Auto-save - On by default?

[Arjuna]

In another thread 06 Maestro said that he would like to see the Auto-save option "on" by default. This feature will save the game every twenty minutes and will lead to slight pauses every time it saves. It was for this reason that we made it "off" by default.

What do you think?

[06 Maestro]

Arjuna

I don't really recall if I ever did use the auto save-if I did, I must have thought it was too slow and gave it up.

Is it reasonable to have an auto save upon exiting? This would eliminate the need for the in game saving-one could save at will, or if there was a problem, you're covered.

[Arjuna]

06 Maestro,
 
I take it that what you are requiring is something that can save automatically before a crash to desktop. This would indeed by a feat. Alas, by definition, if your code crashes to desktop it is usually because it or some other app has overwriten some fundamental piece of data or it is trying to access some bit of data that it should not. The OS usually cuts in at this stage and kills the app instantly - hence the CTD. As such, our app is no longer functioning and cannot access the save functions. Even if it could, the integrity of the data could not be guaranteed.
 
The best you can do is to save regularly, like each Game minute, but that would mean pauses throughout the game. So it's a balancing act. At least the auto-save feature means you only lose twenty real minutes of game time - relatively minor inconvenience, but still an inconvenience, I know.

[06 Maestro]

Yes Sir, that is what I had in mind for an auto save. I know nothing of programing, but did consider that saving at a crash could be saving the problem too-but maybe not.

I"ll try the 20 minute saves for a while. I most likely won't have another crash for a long time-right after I stop using the auto save.
If one does not use the auto save, they should do regular save at least on a daily basis.

[JeF]

Hi,

I voted ON.
I didn't even remember this was OFF by default. I set it ON at installation somehow; It's still there and useful.

Cheers,

JeF.

[TinyPirate]

Off. Unexplained slight pauses will drive people nuts.

[Fred98]

ORIGINAL: Arjuna

Auto-save option "on" or "off" by default?

I will start a game and then save it and name it Fred1

When the game auto saves does it save over Fred 1 or does it save to another file?

If I play for an hour and there are 3 auto saves does this produce 3 save game files or just one file?

-

[simovitch]

The game autosaves (overwrites) to a file called "autosave.aag" always, even if you save as something else.

Also, the game will notify you at the top of the screen every time an autosave occurs.

[06 Maestro]

Joe 98

I was just now checking the saved files, there is only one "auto save", so it just over writes the existing save. The files you saved on your own are not changed.

BTW, the saving process is rather fast (for Elasson Rear Gaurd). I would hardly notice it w/o the message. I think I will leave it turned on.

[Arjuna]

Yes it overwrites. The bigger the scenario, the longer it takes to save.

[GoodGuy]

Could we get 2 autosave-files (alternatively a new folder that would hold the MP autosave file), please? The single-player autosave is being overwritten if the host enables autosave during a multiplayer session, MP savegames go K.I.A. when using autosave in SP sessions. [:(]
Especially in MP sessions, the autosave is kinda saviour, as it gives you a chance to keep some of the game progress after a crash or when the clients ran out of sync.

Also, additional options for the current autosave feature would be nice (= 5 mins, 10 mins, 20 mins).

Last but not least, the ingame chat function has a bug where the players won't be able to read each other's messages. In one of my MP sessions voice-chat saved the evening, but I guess ppl can't or don't wanna use voice chat every time. Is there a chance that this is going to be examined b4 releasing BFTB?

[Arjuna]

ORIGINAL: GoodGuy

Could we get 2 autosave-files (alternatively a new folder that would hold the MP autosave file), please? The single-player autosave is being overwritten if the host enables autosave during a multiplayer session, MP savegames go K.I.A. when using autosave in SP sessions. [:(]
Especially in MP sessions, the autosave is kinda saviour, as it gives you a chance to keep some of the game progress after a crash or when the clients ran out of sync.

TT3574 - UI - Autosave - Provide a multiplayer autosave file separate to the single player one

Also, additional options for the current autosave feature would be nice (= 5 mins, 10 mins, 20 mins).

TT3573 - UI - Autosave - Add options to save every 5, 10 and 20 minutes etc

Last but not least, the ingame chat function has a bug where the players won't be able to read each other's messages. In one of my MP sessions voice-chat saved the evening, but I guess ppl can't or don't wanna use voice chat every time. Is there a chance that this is going to be examined b4 releasing BFTB?

Can you please elaborate on this chat bug? How does it manifest? When does it occur?

[GoodGuy]

ORIGINAL: Arjuna
Can you please elaborate on this chat bug? How does it manifest? When does it occur?

When this happens, players are still able to type messages, but the message won't display on the screen, not on the host side nor on the client side, means it looks like the player who is sending the message just sent an empty message.
It looks like in 3D-games when a player hits the message key, where he then decides not to type any message, so that he would just hit enter, so others will just see his nickname popping up in the message box, but they won't see a message.

I am not sure when it occurs. I remember one evening where the game session ran out of sync, the chat bug came up some time after that, when we reloaded a savegame. The scenario we played involved a recalculation, since a bridge blew up, too, if I remember correctly.
I played against Yakstock that day, he might remember more details. Anyway, I experienced this chat bug at least 2 times.

[Arjuna]

mmm...OK...I haven't seen it but then alas I don't get time to play too many networked games other than with myself for test purposes and chatting to myself between two PC in the same room doesn't sound like a lot of fun. [;)]
 
If it occurs again, can you please report it in the Bug Reports subForum along with any details about the circumstances. Thanks.