News from the DEV TEAM!

Rends · 10-15-2004, 04:31 AM

We wanted to follow-up with everyone on some of the current enhancements being worked on for our next round of updates. Some of the feature improvements &/or additions are to increase the options for servers. They include:

- The ability to change the default Reinforcement counter
- The ability for the Host to Boot players
- The ability to Ban players from a server
- We've added the ability to be Invulnerable for a period of time when the player spawns in. The amount of time the player is invulnerable is determined by the server.
- When running a dedicated server,the game session window is now moveable

Early next week we hope to be able to share a lot more information about the upcoming enhancements to the game. We just want to be sure everything we talk about is actually going to make it into our next update before we promise anything.

The Star Wars Battlefront Team

Rends

Craftsman · 10-15-2004, 04:39 AM

Exellent!

Master William · 10-15-2004, 05:11 AM

Are there gonna be patches for people with Xbox Live? I really think this game sucks to play on the Internet - lags a lot and the FPS is for some reason capped.

Rends · 10-15-2004, 05:22 AM

The Dev Team posted it in all 3 lucasarts boards (PC,PS2 and Xbox) so i guess it will be a patch for all versions.

Rends

Skellington · 10-15-2004, 06:06 AM

- The ability to change the default Reinforcement counter

Well, that's at least one issue which desperately needed to be taken care of, and will be definetly appreciated.

Bobbobson · 10-15-2004, 06:13 AM

Indeed the reinforcement issue is one of the most important improvement necessary. If they get rid of the fps cap (or make it cappable at 60 fps/tps) then I can finally fetch the game from the shelf again and give it another try.

Willybone · 10-15-2004, 06:15 AM

"We've added the ability to be Invulnerable for a period of time when the player spawns in."

Eeeeexcellent.
Just long enough to get away from that spawn-camping tank, please!
I would suggest that the player not be able to fire while invulnerable, though. It'd be hard to take a CP with guys popping up and shooting you while they're protected.

Stryker412 · 10-15-2004, 06:25 AM

No mention of linux server files..... hmmm

*Alegis* · 10-15-2004, 06:57 AM

Guess they'll do extra server stuff afterwards (more options, linux?)

Still, so much to be done yet about gameplay. But they talk about series of patches anyways so we'll have to hold on a bit longer.

i'd appreciate this patch a lot though

Pho3nix · 10-15-2004, 07:36 AM

Splendid! (Marvellous)

Skellington · 10-15-2004, 07:56 AM

I like the addendum to the invulnerable spawn of not being able to shoot. It's not without precedent in the game, and it works realistically too. When you switch between firing secondary and primary weapons, there's a delay as you make the switch, which is cool. You can argue realism by saying it takes a minute to grab your weapon from its holster, slung over your shoulder, whatever...yeah, no kills while invulnerable!

Tyler_Durden · 10-15-2004, 09:55 AM

Sounds good, guys. I have to say i really appreciate how Pandemic has really stepped up and kept us informed about the current state of what they're working on for the game. I think the reinforcement counter fix is something that will make playing the various maps a more enjoyable experience as they won't end as soon as they begin, which is something that really frustrated me when joining servers as sometimes battles would be over just as i'm selecting my unit.

Now if only we got those oh so precious editing tools. I really, REALLY have a need to create maps, dammit.

Son_of_the_Sith · 10-15-2004, 11:37 AM

Yeah!!

We NEED those tools...I want to create maps...

-Hopefully a map editor for all systems since I have a PS2.
-What about airspace?...We need it too.
-A better fps for splitscreen (Don't see weapon).

I just noticed...50 posts...cheers 4 me!!! :P

*Kurgan* · 10-15-2004, 11:48 AM

This is another step in the right direction, kudos to the dev team!

Of course, still a long ways to go.... hope this isn't the last patch!

Lorden Darkblade · 10-15-2004, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Kurgan
.... hope this isn't the last patch!

Better not be

Rends · 10-15-2004, 12:30 PM

The DEVS talking about updates. That´s plural isn´t it ;-)

Rends

Pho3nix · 10-15-2004, 12:45 PM

Is plural?

Rends · 10-15-2004, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Pho3nix
Is plural?

plural is more than one :-)

Rends

psych0fred · 10-15-2004, 01:30 PM

The Linux dedicated server is on the way, it's just part of the patch for the what is already out since it stands on it's own. I would assume that it will have all of the features explained for the PC Dedicated server.

XBOX live will have patches, but their patches will be specific to xbox issues. FOr example the server browser in XBOX is all dicated by Xbox Live.

Will there be more patches; yes probably, sort of maybe? It's a question of what features will be going into the next patch and how long it's approval time will be before it is released. If it is best to get some fixes in and out right away then we'll save some for later, otherwise it may be worth it to delay the next patch a week and include any remaining outstanding items in it.

The other alternative is that there are tools and downloadable content in the works and the final patch could just ship in one of those packages.

It should be made clear that the dedicated servers will ship separate from the patches to make sure servers are ready for the patched clients.

Map and modding tools will not be part of the patches. They will be released as a separate package(s) when they are ready and maybe even in phases. The map editor will apply to PC games only (I think) XBOX will probably be able to handle the new maps but unlikely the PS2 will because it's patching ability is limited (patch goes to a memory card and it's kind of hard to have additional levels when you have 8 megs on memory card.)

Drazek · 10-15-2004, 01:32 PM

I got an even better idea... why not make it able to have ps2 / xbox / pc etc play eachother then all seperate ? there will be a larger base area and alot more fun cause there are alot of empty servers on the pc one for example. Just a thought.

tommygunner · 10-15-2004, 01:38 PM

a new patch is comin out... great!

Rends · 10-15-2004, 01:49 PM

psych0fred,
i realy would like to get some modding tools soon. I currently started with some models i would like to test in game for some reasons. And we all all knows that creating new maps will take some time to finish.
A mod tool(s) documentation would be fine also.

Rends

Tyler_Durden · 10-15-2004, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by psych0fred
Map and modding tools will not be part of the patches. They will be released as a separate package(s) when they are ready and maybe even in phases. The map editor will apply to PC games only (I think) XBOX will probably be able to handle the new maps but unlikely the PS2 will because it's patching ability is limited (patch goes to a memory card and it's kind of hard to have additional levels when you have 8 megs on memory card.)

Sweet. At least now we know for sure now that we are going to see a map editor. Thanks for the heads up. now i can go into further development of the maps i want to make.

Drazek · 10-15-2004, 02:23 PM

pressed wrong button .... was a quote... anyway why not have ps2/xbox/pc play against eachother ?

Lindsey · 10-15-2004, 05:57 PM

*Lindsey smashes thru the window of the Pandemic coding studio, yells loudly in hulk voice*

ME WANT SPECTATOR MODE!!! RORRRRRRR!!

Ahem, Please?

Thank you

-=Gloobenhagen= · 10-15-2004, 06:54 PM

SWBF is a great game no doubt, but there are a few things that the dev team really needs to release with SWBF future patches. I speak for many people and this badly needs to be added. A IN GAME COMMUNITY!!!! This is something this game badly badly needs, I really dont mind at all if its in an expansion pack or a patch but this is something the game really lacks, my idea of a community is:
1. Add a Lobby for users when they log in to join a game.
2. Add ingame chat rooms (wouldnt it be nice to just have a chat after a grueling battle?)
3. Please add a spectator mode for people who need a break but do not want to leave the server.
4. After each round add about 30-1 minute for the players to talk over the round ( a little bragging is to be expected

)

If SWBF were to add these things HANDS DOWN this game would be amazing in my eyes and I am sure many others. I know there are gaming arcades being used that have chat rooms and lobbys but if this were to be added to the game I almost gaurentee a sales boost. I would just like to give one last note that the Devs working on BF are doing an excellent job, but adding these badly needed updates would make there work even better.

Neon · 10-15-2004, 11:12 PM

Well, we can only wait ...

rambone13 · 10-16-2004, 02:30 AM

Was there anything about servers and the way they load?
or switching maps and getting kicked from the server u were in?

LightNinja · 10-16-2004, 03:29 AM

that should have been added when it got released

Krutch · 10-16-2004, 05:48 AM

wOOt!!!

I am happy to see the spawn protection and the einforment timer added. These combined will greatly enhance the experience.

Quote:

SWBF is a great game no doubt, but there are a few things that the dev team really needs to release with SWBF future patches. I speak for many people and this badly needs to be added. A IN GAME COMMUNITY!!!! This is something this game badly badly needs, I really dont mind at all if its in an expansion pack or a patch but this is something the game really lacks, my idea of a community is:
1. Add a Lobby for users when they log in to join a game.
2. Add ingame chat rooms (wouldnt it be nice to just have a chat after a grueling battle?)
3. Please add a spectator mode for people who need a break but do not want to leave the server.
4. After each round add about 30-1 minute for the players to talk over the round ( a little bragging is to be expected )

In response to
1. This is why (unfortunatly) they have selected to use GameSpy Arcade.

2. there is an ingame chat.

3. Yes a spectator mode would be great

4. In replace of a bragging time like you describe, I would preffer to see a map voteing tool. Where the players can choose the next map instead of following the server roattion. If this is added the players can still talk and brag at the end of teh round. Also correct me if I am wrong, but can you not extend the end game amount of time in teh server config? ( I know this is common in other games)

*Alegis* · 10-16-2004, 05:57 AM

That is not true Krutch. LEC made a deal with IGN/Gamespy. They would do beta testing etc and in return Battlefront would ship with gamespy

Cpt. Bannon · 10-16-2004, 06:33 AM

I bet thats partly why it shipped with so many bugs....If they'd had a more public beta, they'd have a much less buggy game...of course, theres also the fact that LEC published this game before it was actually finished. Thank goodness Pandemic hasn't given up on this game despite it's setbacks.

greendemon · 10-18-2004, 12:30 AM

Great to see you guys are working on this.
The most urgent thing for a gsp's point of view has to be the ability to host multiple Servers. So far we can only do one per box on port 3658. We can give the community a lot more if we can run multiple servers per box.
This one (perhaps simple?) change will make all the difference to the dedicated Server.

No. No advertising here. There's a better place for that. ~Alegis

*Kurgan* · 10-19-2004, 07:51 PM

Well it's Tuesday now (they said "early next week" for the more info), so hopefully sometime tomorrow they'll let us know when the next patch is coming and more concrete details.

The wait is on!

Sam Fisher · 10-19-2004, 07:54 PM

So it is

About time they fixed it.

**Jan Gaarni** · 10-19-2004, 11:52 PM

I'm alittle worried about the invulnerability for a few sec when spawning, if we are able to shoot or not. Cause if we are, it's gonna be a pain in the ass to try and capture the last enemy spawnpoint.

Or any spawn point for that matter.

It all depends of course how long we are invulnerable.

Master William · 10-20-2004, 12:37 AM

Why aren't they fixing the crappy netcode and FPS?

*Alegis* · 10-20-2004, 03:16 AM

true. They're setting (in our eyes) wrong priorities. Damage system (vehicle needs too many rockets to blow up, blaster is weak) and fps cap are top rated now, not last.

greendemon · 10-20-2004, 05:19 AM

Well IMO the Priority should be to sort out the Dedicated Server so that it is Properly Manageable/Hostable.

As it stands, gsp's cannot/won't host the game until this is done.
We have put one up as a Public gesture, but it will likely have to be closed soon as it is so uncontrollable, and we can only host one on port 3658.

The Servers will drop like wild flies at this rate, in which case there is very little point in sorting out gameplay patches like fps etc, as there will be nowhere to play it!

Yahoo.s2f · 10-20-2004, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Jan Gaarni
I'm alittle worried about the invulnerability for a few sec when spawning, if we are able to shoot or not. Cause if we are, it's gonna be a pain in the ass to try and capture the last enemy spawnpoint.

Or any spawn point for that matter.

It all depends of course how long we are invulnerable.

I also beside SWBF play Delta Force Black Hawk Down and they have an excellent way of dealing with this problem.... You are as newly spawned invulnerable for about few sec's (approx 5-10sec i think) OR until first shot is fired/grenade is thrown etc. then your spawnarmor vanish....