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Hey folks. While we were implementing the Stasis Grappler module we dug into some of the code governing orbiting and movement commands. While we were there we saw a clear path to making the orbit command act in a more logical fashion.

As of the March patch, when you use the orbit command and your speed or orbit radius changes, the plane of the orbit will no longer re-randomize. This means you will no longer switch direction when turning on a propulsion module, and stasis webifiers will no longer cause direction changes.

We still highly advise players to learn how to use manual piloting for best performance, as the orbit command does not include any advanced logic for managing transversal or avoiding slingshot maneuvers. However now the orbit command will no longer freak out whenever your speed changes, which should bring it in line with reasonable expectations for how it should behave.

There is a blatant error in Eve's physics calculations related to orbiting.

Angular velocity is calculated in an approximate fashion that takes into account the relative speed and position of the two ships in question but ignores their rotation.

Easy example, a frigate orbits a stationary target in a circular orbit. In real world physics, the angular velocity of the stationary target, as seen by the orbiting frigate is zero. In other words, the guns of the frigate will always point at the target without the need to turn in any way. Build a paper model if you don't believe me.

In Eve physics, on the other hand, the same 'angular velocity' is calculated for both ships. Which is only correct if none of the ships are changing direction and is thus plain wrong in case of orbiting.

Now, the error would be very simple to fix by calculating velocities based on position changes between server ticks and factoring in the corresponding rotation (just subtract this rotation from the present wrong formula, and voila, everything is correct).

Now, it can be argued that a) this will complicate calculations and b) it is desireable from a gameplay point of view.

a) Can only be answered by the devs

b) Is up for debate. I never get why orbiting in a fast frigate should give me any problems with tracking. A change of the formula would benefit people who actively pilot their ships, would benefit people in smaller ships (new players anyone?) and would make much more sense to the dedicated physics loving space nerd

Thoughts?

... Increasing the tickrate might lower the threshhold for tidi due to higher load, but the trade off could very well be worth it to improve the general game experience (a lot).

The "performance headroom" CCP Fozzie mentions might refer to players with poor connections: the current tick lets more players be reasonably competitive.

There is a blatant error in Eve's physics calculations related to orbiting.

Angular velocity is calculated in an approximate fashion that takes into account the relative speed and position of the two ships in question but ignores their rotation.

Easy example, a frigate orbits a stationary target in a circular orbit. In real world physics, the angular velocity of the stationary target, as seen by the orbiting frigate is zero. In other words, the guns of the frigate will always point at the target without the need to turn in any way. Build a paper model if you don't believe me.

In Eve physics, on the other hand, the same 'angular velocity' is calculated for both ships. Which is only correct if none of the ships are changing direction and is thus plain wrong in case of orbiting.

Now, the error would be very simple to fix by calculating velocities based on position changes between server ticks and factoring in the corresponding rotation (just subtract this rotation from the present wrong formula, and voila, everything is correct).

Now, it can be argued that a) this will complicate calculations and b) it is desireable from a gameplay point of view.

a) Can only be answered by the devs

b) Is up for debate. I never get why orbiting in a fast frigate should give me any problems with tracking. A change of the formula would benefit people who actively pilot their ships, would benefit people in smaller ships (new players anyone?) and would make much more sense to the dedicated physics loving space nerd

Thoughts?

Can you please provide a way for us to change the orbit direction? Some people had a good use for the way it works right now. Even though this is a good update i would approve a way to change the orbit in some way.

If I'm reading this right Annia's suggestion is to have the gun tracking formula guess at the ship's "real" heading using the ship's velocity during the previous tick. I suspect it is impractical, but it wouldn't involve changing the entire physics model. More like making an addendum to it.

Stasis webifiers will no longer cause direction changes.