26.03.2008, 17:51
Now that new aircraft can be added, the problem is how to use them online.
I'll suggest a possible solution:
1. Make an official AAA mod patch/add-on that changes the version of the game from 4.08m to 5.01MOD or some other and includes cockpits of AI planes, new maps and new aircrafts (Spitfire Mk1 and others that are ready by the time of release).
2. Make a patch/mod for Dedicated server that also chandes version to 5.01MOD and includes new aircraft and maps. (Wiht all the skilled modders working todether, modding the Dedicated server software shouldn't be too difficult.)
After these steps fair online play with new aircrafts and maps would be possible and original version check system ensures that only players with right mod/patch installed can join the game. Thus there won't be any problems when using for example Spit Mk1 and England map on dedicated dogfight server.
3. Every time new maps and aircraft are to be included in the game, make a new patch/addon (for both game and dedicated server) with new version number (next 5.02MOD, then 5.03MOD etc.). Mods that don't affect online gameplay can be published separately outside these patches just like it is done now. Because these packs are different versions and incompatible online, also FM/DM and weapons of stock aircraft could be changed in these patches without any cheating problems.
4. When Oleg publishes official version 4.09m patch, don't make any mods for that version. Just publish a version 5.10MOD patch that includes all new content and corrections of v4.09m. (Or several version: unmodded 4.08m -> 5.10MOD, unmodded 4.09m -> 5.10MOD and previous mod pack -> 5.10MOD) Then continue with 5.11MOD ect. patches/add-ons.
This solution would offer the possibility to use mod-free version 4.09m (even without CRT=2) for those who don't like mods online, while others can use the latest AAA mod version 5.xxMOD online wihtout any compatibility issues (only players with all required mods can join due to version check). Server admins could simply choose whether to run mod-free server (use v4.09m dedicated server) or take advantage of the latest mods (use latest 5.xxMOD dedicated server), and Oleg Maddox will be happy since mod-free online gaming is possible.
I'll suggest a possible solution:
1. Make an official AAA mod patch/add-on that changes the version of the game from 4.08m to 5.01MOD or some other and includes cockpits of AI planes, new maps and new aircrafts (Spitfire Mk1 and others that are ready by the time of release).
2. Make a patch/mod for Dedicated server that also chandes version to 5.01MOD and includes new aircraft and maps. (Wiht all the skilled modders working todether, modding the Dedicated server software shouldn't be too difficult.)
After these steps fair online play with new aircrafts and maps would be possible and original version check system ensures that only players with right mod/patch installed can join the game. Thus there won't be any problems when using for example Spit Mk1 and England map on dedicated dogfight server.
3. Every time new maps and aircraft are to be included in the game, make a new patch/addon (for both game and dedicated server) with new version number (next 5.02MOD, then 5.03MOD etc.). Mods that don't affect online gameplay can be published separately outside these patches just like it is done now. Because these packs are different versions and incompatible online, also FM/DM and weapons of stock aircraft could be changed in these patches without any cheating problems.
4. When Oleg publishes official version 4.09m patch, don't make any mods for that version. Just publish a version 5.10MOD patch that includes all new content and corrections of v4.09m. (Or several version: unmodded 4.08m -> 5.10MOD, unmodded 4.09m -> 5.10MOD and previous mod pack -> 5.10MOD) Then continue with 5.11MOD ect. patches/add-ons.
This solution would offer the possibility to use mod-free version 4.09m (even without CRT=2) for those who don't like mods online, while others can use the latest AAA mod version 5.xxMOD online wihtout any compatibility issues (only players with all required mods can join due to version check). Server admins could simply choose whether to run mod-free server (use v4.09m dedicated server) or take advantage of the latest mods (use latest 5.xxMOD dedicated server), and Oleg Maddox will be happy since mod-free online gaming is possible.