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New dev blog: Introducting the EVE Launcher

First post First post
Author
Blue Harrier
#221 - 2011-11-10 11:41:53 UTC
Having used both the old SiSiLauncher and the new Launcher on SiSi I have to say I prefer the old style SiSiLauncher. At least with the old style one I have the option of either clicking [Play EVE on Singularity] or [Repair My Test Client] unlike the new Launcher where I have no option.

For the test client I don’t find this a chore but for daily use of the main client it just seems to add an extra button to click to start the game (there is also a noticeable wait time while the launcher starts and does its thing), unless as others have asked you also make this the log in screen as well.

At the moment I have one account on one machine with both the SiSi test client, Duality test client and TQ client, each client has it’s own cache, settings and such like and this all takes up space, if you are now asking us to have a separate download area for each of the launcher downloaded files then I can foresee some space problems for users with multiple clients on one machine.

I would suggest at least the Launcher is given a browse button so we can put the downloaded files where we want them and also point all launchers on one machine towards the same file location. Of course this would mean the launcher would have to check the cache files first for updates before trying to do a download.

At the moment my SiSiLauncher reports I have 8.62 GB stored in the cache so if this was replicated to even 3 clients the cached files would balloon to around 26 GB if they were stored separately and as some people have reported running as many as 15 clients I dread to think of the space needed for their clients (130 GB or thereabouts).

And one final thing, you said in an answer to someone that the Launcher would not change your settings, well sorry to say from my test on SiSi (note I have used both launchers old and new), it actually made a completely new settings folder and I had to go through the complete logging in and change settings etc all over again.

At the end of the day I (just myself others have their views and I respect them), would prefer the way we do it now and just download the patch and update as many machines as we wish then archive the file somewhere safe.

"You wait - time passes, Thorin sits down and starts singing about gold." from The Hobbit on ZX Spectrum 1982.

M1AU
Zappenduster Inc.
#222 - 2011-11-10 12:35:07 UTC
Hosedna wrote:
M1AU wrote:
CCP Topknot wrote:
Tippia wrote:
…soooo. Manual patching?

Question back: What is it that you like about the manual patchers? We would really like to get rid of manual patchers eventually because it would simplify our build process a lot and like Mandrake said, give us a better environment to push out smaller updates. But I would really like to hear the benefits you see in the manual patchers.


As others pointed out, manual patching could be handy especially for Linux / WINE users. There are people out there which simply can't or won't run a MS operating system and as EVE through WINE worked for me the last 4 years, I'd rather like it to stay that way. If the new launcher always works, fine, but any fallback is appreciated.


And currently the launcher on Sisi doesn't work with wine :$. I must admit I would really enjoy the launcher to stay optionnal, even if it is the default option. Or maybe we could get a way to configure the Sisi launcher to work on TQ, since it works wonder with wine ?


That sucks. What?
Trebor Daehdoow
The Scope
Gallente Federation
#223 - 2011-11-10 12:37:14 UTC
Lors Dornick wrote:
Trebor Daehdoow wrote:
I find your lack of Macintosh support "disturbing".

But then, Windows users always need extra hand-holding. Twisted


But as one who actually voted for you, you're out on a limb here Treb.


Please train Humor to at least III, then re-read my original post.

Thanks in advance,
Trebor (current training Trolling to V, Mittens is making me do it)

Private Citizen • CSM in recovery

Rommiee
Mercury Inc.
#224 - 2011-11-10 12:39:28 UTC
So, will we still have the standard EVE shortcut to go directly to the client, or will be have to run this launcer, then click play each time we want to log on ?

If you run 3 clients, will you also have 3 instances of this launcer running in the background ?



It sounds good for patching and unpdating.... not so hot for everyday use when you just want to log on and play. There are not that many patches being deployed that makes it necessary to compromise day to day activity.
AlleyKat
The Unwanted.
#225 - 2011-11-10 12:54:57 UTC
Looks good.

If the goal is to do a staged deployment, I'd recommend:

1: Introduction Video - 5 mins - uber/pimp/blazing/awesome/1337/<9000/DnB/Techno/Dirty/Sexy
2: Character name creation stage
3: Videos for the races of EVE - 30-60 seconds each
4: Picking bloodlines
5: Videos on different 'paths' - 3-5 minutes, Aura with extra husk as VO
6: Character Avatar creation

This should help people bond with their characters, as it helps them define the reasons why they are playing - not EVE/CCP defining who they are and why they are interacting with this world.

Players should have an answer to the question "Who am I?" in a disembodied state.

If you do not let them define who they are, the (dangerous) question which is left in their head is "What am I supposed to be doing?"

If they are a vicious player, they should be able to define this through the first 30 minutes; and if they are an explorer, they need to believe that is what they are.

If they do not bond, you do not get your money at the end of the 14 days.

Regardless of what some people have said recently, our ingame persona is very important - if it doesn't define us, or allow us to define it, we will be annoyed. If we are a new player, we will leave.

AK

This space for rent.

Mjana
Switzerland EVE Corp.
#226 - 2011-11-10 14:29:35 UTC  |  Edited by: Mjana
EDIT: oh great, forum ate my post again...
Tidwald
Center for Advanced Studies
Gallente Federation
#227 - 2011-11-10 14:44:05 UTC
Mohr Cowbell wrote:
Salpun wrote:


Sisi currently works for me. Using the sisi launcher forcing a repair did not add the new functionality. Did the Win7 64bit files not get updated?

The new files are there and a launcher exe that is 458 KB is size is in the folder but does not run anything when clicked on.


Same issue here on Win7-64. When I run the launcher, I can see the process appear in task manager for about a second, then it goes away. I also tried right-clicking the shortcut and selecting Run as Administrator.


Exactly the same here, but on Win7-32.

Mjana
Switzerland EVE Corp.
#228 - 2011-11-10 14:54:53 UTC  |  Edited by: Mjana
CCP Mandrake wrote:
I had been thinking of adding an option to the launcher settings that when set, the launcher window would not pop up unless there was an update. I decided against it at this stage as once set, it would lock you out of the launcher and always start eve directly until next time there is an update. But seeing as how many players are asking about this, i don't see why i shouldn't add this feature.


We definately need some "fast startup" option. Think about how often the launcher features will be used:
- Installing updates: once a week, not more than twice per day (before/after DT)
- Reading news and annoucements: once a day
- Starting client: every time

At least leave the eve.exe a standalone application that we can launch using a shortcut, if we just got disconnected during [insert time critical activity here].
Or for people like me, who already use their own custom launcher thingy, that launches up several instances, sets processor affinity and punches in login credentials. P

Also, concerning news publishing/reading:
Currently, the news page displayed on the right of character selection screen (http://www.eveonline.com/mb/news.asp) often contains news items that are not yet published on the rest of the eveonline.com website.
Sometimes, I would like to read some of those news but also want to finish logging in my bunch of characters and fleet them up for hours of exciting ice mining.

Therefore, I would suggest an option to "Keep launcher open, so I can finish reading that story about Emperess Jamyll being bitten by her pet slaver hound." Twisted


Also, +1 for useful stuff like
- Clearing cache
- Setting graphics options
- Changing language
- Launch SiSi/DuDu client (launcher)


P.S.: Cool, after rewriting my post because forum ate it, I would almost have lost it AGAIN because aparently, it's really user-friendly to CLEAR A POST if it contains a single "less than" character followed by a letter. ("The input may not contain HTML.") Roll
John McCreedy
Eve Defence Force
#229 - 2011-11-10 15:02:14 UTC
Will this retain (assuming it's still going because I've not noticed it lately?) corporate advertising on the launcher screen?

13 years and counting. Eve Defence Force is recruiting.

Smoking Blunts
ZC Omega
#230 - 2011-11-10 15:28:46 UTC
still no answer to the question of 'can we turn this off'?
dont need 5 or 6 of these open when i log in my accounts

OMG when can i get a pic here

Cygne Mallory
Viziam
Amarr Empire
#231 - 2011-11-10 15:34:00 UTC
This sounds interesting, hopefully will allow for some interesting reading on a patch day.

"Communation be fundamental" Is this irony or a typo or a meme? So hard to tell with these hipster devs...
Xavier Linx
Omni Research
#232 - 2011-11-10 16:14:20 UTC
If I start the client during DT it's because I want to play eve and forgot to check my clock. I'd like a link to the forum so I can go and whine about the DT and the last nerf and the lack of SSO when going there.

I like the Out-of-pod experience in eve and everything that enforce that gets +1 from me.
TxShadow
Caldari Provisions
Caldari State
#233 - 2011-11-10 18:11:02 UTC
Neo Agricola wrote:
Asthariye wrote:
Dev comment on this use case would be really good, I can't imagine I'm the only person for whom this is a problem.

+1
hate the Idea of updating X clients on 3 different systems with my bandwith...


I am guessing u haven't tried to NOT clock "Clear Downloaded Data" in between clients patch? Its the last page you get from the patch software.

If you do that, on the first and second client u update, it only has to download the "patch" tool @ 5MB or so per client. Then it find and checks the downloaded data, and uses it again. Then on the last 3:rd) client u patch, select it to "Clear Downloaded Data" and its like normal again.

Been doing that a while myself
Solhild
Doomheim
#234 - 2011-11-10 18:18:11 UTC  |  Edited by: Solhild
Not sure if already mentioned, but a patch day idea:

Is it possible that launcher/patcher can use SISI data to patch TQ to save a separate download??

This would be a great feature for people with internet connections as agricultural as mine Cry



EDIT for clarity

two eve installs, each with launchers (or a combined launcher as has been suggested)

install 1 - TQ
install 2 - SISI

TQ install takes downloaded data from SISI folder to update itself on patch day rather than download everything again.

I know we can usually manually rename the path for the SISI exe folder to run as TQ but this would be great functionality for the launcher. Plus, every time I do this I lose my settings Blink
TxShadow
Caldari Provisions
Caldari State
#235 - 2011-11-10 18:32:02 UTC  |  Edited by: TxShadow
CCP Topknot wrote:
Tippia wrote:
…soooo. Manual patching?

Question back: What is it that you like about the manual patchers? We would really like to get rid of manual patchers eventually because it would simplify our build process a lot and like Mandrake said, give us a better environment to push out smaller updates. But I would really like to hear the benefits you see in the manual patchers.


Id say, control. That should be mine, and not yours.

Its like Windows update, i have a fully legal Windows 7, 64-Bit, but i don't want it patching and downloading patches when ever it feels like it. Was like the small client patches that now are different. When they first started, we could choose yes or no. Because believe me, i have been in eve long enough to know that not everything that comes from your fingers are gold and diamonds.

Same way with Real Player, Adobe little toys, Quicktime etc... Its "there" if you want to be bothered about it. Todays PCs are completely full of unwanted and not needed software, that some developer thought he could impress his boss with. This just takes resources, development time, and more important, MY time, to filter through.

When it comes to ads, one thing needs to be set straight. I pay for the accounts, i pay for the electricity to power the machine i payed for. As long as i am paying for EVE, ads is NOT accepted, unless u start giving me free game time by SELECTING that i want it this way. Use EveOnline.com for that if u want, but not the software we use to play.
Same **** with many EA games, that i HAVE to watch there dumb logo and things every time. If i have payed for it, then i should only have to view that logo presentation ONCE at most.

If you just want to make a simple thing to keep the clients in chess, thats a good thing. But when i start an eve client, i want to start eve, not a launcher that i then have to push again to start what i wanted to start in the first place. If you guys can make it possible for me to control 4 clients in 1 launcher, i could understand it, but not the way its made now.

I think since i have gone and done one more step, i am not sure it will work for me. I have 1 real eve folder, (on SSD), and 3 linked folders to that. giving me 4 "clients". These have separate setting and cache on a RAM drive, but share the clients files.
Gives me some odd things, normal patches work 100%. But these darn "client" patch needs to be done 4 times, 1 for each virtual client. I am guessing its somewhere in the cache or settings, and not in the client info, witch seems dumb.

At least i am happy you did think to make it work with multiple instances. Lets just hope u make it useful enough for us old school EVE users to feel we WANT to use it, and not having to find a way around it too.
Chise
Tomoe Laboratories
#236 - 2011-11-11 04:06:28 UTC
Arth Lawing wrote:
ORCACommander wrote:
looks good but i don't want it. when i click the shortcut for my game i want to go into the game not into a cd autorun menu.


This.
If we wanted all that web content account management stuff we'd launch our Firefox and do it.
The auto patching isn't going to happen because if I'm not online playing I won't be running these pathetic launchers that everyone seems to insist on using these days as a way to clutter up your PC with useless ads and crap.

Old patch day = do stuff while waiting for server, do patch, play
New patch day = sit watching launcher wait for server, do patch, play


I agree what these guys and most others are saying: We don't need a useless screen with an extra button to click before we can login!
Komen
Aliastra
Gallente Federation
#237 - 2011-11-11 05:43:14 UTC
CCP Cascade wrote:
Komen wrote:
I would say 'no' but I think I'm outvoted.

I am not for this, except for the part where you say this means it simplifies the task of releasing patches.

For that, I say 'yes'. The rest of the gaudy clutter can kindly go jump into a car crusher.


What you are seeing is far from anything final. Can you elaborate a bit rather than saying no? Can you look at it the other way around and ask yourself: "What would I like to see in this window?"

What feature would improve things for you?



Well, if this is like, say, Steam, then it's going to sit there in the taskbar, taking up another sliver of system resources, yes?

Or have I misread that this is always on?
Acac Sunflyier
The Ascended Academy
#238 - 2011-11-11 06:29:27 UTC
I love the idea of an Eve launcher. The aprt that really sold it was the accessing Account services made easy. But there are a few easy things I'd like to see added. Such as a quick access to Eve gate. Just click a link and Mozzila starts with the page. I'd make it a home page, but I like my home page now. I would also like the see the Sisi launcher and updater integrated into the Eve launcehr as well.
roflcat
#239 - 2011-11-11 07:22:14 UTC
Please consider allowing to pause downloads and the install itself.
tyvm

check out my bio to confirm my trustworthiness regarding trades

aka: my old signature did not met the length constraints because of huge urls pointing to my previous threads :facepalm:

ThaMa Gebir
Penumbra Institute
#240 - 2011-11-11 08:58:02 UTC
Hello.

I know it has been a while since I last wrote to anyone.

But, since when have CCP been working on projects like this?

It looks unfortunetly just like the "World of tanks" launcher, just a different paint job.