Maniaplanet Update #3 information

[Suma]

@TGYoschi: AFAIK Nadeo did quite some changes in the underlaying architecture. First to open a better path for future features, second to get rid of some issues which were not easy to fix in the old code. Of course you can implement such a new architecture also parallel to what you have running, but the price is that you blow up complicated stuff (see what wrote thatoneguy on the last page) even more. And performance is important here.



@Hylis: Please do the closed beta. It's a 9 month step in software development and it wouldn't be fair for people who supported Nadeo by switching from TMU to TM², although they knew that things aren't perfect and long time wasn't clear when comes the update.

The people in our league fight for more than 9 months for the titles. If the outcome would be manipulated by one or more races corrupted in whatever way by the update, I think you agree that wouldn't be funny.

Thanks in advance.

[fng_thatoneguy]

But I think you can make a small update before , like adding the new block for the editor and even the blockmixing because I think it will not interfere with gameplay issue ( For the GA the mappool is already chose so)

That's all good assuming that adding blockmixing left all other functionality identical to what it was before the addition. But blockmixing sounds like it would have the tendency to not leave the old functionality in the same situation; hence the need for extra testing.

Adding a new block that only utilizes existing functionality should be alright.

[TGYoshi]

@TGYoschi: AFAIK Nadeo did quite some changes in the underlaying architecture. First to open a better path for future features, second to get rid of some issues which were not easy to fix in the old code. Of course you can implement such a new architecture also parallel to what you have running, but the price is that you blow up complicated stuff (see what wrote thatoneguy on the last page) even more. And performance is important here.

I'd still like to know what those changes will mean for the future then . Besides the multi-environment support for a single titlepack ( ) I don't really know about any other core changes.
Too bad confirmed was that the nearly useless titlepacks system isn't getting revised towards a mod/'dlc' system, so that's out.

Doesn't take away that waiting 8 months for an update (which contents have to be yet determined for most part I guess) is long, and the average player gets bored of it.

[rzn]

just give us action maker..

[Hylis]

bervt, it's a good example of how things are linked. Mixmapping requires new datas, like bottom of pillars, and we have all data on the data server. But if we release the data, the gameplay need to be in the new version, since there are blocks that requires it.

the closed beta would be easier to do, if we can do it (have to check all before) but yes, Chris, I think it would be really interesting. It's a good time before launches to have this for so many reason, and it was really good in the past.

rzn, the action maker is still taking time to be done. Like I said in the first post, I was not even sure to be capable to see a beta in March. If we do a closed beta, I would like it to be included, and I think it will. We are also looking at releasing a item editor, in order to help make some items (with triggers for example) and both have to be done at the same time.

small updates are complicated when you need to make big changes. Each update requires us a lot of time as well and always include risks of broking something. We made a lot in the past, and some players where also annoyed by them (and it's another good reason for making a beta) I also think it's better to have small updates, but it could also be a loss of efficiency.

for the beta, if we do it, I will inform you. It's useless to send me messages at the moment. I so much would like to make it in fact ^_^ good old time! And a nice occasion to share more with the core and patient community.

[novationx]

You obviously have good reasons to wait this long, Hylis.

Anyways you did several updates last year ( every 2-3months ) which was waaaaay more fun for the players and the community. Its always easy for me to whine and I know its very hard for you to release updates... but still. Please consider it in the future. Waiting 8months+ for an update is just not done.

Im not talking about "having patience". Its about keeping players satisfied, give them stuff to look forward too, keep them involved etc etc. Dont let them run away? I really mean this in a good way. I always want more & more players cuz I love this game. 8months of silence is a "bad" way to keep current players, seriously. Pls consider it

[eyebo]

My new philosophy is to take a deep breath and just enjoy the journey. Actually, without even realizing how liberating it was at the time, it's what I did when I first discovered TrackMania. I logged in nearly everyday... played some tracks, awarded the ones I liked, perhaps joined some competitions, built some tracks, learned MediaTracker. I concerned myself with what new things I was discovering from the community, or working to improve my own skills at building and driving. And this went on for 4+ years.

I remember it being a lot more fun than trying to worry about the future of the game, or what the devs will do next. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate all the work that goes into bug fixes and updates. But I no longer put my enjoyment on the line, as if everything depended on "the next update".

I'm completely happy to play the game in its current state, even if no updates ever came.

If updates and fixes come that improve the usability for new players, that'll be nice. And things like mixmapping and ActionMaker will extend the creative potential of people in the community. Awesome! Of course the community will benefit greatly from multi-env servers too, as it will bring back some of that feeling United had. I welcome all those things as I would welcome a new waypoint on my journey. I'll get there when I get there, and it'll be great I'm sure. But it doesn't stop me from enjoying where I am right now. There's plenty to see and do right here, right now.

ManiaPlanet, as software, will always be a reflection of those who made it. Humans; imperfect, endearing, flawed, magnificent, artistic, beautiful, and even fun. No amount of bug fixes or updates will change or take away those things.

Thank you for these flawed, yet empowering, tools that allows all of us to express our own imperfect vision for race tracks, fps maps, car designs, videos, etc.

Now, I'll go back to enjoying my journey...

[Boo425]

There's walls everywhere in my journey, but hey. That's why we have jumps and red boosts!

[fng_thatoneguy]

Thank you for these flawed, yet empowering, tools that allows all of us to express our own imperfect vision for race tracks, fps maps, car designs, videos, etc.

Now, I'll go back to enjoying my journey...

+1 (to everything you said!)

EDIT: ... 'cept they're "checkpoints", not "waypoints" ... oh wait.

[Demented]

First of all I'd like to thank Hylis for letting us know what they are working on and what the current goals are. It is appreciated by many including me.
Eyebo: It's good to hear from you. It would be awesome if everyone looked at things in a similar way that you often do.
I find the game a lot of fun as it is also. If people are really that bored with it, get more creative. Think of all the things you can do with just a simple piece of paper and a pencil. The possibilities are endless, and the Maniaplanet games are much more than a paper and pencil. Don't get me wrong I'm excited about the new changes but the game is a lot of fun as is too.