Network Stability Update
Hey everyone, here's an update on Network Stability issues!
Recently we performed some internal tests where we played with a number of variables in a busy dungeon run to analyze their network impact. The end results were positive for the changes we made, and we are going to begin making modifications to identifiable problem zones gradually. Here's what that can potentially entail for an addressed zone:
- The size of enemy groupings/pulls will be reduced
- The leash range of the enemies in a zone will be reduced. This is the amount of distance an enemy will leave its originating place in order to chase after a player
- Reduction of number of enemies overall in a map
- Reduced overlap between enemy groups. This prevents one group combining with 3, 4, or even 5 other groups into a nightmarish swirl of network issues.
This does not imply that all of these things will be applied to a zone, however they are all things we can utilize to improve performance in these zones. The goal is to find an appropriate balance where the map is still fun, players can still do their AOE, but in way that isn't going to bring the server to its knees.
With this in mind, the first map we are improving is "Tindirin - The Wilds". In this instance all of the above have been applied, and it was identified as a good starting map to play with because it's not a heavily farmed zone and is off the beaten path by comparison to many others, and had the potential for really nasty overloaded pulls and heavy network traffic.
Expect it to go out sometime soon, with future updates related to the next maps that are going to be receiving the performance optimizations. The big bonus from this is every map that gets this change will have an impact on server bandwidth across the board. Small at first, but over time these improvements will go a long way to helping overall stability.
This will be an ongoing process and we will make sure to keep you all up to date on what changes are being made and when. This way, we will be able to address any passive impacts these changes have on the game as they come up. We look forward to your continuing feedback and the ability to provide you with a much smoother game experience.
-Carapace
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