Netcode--lag and the ilk!

[Dominus_Noctis]

posted on July 27th, 2009, 1:36 pm

Last edited by Dominus_Noctis on July 27th, 2009, 6:16 pm, edited 1 time in total.

So, currently it is almost impossible to play games that are more that 2v2 because we get constant lag/delay between commands (maybe 2-15 seconds worth... plus the actual frame rate dropping to a rate similar to gamespeed one). Even in 2v2 games there is often quite a bit of lag. Although some of it is due to cruddier computers and internet connections, the fact that I can play Starcraft or RA3 or other games with the SAME people and get NO lag is pretty annoying. In fact, I think that we lose more players online because of lag problems and inability to play larger more enjoyable team games then for any other reason. Right now I know of several people who are thinking of not playing Fleet Operations alltogether as they don't like the AI, and they can't play online with more than one other person usually.

Why am I saying this? Well, I know that it might be difficult and time consuming for Doca to fix this ridiculous netcode--and I have no idea if fixing it would permanently remove the problems--but I think it is a priority. I don't say this just because I play FO exclusively online, but I say this because there are plenty of people wanting to get on, but who realize the lag and endless issues associated with it make it unbearable to play.

I know that it is not right to demand anything, and I know that new features and improved graphics are important to the Devs (as they wish to make their original desires come true), but without adequate online support, the player base becomes much lower than it could be. I hope this didn't come off as a rant, or anything remotely rude, I just think that this was necessary to state because I have heard so many people state "why do we get so much lag--I don't get it when I play Starcraft with [blank]". I had always thought it was an unfixable problem myself... but if it isn't... :angel:

posted on July 27th, 2009, 1:43 pm

Lags are a result of an old engine and people using poor computers. But, yes, I want to be able to play 7 other players just as smoothly as me playing against an AI in instant action.

posted on July 29th, 2009, 2:45 am

IGNORE THIS THREAD: the answer is Wippien


Star Trek Armada II: Fleet Operations - Wippien, better than Hamachi!

Almost NO lag whatsoever. Waiting for 2v2,3v3 etc tests. Lets go folks 

posted on November 15th, 2009, 1:05 pm

But why is it, that when playing over LAN a 3 Human VS 1 AI game, there is no lag, but then with the same computers in a 3Human vs 2 AI match? And is it usual, that FO states in the Netwerklounge "That the performance will suffer"?

posted on November 15th, 2009, 1:17 pm

I have to interject as well about this.  I have a 2.6ghz dual core, 512PCIe Nvidia card, 2gb DDR2 ram, etc, etc.  3MB cable connection and more than 2v2, computer or person, it still lags.  So it doesn't have to do with the upgrades to the game, or ship models size, etc.  Its something to do with 5+ players, computer or human.  If I can run Fallout3 seemlessly, with all settings on the highest setting with no lag, then there is something wrong with something in the net code for FO.  A2 didn't have this lag issue.  Lets get on the ball finding that problem! er...well..you guys get on it.  =P

posted on November 15th, 2009, 5:38 pm

A2 did have this problem. All the problems are due to A2 as very little has been changed in that department 

AI's can lag computers because of the way that they "make decisions" - the more you have, the laggier it can get for some computers because they all decide to do the same things at once.

And is it usual, that FO states in the Netwerklounge "That the performance will suffer"?

This is the original A2 message .

posted on November 15th, 2009, 5:56 pm

Well, there was not much of a point in playing A2-MP, as such I wasn't aware of that problem. Hmm ... But is there such a big difference between: 2 Human vs 2 AI and 3 Human vs 2 AI?

A2 allowed for 2 Humans vs 6 AI, afaik. Either the decision-making process has become more complicated in FO or there is something else.

However, I see your point, even though it doesn't settle it: It has to have something to do with the netcode AND the AI.

Dear developers: Is there some way to make a massive onslaught angainst the AI on LAN-Parties possible?

posted on November 15th, 2009, 6:00 pm

Well, the AI has become much more complex in its behavior since A2, so that could be it. Since making this thread I have been led to understand that undertaking a change of the netcode would be incredibly time consuming, difficult, and not necessarily worth it - although certain things will be optimized to try and make performance better, a full rewrite will most likely not occur for a very long time.

[Optec]

posted on November 16th, 2009, 5:05 am

Last edited by Optec on May 25th, 2011, 3:55 pm, edited 1 time in total.

yep, indeed. we will try to improve the "lag-acy" as much as possible, but a full netcode rewrite is a bit out of our scope at the moment. its on todo of course, never give up your dreams!

wow now i sound like a popstar

posted on November 16th, 2009, 11:02 am

Ok At least it hasn't to do with graphics, so there is not possibility to circumvent that problem atm. However, still thanks for such a great game!