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:
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.
EDIT: To clarify:The launcher downloads the game to
%userprofile%/My Documents/Blockland/ (windows) or
/Users/<username>/Documents/Blockland/ (mac) and runs the game from there. Everything inside the Blockland folder is the same. There should be no compatibility problems.
