kb at a time!

Any idea roughly how long we should be expecting before the XML gets passed? A week? Two? A month? If you guys are going through manually, that's probably going to take some time

No idea. Maybe I should PM someone to ask about it?

Also, I am here to help the reviewer understand the XML structure. I know it's a lot of lines (that's why I placed the comments, to help understand the file) and some tricks may be difficult to understand at first sight, but I will be happy to solve any doubt that could arise.

[thenobodies80]

Check your xml is on my to-do list, but I'm waiting an official reply about the file size. Be patient

[OliverFA]

Check your xml is on my to-do list, but I'm waiting an official reply about the file size. Be patient

Thanks for the info If you have any doubt feel free to ask

[MrBenn]

I've also been speaking with lack about the possibility of making an efficiency to the way the game engine handles collection bonuses, which might be of use here... For now though, I think we need to keep hold of the horses a little while longer...

[-=- Tanarri -=-]

I've also been speaking with lack about the possibility of making an efficiency to the way the game engine handles collection bonuses, which might be of use here... For now though, I think we need to keep hold of the horses a little while longer...

Are we talking a week or two here or lack's typical 3 year time frame?

[OliverFA]

I've also been speaking with lack about the possibility of making an efficiency to the way the game engine handles collection bonuses, which might be of use here... For now though, I think we need to keep hold of the horses a little while longer...

Are we talking a week or two here or lack's typical 3 year time frame?

No intention to offend lack here, but I think that Tanarri has a point. With all respects I think that we could deliver the version we have now and later, when the optimization in the engine is made, just update the XML file. Just like what was done with Conquer Man. First, Conque Man had all the continents simulating the different reinforcement levels. When an XML update made it possible to be done in a simpler way the code was updated.

[thenobodies80]

....I think that we could deliver the version we have now and later, when the optimization in the engine is made, just update the XML file.

The problem is that Lack said me that probably the server can't handle your xml file without the changes. I know I've already said this to you, but be patient...for what I know, it shouldn't take so much time.

[carlpgoodrich]

Its worth the wait in my opinion. It has taken a loooong time to get this map to this point, its worth a bit more time to make sure it plays well.

[OliverFA]

Sure! We'll be patient and wait

I think we could use this time to discuss about the techs more in doubt and/or to begin work in the 8 players version.

[ender516]

If anyone has any idea of the timeframe for implementing the suggestion to expand the number of players beyond 8 (to 10 or 12, say) (see viewtopic.php?f=535&t=113234), it might tell you if you should skip the 8 player version and jump directly to 10 or 12.