If it took them many years to come this far in the development they have now how can they change so much overnight? Wouldn't it take a considerable amount of the time to make these changes?
Yeah, I'm not sure the leap from small shards to fully hosted large scale world is quite so easy.
They may run into "challenges"
Yeah, another one to look forward to when it releases in 2028.
I'm one of the early community admins and I'm running one of the community shards.
I think there are some misunderstandings what's actually happening on the technology side of things here concerning the MMO factor and grown map size. So - let me try to explain what's actually happening, since what they did is actually a pretty cool thing:
There are still several server processes in charge of running the now much bigger world and the map is separated into zones which are served by these zone servers. So - it is still possible to spread the game over several physical machines and scale it up as the playerbase grows. The limit here is dictated by the available hardware only.
This means the game is fully horizontally scalable.
What is much better now is the integration of the different zones. In the former Shards Online every zone server had its own map and these maps were connected by a portal and on transition you had a sort of "wormhole screen" until you arrived on the new map and zone server.
What is changing now is, that this transition is becoming MUCH shorter and you are ending up in a seamlessly connected new zone of the big map. This is done by leveraging client side level streaming, improvements in the networking and other technological changes.
The efficiency of the server code has been greatly improved.
On my little pet project we are currently running 11 zones on our dedicated server machine and our CPU usage is still pretty low (the zones use like 25-30% CPU when idleing while fully simulating all the AI and stuff.) CPU usage has basically been cut down to 25-30% of the former server and we could add zones - that's why we are at 25-30% CPU now and not lower. The most heavy zone with LOTS of AI uses like 10-12% CPU. Memory is no longer an issue since we got 64 bit servers and we can run several (configurable) Lua VMs in one zone server which share the game objects amongst them. Thus GC (Lua Garbage Collection) is no longer a problem. Lag spikes due to GC are basically gone now. Linux servers are still on the roadmap and we will get them further down the road along with even more optimizations.
The big "New Celador" map is split into 8 zones - any modern decent PC could serve that and if your available hardware is really bad you could even shut down zones and just not use them. Of course player count will play a role here where the limits are.
The individual zones on the big map are MUCH bigger than the former separated maps. Just do the math: The "New Celador" map has 25 times the size of the former Celador map which was run on one single server process. So just divide 25 / 8 = 3.125 and you have the factor by which the mapsize for a single server could be increased due to optimizations.
Again:
ALL THIS IS AVAILABLE TO THE COMMUNITY ! ! ! (We early admins expect to receive the new experimental server with the huge map within the next 1-2 weeks)
Concerning custom assets (maps, animations, music, sound, characters, particle effects etc. pp.) the situation is super easy: We basically will be able use ANY asset Unity allows us to use, since the client is built with Unity 5, once custom assets are enabled, which will be a stepwise process. IIRC it will begin with the custom maps.
So - no need to worry - Legends of Aria, the former Shards Online is doing huge steps into the right direction concerning our community run servers.
Any game that allows servers not maintained by the developers/publishers of the game is DOA.
Neverwinter Nights called. They wanted to speak to you.
Different time, different place. The ability to abuse game rulesets today is far advanced from what it used to be. You are basically playing at the mercy of the abusers in a game like this. No thanks, that aspect has failure written all over it!!!!
Any game that allows servers not maintained by the developers/publishers of the game is DOA.
Neverwinter Nights called. They wanted to speak to you.
Different time, different place. The ability to abuse game rulesets today is far advanced from what it used to be. You are basically playing at the mercy of the abusers in a game like this. No thanks, that aspect has failure written all over it!!!!
What are you guys talking about? Every game has bugs and abuses. They will get discovered and fixed. Abusive community servers will quickly get sorted out. Abusers / Griefers will receive their bans.
Legends of Aria is inherently safe in many ways because everything is done on the server, even the UI. OFC, I'm pretty sure there will be issues and exploits, but fixing these is easier than in many other games.
Any game that allows servers not maintained by the developers/publishers of the game is DOA.
Neverwinter Nights called. They wanted to speak to you.
Different time, different place. The ability to abuse game rulesets today is far advanced from what it used to be. You are basically playing at the mercy of the abusers in a game like this. No thanks, that aspect has failure written all over it!!!!
What are you guys talking about? Every game has bugs and abuses. They will get discovered and fixed. Abusive community servers will quickly get sorted out. Abusers / Griefers will receive their bans.
Legends of Aria is inherently safe in many ways because everything is done on the server, even the UI. OFC, I'm pretty sure there will be issues and exploits, but fixing these is easier than in many other games.
Hide from reality much? They might have a little control on the main server, but the rest forget it. All you have to do it look at all the issue large titles have with this. The little guy has a huge mountain to climb.
Don't care about the name change, though it seems fine, but I love the idea of everyone on one server....keep all the crafter's and pvpers together, with good rule sets, makes for a great economy.
Probably will buy to scratch the UO itch....
Kind of funny, you put crafters and pvpers on the same server, soon no crafters.
That's not how things work. You don't have crafters, in the right system, means you don't have the gear to PvP.
Either way it would be best to add a flag system or something like that, SWG style. Then crafters can't be bothered by PVP players at all.
For every minute you are angry , you lose 60 seconds of happiness."-Emerson
I think they are going towards a pretty well refined security system. The different security levels resemble a lot the EVE concept, which IMHO is the best concerning integration of PvP and non-PvP players.
First post ever in MMORPG.COM. May I ask why everyone in here is so sour and skepting due to a simple presentation video? I backed it, i was playing it (till they announced wipe before steam). I can tell you that besides from the new logo -wich I don't really like- i don't care about name change. I am glad about their focus on an official main shards, that will gather and appeal the biggest player base at the first moment. I think that letting everyone host their own shard,for free, is a great idea ( ex unofficial UO shard player here).
Last but not least : This is the first game in years (more than 10..) that gave me, in a pre alpha version, same feeling of good old days in UO.
So why the most of you that never tried or really followed this game are arguing this hard?
Any game that allows servers not maintained by the developers/publishers of the game is DOA.
Neverwinter Nights called. They wanted to speak to you.
Different time, different place. The ability to abuse game rulesets today is far advanced from what it used to be. You are basically playing at the mercy of the abusers in a game like this. No thanks, that aspect has failure written all over it!!!!
What are you guys talking about? Every game has bugs and abuses. They will get discovered and fixed. Abusive community servers will quickly get sorted out. Abusers / Griefers will receive their bans.
Legends of Aria is inherently safe in many ways because everything is done on the server, even the UI. OFC, I'm pretty sure there will be issues and exploits, but fixing these is easier than in many other games.
Hide from reality much? They might have a little control on the main server, but the rest forget it. All you have to do it look at all the issue large titles have with this. The little guy has a huge mountain to climb.
This kind of pvp brings out the worst in people.
Are you aware that characters from one "cluster" to "another" won't be transferable? And yes pvp brings out the worst in people, but the best too. Full loot pvp is one of the best feature a sandbox game could have. Imo calling a sandbox a game with no full loot pvp or hard carebear policy is just wrong.
Any game that allows servers not maintained by the developers/publishers of the game is DOA.
Neverwinter Nights called. They wanted to speak to you.
Different time, different place. The ability to abuse game rulesets today is far advanced from what it used to be. You are basically playing at the mercy of the abusers in a game like this. No thanks, that aspect has failure written all over it!!!!
What are you guys talking about? Every game has bugs and abuses. They will get discovered and fixed. Abusive community servers will quickly get sorted out. Abusers / Griefers will receive their bans.
Legends of Aria is inherently safe in many ways because everything is done on the server, even the UI. OFC, I'm pretty sure there will be issues and exploits, but fixing these is easier than in many other games.
Hide from reality much? They might have a little control on the main server, but the rest forget it. All you have to do it look at all the issue large titles have with this. The little guy has a huge mountain to climb.
This kind of pvp brings out the worst in people.
Are you aware that characters from one "cluster" to "another" won't be transferable? And yes pvp brings out the worst in people, but the best too. Full loot pvp is one of the best feature a sandbox game could have. Imo calling a sandbox a game with no full loot pvp or hard carebear policy is just wrong.
Everyone has their own idea of what makes a good sandbox, and to some having unrestricted lawlessness is not part of the equation.
How well developers permit players to control the amount of risk vs reward and mitigate or outright avoid interruption of their chose activities will directly influence the number of people willing to play this game.
Just trying to live long enough to play a new, released MMORPG, playing New Worlds atm
Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions. Pvbs 18:2, NIV
Don't just play games, inhabit virtual worlds™
"This is the most intelligent, well qualified and articulate response to a post I have ever seen on these forums. It's a shame most people here won't have the attention span to read past the second line." - Anon
Any game that allows servers not maintained by the developers/publishers of the game is DOA.
Neverwinter Nights called. They wanted to speak to you.
Different time, different place. The ability to abuse game rulesets today is far advanced from what it used to be. You are basically playing at the mercy of the abusers in a game like this. No thanks, that aspect has failure written all over it!!!!
What are you guys talking about? Every game has bugs and abuses. They will get discovered and fixed. Abusive community servers will quickly get sorted out. Abusers / Griefers will receive their bans.
Legends of Aria is inherently safe in many ways because everything is done on the server, even the UI. OFC, I'm pretty sure there will be issues and exploits, but fixing these is easier than in many other games.
Hide from reality much? They might have a little control on the main server, but the rest forget it. All you have to do it look at all the issue large titles have with this. The little guy has a huge mountain to climb.
This kind of pvp brings out the worst in people.
Are you aware that characters from one "cluster" to "another" won't be transferable? And yes pvp brings out the worst in people, but the best too. Full loot pvp is one of the best feature a sandbox game could have. Imo calling a sandbox a game with no full loot pvp or hard carebear policy is just wrong.
Everyone has their own idea of what makes a good sandbox, and to some having unrestricted lawlessness is not part of the equation.
How well developers permit players to control the amount of risk vs reward and mitigate or outright avoid interruption of their chose activities will directly influence the number of people willing to play this game.
Some people just won't be prey for others......
That is it. When people who PvP like to make fun of carebears and such saying they are afraid of PvP that is not the reason. It is not fear I don't mind playing PvP I just do not want to be the target and prey for another, for me that is not why I play games. They just dismiss you anyway saying it's cowardice but to me it has nothing to do with courage it has to do with choice what I choose.
I have a completely different idea of what makes a good sandbox but for now sandbox seems synonymous with free for all PvP. Hopefully this changes in he future to include different systems too.
Any game that allows servers not maintained by the developers/publishers of the game is DOA.
Neverwinter Nights called. They wanted to speak to you.
Different time, different place. The ability to abuse game rulesets today is far advanced from what it used to be. You are basically playing at the mercy of the abusers in a game like this. No thanks, that aspect has failure written all over it!!!!
What are you guys talking about? Every game has bugs and abuses. They will get discovered and fixed. Abusive community servers will quickly get sorted out. Abusers / Griefers will receive their bans.
Legends of Aria is inherently safe in many ways because everything is done on the server, even the UI. OFC, I'm pretty sure there will be issues and exploits, but fixing these is easier than in many other games.
Hide from reality much? They might have a little control on the main server, but the rest forget it. All you have to do it look at all the issue large titles have with this. The little guy has a huge mountain to climb.
This kind of pvp brings out the worst in people.
Are you aware that characters from one "cluster" to "another" won't be transferable? And yes pvp brings out the worst in people, but the best too. Full loot pvp is one of the best feature a sandbox game could have. Imo calling a sandbox a game with no full loot pvp or hard carebear policy is just wrong.
And yet the most played server is a PvE one where you don't drop your stuff on death. It is still a sandbox game, it just have different rules. Maybe you don't consider that server a sandbox, but it certainly is not a themepark game.
I think they are doing exactly the right thing now:
Create an official server where different playstyles are possible and give the community the tools to create servers more oriented towards PvP or PvE or RP or whatever the people like.
On the long run exactly this will be what sets it apart from being "just another MMO".
Seeing as this is now going to be an mmo and not like it was originally pitched small shards, I'm interested. I've been looking for a good UO replacement for a while now. This looks most close to UO to me than any of the others that have tried to pitch it that way. Shroud of the Avatar was a bust, turned out to be nothing like UO, just greedy, incompetent devs with no imagination, direction, and vision, with the add-on store and begathons being more important than game content. Will give Legends of Aria a go when it enters the next alpha phase, already bought it, ready to try it out.
Comments
Yeah, another one to look forward to when it releases in 2028.
I'm one of the early community admins and I'm running one of the community shards.
I think there are some misunderstandings what's actually happening on the technology side of things here concerning the MMO factor and grown map size. So - let me try to explain what's actually happening, since what they did is actually a pretty cool thing:
There are still several server processes in charge of running the now much bigger world and the map is separated into zones which are served by these zone servers.
So - it is still possible to spread the game over several physical machines and scale it up as the playerbase grows. The limit here is dictated by the available hardware only.
This means the game is fully horizontally scalable.
What is much better now is the integration of the different zones.
In the former Shards Online every zone server had its own map and these maps were connected by a portal and on transition you had a sort of "wormhole screen" until you arrived on the new map and zone server.
What is changing now is, that this transition is becoming MUCH shorter and you are ending up in a seamlessly connected new zone of the big map. This is done by leveraging client side level streaming, improvements in the networking and other technological changes.
The efficiency of the server code has been greatly improved.
On my little pet project we are currently running 11 zones on our dedicated server machine and our CPU usage is still pretty low (the zones use like 25-30% CPU when idleing while fully simulating all the AI and stuff.) CPU usage has basically been cut down to 25-30% of the former server and we could add zones - that's why we are at 25-30% CPU now and not lower. The most heavy zone with LOTS of AI uses like 10-12% CPU. Memory is no longer an issue since we got 64 bit servers and we can run several (configurable) Lua VMs in one zone server which share the game objects amongst them. Thus GC (Lua Garbage Collection) is no longer a problem. Lag spikes due to GC are basically gone now. Linux servers are still on the roadmap and we will get them further down the road along with even more optimizations.
The big "New Celador" map is split into 8 zones - any modern decent PC could serve that and if your available hardware is really bad you could even shut down zones and just not use them. Of course player count will play a role here where the limits are.
The individual zones on the big map are MUCH bigger than the former separated maps. Just do the math: The "New Celador" map has 25 times the size of the former Celador map which was run on one single server process. So just divide 25 / 8 = 3.125 and you have the factor by which the mapsize for a single server could be increased due to optimizations.
Again:
ALL THIS IS AVAILABLE TO THE COMMUNITY ! ! !
(We early admins expect to receive the new experimental server with the huge map within the next 1-2 weeks)
Concerning custom assets (maps, animations, music, sound, characters, particle effects etc. pp.) the situation is super easy:
We basically will be able use ANY asset Unity allows us to use, since the client is built with Unity 5, once custom assets are enabled, which will be a stepwise process. IIRC it will begin with the custom maps.
So - no need to worry - Legends of Aria, the former Shards Online is doing huge steps into the right direction concerning our community run servers.
Cheers
~Yorlik
http://www.arcanima.org
All time classic MY NEW FAVORITE POST! (Keep laying those bricks)
"I should point out that no other company has shipped out a beta on a disc before this." - Official Mortal Online Lead Community Moderator
Proudly wearing the Harbinger badge since Dec 23, 2017.
Coined the phrase "Role-Playing a Development Team" January 2018
"Oddly Slap is the main reason I stay in these forums." - Mystichaze April 9th 2018
Every game has bugs and abuses.
They will get discovered and fixed.
Abusive community servers will quickly get sorted out.
Abusers / Griefers will receive their bans.
Legends of Aria is inherently safe in many ways because everything is done on the server, even the UI.
OFC, I'm pretty sure there will be issues and exploits, but fixing these is easier than in many other games.
http://www.arcanima.org
This kind of pvp brings out the worst in people.
For every minute you are angry , you lose 60 seconds of happiness."-Emerson
The different security levels resemble a lot the EVE concept, which IMHO is the best concerning integration of PvP and non-PvP players.
http://www.arcanima.org
May I ask why everyone in here is so sour and skepting due to a simple presentation video?
I backed it, i was playing it (till they announced wipe before steam).
I can tell you that besides from the new logo -wich I don't really like- i don't care about name change.
I am glad about their focus on an official main shards, that will gather and appeal the biggest player base at the first moment.
I think that letting everyone host their own shard,for free, is a great idea ( ex unofficial UO shard player here).
Last but not least : This is the first game in years (more than 10..) that gave me, in a pre alpha version, same feeling of good old days in UO.
So why the most of you that never tried or really followed this game are arguing this hard?
And yes pvp brings out the worst in people, but the best too.
Full loot pvp is one of the best feature a sandbox game could have. Imo calling a sandbox a game with no full loot pvp or hard carebear policy is just wrong.
How well developers permit players to control the amount of risk vs reward and mitigate or outright avoid interruption of their chose activities will directly influence the number of people willing to play this game.
Some people just won't be prey for others......
"True friends stab you in the front." | Oscar Wilde
"I need to finish" - Christian Wolff: The Accountant
Just trying to live long enough to play a new, released MMORPG, playing New Worlds atm
Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions. Pvbs 18:2, NIV
Don't just play games, inhabit virtual worlds™
"This is the most intelligent, well qualified and articulate response to a post I have ever seen on these forums. It's a shame most people here won't have the attention span to read past the second line." - Anon
I have a completely different idea of what makes a good sandbox but for now sandbox seems synonymous with free for all PvP. Hopefully this changes in he future to include different systems too.
Create an official server where different playstyles are possible and
give the community the tools to create servers more oriented towards
PvP or PvE or RP or whatever the people like.
On the long run exactly this will be what sets it apart from being "just another MMO".
http://www.arcanima.org
What happens when you log off your characters????.....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFQhfhnjYMk
Dark Age of Camelot