[SM & TM2!] Need early feedback for an awesome tool in de...

[Alexey85]

I am looking for three people to try out an early version of an app and provide feedback. SM and TM2 players are welcome. Currently only EU servers are supported.

Q&A:

What is it?
It's a desktop application to find people to play with more easily and efficiently in condition of overall low playerbase.

Who can be interested in using it?
People who often find themselves wanting to play certain modes but not enough players to play with.

How does it help?
It searches for you people to play with among actual players at servers combined with users of the application itself while completely freeing you up from any effort. When match is found it will notify you via tray icon and you will be able to join the match. In the future there will be option to launch or activate MP window with server manialink opened automatically instead of notification.
It allows to search for a match among several modes, thus increasing chances to find enough players. Even searching for one mode it can be more efficient to ask the tool to find a match than waiting at the game server. For example, if 5 application users request a match for InstaDM with at least 5 players at the server, all of them will get notification to play together. If they didn't use the application, some of them would not join the server because they saw not enough players and didn't want to wait for more while playing with low player count.

How to use it?
Specify script names and minimum preferred players count for each script, submit. Collapse the window into tray, keep the tray icon visible and you can forget about it. Once the match is found, the tray icon will blink, click it, in the window click to join suggested server, play. Simple.

How does it work with the ingame matchmaking?
It doesn't. It works only with servers which are not lobbies.

What do I get for participating?
The tool has main workflow working so just by using it you will get increased chances of playing your favourite modes with enough players and without any effort.

How long the current version will work?
I aim for two weeks. Maybe longer.

What to be ready for while using the tool in the current state?
Crashes, bugs, not good enough usability, not good enough style, ugly placeholders instead of real icons.

What am I expected to do?
Simply use it as much as you are interested. Provide feedback whatever you think is worth. For example: Did you find it actually useful? Do you have ideas how to improve it? Is the visual style OK? Etc.

How do I contact you?
You can write me in skype (I will PM you ID), write in this topic or PM me.

How do I know an executable from you doesn't contain harmful code?
You can do one of the following:
1. Check it in antivirus.
2. If you don't have one, upload binaries to virustotal.com - it checks for viruses in many anti-viruses.
3. Inspect the source code, compile it yourself. The source code is available at github open to everyone.

How do I sign up?
Be first to post in this thread that you want to participate. Simple "+1" will do as well. I will PM you details. Only first three posters will be accepted.

What's next?
If I am not too lazy, the plan is following: invite more people for closed testing if necessary, develop further, do a public release.



UPDATE 2015-07-10:
1. Added support for TM2 environments (in addition to SM).
2. Added option to open manialinks for matches automatically if path to maniaplanet.exe is specified.

[Alexey85]

reserved

[Alexey85]

Mods, could you please remove this topic? I just realized this forum is for creation and development tools but this tool is not for creation and not for development. I created another topic in Shootmania section if that is appropriate place.
EDIT: mods, please, don't delete the topic at this point . I deleted the topic in Shootmania section.

[oliverde8]

It might fit here, it is a tool in some ways,

Why Shootmania why not make the tool for both games? I think it can be very interesting.

[Alexey85]

Sure, I plan to support TM too. But first I want to see if there is interest at all otherwise I risk to waste time implementing features for a tool which no one is using except me (and I don't need it for TM just yet ).

[w1lla]

+1. I approve this one. and will support in the needs necessary.

[Alexey85]

Thanks, w1lla! Check your inbox

[BusardCendre]

if enough player use it, it can become a great tool, very good idea !
I only play TM so I can help you for the moment, but if you need later some people to test it for TM, just come back and ask again

[Alexey85]

Thanks for the support, BusardCendre! You got it right, the more people are using the tool - the more effective it becomes.

[Guerro323]

Hey, it's look interesting, I support it
( I'm a TM and SM player ).
( And I can help for visual style/design if you want )