Compatiblity in MP?

Adagio · August 12, 2002, 07:35

It should be possible for players with different bic files to play against each other, since the other players just get the hosts bic file...But what happens if the host has changed the tech tree, and thereby also has changed the look of the tech tree? Will the graphics for the tech tree be loaded too, or will it just look strange for the other players (since the arrows in the tech tree doesn't fit)?

Mattaba · August 12, 2002, 14:23

I think the game will just crash in such an event.

Dimorier Maximus · August 12, 2002, 15:15

Obviously, the game won't support *.bic MP. Just standard game. That would be too much work for the programmers, of course.

But heck, who knows, maybe Firaxis will surprise us here. I do know one thing, people would throw fits if *.bic MP was not available...

Adagio · August 12, 2002, 17:08

I think I've read somewhere, were Firaxis mentions that they take the hosts bic file, not just the standard bic file...Can't remember were I read it though...

Level · August 13, 2002, 01:40

There will be no problems with diferent BICs but the art could be a problem if they don't have it, I hope they get it to work right.

WarpStorm · August 13, 2002, 08:19

Firaxis has said that it will use the hosts .bic file. Obviously, it will crash if you need art files that you don't have. Hopefully, there will be an easy way to move custom art files.

Adagio · August 13, 2002, 08:56

Could someone from Firaxis confirm, that they know about this problem, and that they are trying to find the best way to fix it?

Adm.Naismith · August 13, 2002, 10:53

IIRC Firaxis mentioned that the game check .bic for rules changes, so it can alert any player about it.

For a visual example on similar situation, take a look at this Gamespot screenshot:
it show a message about rules change in scenario load screen.

Adagio · August 13, 2002, 10:59

That screenshot is about singleplayer, just to notifi the player, that this scenerario doesn't use the default game rules...It doesn't nessecarily say, that there has been e.g. added more units

WarpStorm · August 13, 2002, 12:39

More units would be changed rules and will give this message.

Adagio · August 13, 2002, 15:15

Yes, but will it also say this in MP? And will it warn you about, that you maybe need some files from the host, to be able to play?

It will then be a good idea, if the game could figure out which files is different from the default files (by checking filesize and such), then the host (or joiner) can choose which files should be download by the joiner.

This makes it easier to get the nessecary files, without the need to get a graphic mod, which has nothing to do with gameplay (like changed mountains and such)

All I'm saying: I just hope problems like this can be fixed in the game, so you don't have to go to ICQ (or whatever) to get the needed files...

hahntsak · August 13, 2002, 20:09

Quote:

Originally posted by Dimorier Maximus
Obviously, the game won't support *.bic MP. Just standard game. That would be too much work for the programmers, of course.

But heck, who knows, maybe Firaxis will surprise us here. I do know one thing, people would throw fits if *.bic MP was not available...

i believe it wouldn't be difficult as long as everybody played same mod/scenario. pack it in zip file and make sure all players have installed for game popular mods would be fun MP like WWII [spain joins Axis?] or dooble your pleasure mod i read about [haven't tried yet]... i might try myself if i can figure it out...

hahntsak · August 13, 2002, 20:15

Quote:

Originally posted by ADG
Yes, but will it also say this in MP? And will it warn you about, that you maybe need some files from the host, to be able to play?

It will then be a good idea, if the game could figure out which files is different from the default files (by checking filesize and such), then the host (or joiner) can choose which files should be download by the joiner.

This makes it easier to get the nessecary files, without the need to get a graphic mod, which has nothing to do with gameplay (like changed mountains and such)

All I'm saying: I just hope problems like this can be fixed in the game, so you don't have to go to ICQ (or whatever) to get the needed files...

i think heat.net didthat on most of their games.. if your game needed updating to play [even particular mod] it told ya, then click to upgrade/mod.