1.08

[Dancing Bear]

Hi Marshall
looking at the post about the BETA release, I'm guessing that 1.08 is close to being ready as a BETA, is this correct?

DB

[Marshall Ellis]

Yea, it is BUT I've got a few thingys that I need to clean up in the editor section! Testers do have it in their hands!
Trying to BETA HOPEFULLY before Christmas BUT my family is about to take over so it will be close!

[Jimmer]

I love the idea. But, there's a security risk: This allows someone to tweak a copy of the game using beta software and then send it out via the production software.

So, in addition to this, add one thing: A field in the database that only gets populated with the version of beta software used. In other words, the field is empty if any non-beta copy of the game is used. But, once any person uses a beta version to "look at" a file, that copy of the file permanently has the "beta version" field filled in.

Then, the regular (production) games will also have to check this field.

NOTE: In order to do this, you will have to have the beta copy "know" that it is a beta copy.

NOTE: It should be possible for the game host to clear this field, but notification should be given to the other players when that is done.

[Marshall Ellis]

Actually, I am trying to force ALL PBEM players to use the same version so this should eliminate that possibility! You won't be able to do anything in BETA that could NOT be done in the release version.

[Jimmer]

That would work even better.

When you put the code in, make sure you allow a "grace period" of some nature. Perhaps the host declares a new version on his turn via email, and then each person has until their next phase (the one immediately following the host) to upgrade. Note that This could be quite a bit of time. There is one part of the cycle where 11 player-phases can take place between the host's phasing and your own phasing. (I believe this is at GB's reinforcement phase coupled with Spain's next phase (which will come at the end of naval movement, if GB goes first).

Also, you probably should turn off phase skipping until every person has upgraded. Once the host declares a game update, alll phase skips should simply be turned off (back to normal). Otherwise, you could have a real mess in the game.

[Dancing Bear]

Hi Marshall
given that we are almost at Christmas, can we assuem we'll see the 1.08 beata in the new year?

Also, in case I don't get a chance to mention it again, Merry Christmas and thanks for all the hard work on the game.

DB.

[Marshall Ellis]

DB:

Yep! I just could not get a few editor things fixed up in time. I have what I think will be the first 1.08 BETA image in the testers' hands but it's only been there a day or 2 so they are going to need some time to cook it! We're close BUT I will be on an abbreviated schedule next week so let's look for it right after the new year!

Appreciate all of your support DB! You have been VERY helpful and I appreciate it!