The main feature of v20 is going to be a new auto updater.
Features:
- Does not require a new installer for each update
- Can update without admin privileges
- Works on the Macintosh
- Works with UAC
- Avoids script/exe mismatches
- Restores accidentally damaged files
- Works with dedicated server
- Works with multiple user accounts
- Allows me to easily put out small, quick updates
From v20 on, you will run Blockland via a launcher program that looks something like this:
-snip-
This launcher program contacts the master server, gets the latest version information, downloads any new files, verifies your files, then runs the game. The launcher can run from "Program Files" (or "Applications" on the mac), your normal familiar Blockland files will be automatically written out to your user profile directory before running. Add-ons and everything will still work, you just put them in a different place now.
To run a dedicated server, you will run BlocklandLauncher.exe -dedicated (and whatever other arguments you like). The launcher runs in console only mode, updates, then runs your dedicated server as normal.
The initial roll out of v20 will add no significant new features. The goal is to get the new update system up and working for everyone. Once the new update system is in place, implementing new features will be much easier. The release is still some days out. I am giving you this information now so you can get used to the idea and not freak out as much when change occurs.
I quoted the entire OP to point out a few things:
1) When you say multiple user accounts, are you talking about on multiple computers, or actually allowing one computer to hold multiple accounts?
2) I like how Linux may not get the benefit of this update, since it does not say if the new auto-updater works for Linux.
3) Wait, New Add-ons location? Where exactly does the new folder go for this? Plus, it disappoints me to see it be changed, because the place where it is now is completely fine. I don't seem to get the change of the Add-on Folder.
4) Speaking of the Add-on change, this will require Ephi to re-write the Mod Manager code of RTB, since the Add-ons folder will be in a new location.
5) UAC?
6) Updating without admin privileges? I feel this can be more elaborate.
7) Dedicated server launcher is changed? Using a new .exe file instead of a .bat might throw people off.
Other than that, I think that this will be a nice update. What I would like to see is this game only be required to be downloaded instead of having to go though an installation process. Possibly playable in-browser?
One last thing, Ephi mentioned a fix in v20 that will help RTB do some sort of specific function. I think that should be included in the features list.
Where will we have to put our Add-Ons in when this comes out.
eheh... beat me to it.
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