I just want to know why we can't launch the client while the server is inaccessible. Yes, this seemed to have happened during the old source too, although very rarely - mostly, we were able to re-launch the client while waiting for the server. Then in 5-10 minutes the server came up, and everyone would be able to get to the channel selection screen at pretty much the same time. The way it's set up now makes it so that whoever's client loads the fastest gets online first. Getting FM spots has always been an exciting and competitive aspect of the game, whereas now it's based purely on luck and processor performance. I'll acknowledge that everybody spamming the enter button at once caused some people to get stuck online. If the new source client doesn't have this limitation, then I believe the client should be accessible during downtime, followed by the game server shorty after, so that some clients loading more slowly than others won't be an issue. Please share your thoughts.
The client will attempt to connect to the server when you launched it. If the server isn't live, then you simply cannot access it. Just like how if the web server is down (we turned it off for maintenance, changing backend code etc), you won't be able to visit the website/forum.
I know you can't access the server while the server isn't live? The purpose of this thread is to see if there is a solution to the issue at hand. To give everyone a better picture, this is my proposition and how it was done in the past: SC start: client & game server both down 10 minutes in: client up (but not game server) 15 minutes in: both up (we can now login)
No that's what Kai is saying. The client can't start if it can't connect to the server. And what is the point of having the client up? It only makes it easier for you to spam the login button over and over until you can login. You're not getting any sort of advantage or at a disadvantage.
I agree, it used to be that we could open the client until the server went live, and then log in when it was. The current way just gives advantage to people with expensive computers who can open royals in 3 seconds and get fm spots instantly over those who dont have fast pcs
Seeing as the client was created back when everyone had Windows 98, I can't imagine differences in modern hardware would contribute to such a big difference in launching the application though. Not to mention the same argument could be made about differences in internet speed and distance from where the server is hosted. It really doesn't make that much of a difference.
seems to me that dzknight is asking for some sort of servercheck mode to be enabled a few minutes before server comes live as was the case in old source (when staff were online a few minutes, before other people were allowed on). This sort of thing enables people who are using older computers or virtual machines to compete for fm spots since their client loads slower than others. personally i've seen a difference in client loading times from a few secounds to a few minutes on different computers/os/virtualmachines.
The thing is, we already have that server check mode and staff can still get on before normal players. However, we haven't had the need to go on and kill bosses or test something on live before opening it to the public lately so it's literally been switched off and then switched on with no delay. What's being asked for would extend the server check, which is something that the player base complains about whenever we do need to extend one So again, this is a lose-lose situation for us. I would much rather do the stuff that needs to be done during the server check, and turn the server on and make it available to everyone ASAP. Just like the early bird catches the worm, the faster machine gets the FM spot
I have to agree with John that I think a servercheck is done when it's done, and should not be extended just so it can be up in SC mode to allow players with slower pc's to catch up with loading times. In the world of hardware life is unfair, as some people can spend more money on their computers than others and thus load their games faster and have better overall performance, but that isn't something you can ask the management to adjust their game for. This whole post kind of sounds like 'I can't load my game fast enough to get a fm1 spot, so the market game is unfair', followed by 'Please fix this for me, as I believe I am entitled to being able to be completely logged in the exact same second as everyone else'. I think on average around 800-1000 characters log in shortly after each server check, of which maybe 20-40 try to battle for a fm 1 or 2 spot, and maybe 5-15 of those players have loading issues. Should the other 800+ players / characters have to wait 5 more minutes before they can log in, just so that you can have a shot at a fm1 spot? I think not, and that's the thoughts I wanted to share on this subject. PS: Faster computers have an advantage in nearly every online game out there, even if just minor there is still an advantage. Whether it be in loading times or frame rate, better pc wins.
As of Update 54: Client launch times won't matter when trying to login fast anymore! The login server need not be brought down when restarting the world & channel servers. Basically what this means is that when you're at the login screen and the staff finish any testing that needs to be done, you can proceed to the world selection, channel selection, and character selection screens then login right after seeing the "Server's up" message - whereas before this update the game client always needed to be restarted. The login server will still be brought down sometimes though (but not as often).
