Quote: "Hey, at one point you mentioned that if a feature someone believed was needed was not incorporated when the final product is released, you'll add it in later. Does this mean that S3GP will have an update system?"
Yes, the S3GP will have an Update System. In fact, Updating Content was one of the initial drivers for implementing network services at the core operation levels. S3GP provides multiple options for Updating.
Automated Update Management
Install Options
1. Install on Start: Pre-loads remote Assets by checking local assets against new/updated on remote, installs on local machine prior to game launch.
2. Install in Play: Checks local assets against new/updates streams Updates during play. If Asset not available will use Sub , Queue, and Install on Exit .
3. Install On Demand : Installs Remote as needed, if not local available.
Optional Prompt, to instlall immediately or Install on Exit
4. Install on Exit: Uses local Asset Replacements/Subs and queue remote asset for download when exiting the client.
User Selective Update Management
S3GE is designed with consideration for the smoothest and fastest possible Massive FPS Combat and Mini-games and desires minimum loading before or during combat. Due to the unpredictable nature of real-time Editng System (in which new content can be added, modified, or removed during game play) and constant new content additions I’m implementing a variety techniques to update the client.
To cope with the ever changing content, two strategies are employed: 'Dummy' Replacements and Streamed Updates.
The Dummy Replacement Class feature uses media files already downloaded to the client as fill-ins. The Player is given a option to download the needed files prior to engaging combat.
Changes can occur anytime the player may have to face new mobs without possessing needed files. In this scenario, the player will be given a choice of options based on whether the attacking mob is AI or Human controlled at the time of the encounter.
If Mob is AI controlled the player can elect to download files, in which the files are downloaded on-the-spot, and combat engagement is put in a pending status until download completion. If the players elects to skip download, they are offered to Flee or Engage (a replacement). If the player flees the needed files are queued for streaming download and engagement with such mob will be put in pending status automatically until download is completed.
If Mob is Human controlled the player is only offered to Flee or Engage (a replacement) in which if the player flees the needed files are queued for streaming download and engagement with such mob will be put in pending status automatically until download is completed.
Both situations can influence a Party Combat formation, thus all party members must be notified if a players has to ‘Sit Out’ (download) upon combat engagement.
