Update rate...?

[}TCP{Wolf]

I've been wondering...

... the amount of things on my todo list for UTF is truly endless, the textfile containing it several thousand bytes long, and that's only the things known at the present, only some of which are bugs.

I have been asked to fix this or that bug, for one feature or another, which in itself is such a small thing it wouldn't warrant a new release. Several things combined do warrant an update - to some degree.

This is where this poll comes, and the question goes to both server admins and players! Would you prefer more frequent updates, where fewer changes were made, or would you rather wait longer for larger updates?

Here are a few things to keep in mind (+ pro / - con):

Smaller, more frequent updates...
+ small bugs and urgent issues are quickly fixed / added
+ the average time a bug stays between releases is lower
+ more potential for feedback and tests
- more versions, more potential version conflicts
- more downloads
- many improvements are hidden so the player does not acknowledge them
- more tests may be required, depending on latest changes
- increased maintenance of downloadsites etc...

Larger updates...
+ usually come with a noteable amount of addition/fixes
+ are usually tested publicly before release
(invert the list of the smaller updates pros and cons...)


When you vote and feel to post why you voted which way, please add in if you were looking at updates from the point of view of a player or admin (or both), and which motion mostly drove you to the vote you decided on.

[{hLk}HiFonix]

I was looking at the player side of this smaller more frequent updates are cool

[Kobra]

i voted the 3rd option couse i think you already did enough for unreal 1,
you should make a little UTF for the poor UT2k4 gamers man
there isnt even a score recovery after you crashed/left...
and the admin commands sucks too.

[Xavious]

I choose the first option from a gamer's point of view. It is very exciting getting new versions of everything. I'd rather eat a little bit of cake each day of the week than a whole big cake in one day.

[}TCP{Ramses]

I voted for larger updates from the player viewpoint. I lean towards this option because smaller updates could result in version conflicts and minor bugs shouldn't by definition materially affect gameplay and enjoyment. But at the end of the day I would leave it to your judgement in deciding whether a bugfix is needed sooner rather than later.

[}TCP{Carnage]

I voted for the larger updates

Both from a player as admin point of view .. only exception of course if it's a real nasty bug that needs quick fixing.

From an admin point of view .. the 'hassle" of installing the latest one all the time ..
From a player the obvious version mismatch hell u have to go thru.

[Hyper]

I voted for Larger updates Less UTeamFix version mismatches

[Taz]

I go with larger updates

[}TCP{^AngLoid]

As my attitude towards administrating a server is very casual I’d prefer it if I could just add a big update! And then let the server alone for a while until the next 1 and also it would give admins more time to weed out the bugs if any. And give you a more comprehensive report of UTfix's performance.

As for the smaller updates...as a player I think it would take the buzz out of the expectation of the next UTFix version...
And I can imagine admins ending up hopelessly out of date (like me )



I vote for the larger updates.

[Kobra]

I go with larger updates

do you even know where the larger updates wants to go? lol

[}TCP{Ramses]

I think that only Wolf would know that for sure because he is the one who receives peeps ideas and bug reports

[}TCP{Wolf]

Well I think the votes seen here up to now are quite representative in favor for larger updates. Thanks everyone.

[BassPwr]

Hi, sorry for late reply

I voted for larger updates that are spaced further apart. Most of
what has been said already in this topic covers my reasons esp.
what angloid said.

with the current state of unreal community and servers many
people who keep their head in the door of unreal are also
involved in many other games and are unable to dedicate
all their time to unreal, either they never have done or are now
unable to.

So if editions are further apart it is a compatible process that
reflects the state of the unreal community and give admins
the chance to find out if there is a new version every few months
and decide to update or not.

The problem of mismatches of course arises all the time, some
admins use older versions of uteamfix out of laziness or lack of
knowledge but some choose an older version based on personal
choice/suitability for their server, performance and features
contained inside that edition of utf.

editions being released closer together would only make sense
if they were named seperately and did not cause mismatches
but I understand this is not possible for UTF.

for the creators side it gives you something to work towards if
you feel a new edition is needed, a time to announce new features
or technologies that you have worked hard on and are proud
about. Larger updates gives you the chance to make more noise
about your work and make sure bugs are ironed out and it will be
stable.

I know this isn't the topic to talk about what I don't like or like
about UTF but one thing I did not like about the newer version(s)
was the change in the viewpoint process when you die. Originally
the camera view is your head and you roll around but newer UTF
changes that to a sudden side view which I do not like. Can't please
everyone I know but I'd prefer an older UTF to keep the original
death action, lol.

[}TCP{Wolf]

Originally
the camera view is your head and you roll around but newer UTF
changes that to a sudden side view which I do not like.

This particular issue is on my bug-list and unfortunately I ran into a few obscurities when trying to fix it. It will probably NOT be fixed in the next release, but it is something I intend to address again some day, just FYI.