PPF Files and HaloCE maps
Posted: Thu Aug 26, 2004 4:09 pm
Well, it has come to my attention that some people (you know who you are) have been complaining about not being able to upload a certain modified version of Wartorn Cove 3. The modification basically exchanges shotguns with the Rocket Launcher and Fuel Rod Gun.
So, do we think this mod stinks and shouldn't be allowed? Of course not. On the contrary, I think it is a great idea and would probably improve the gameplay considerably. So why on earth would we want to discourage this map from being uploaded?
The answer, as some of you probably understand, is because we do not want 6MB mapfiles uploaded when a patch file will suffice. If given the choice between a 6MB download and a 2KB download, which one will affect the server performance and bandwidth costs? PPF files store the changes to a mapfile, so if a mapfile is modified only slightly...say from tag swapping...you don't need to download the entire mapfile, only the changes.
So, you might say to yourself, "Yeah Grenadiac, but one mapfile doesn't matter. Plus, it's simpler to just upload a map. I don't have to apply some patch and rename the file". Well, one map does not matter, but what about 10 maps? 20 maps? 50 maps? The number and size of files affects everybody that uses this server, not to mention it keeps my server costs down.
Our goal isn't to be dictators about what gets uploaded. Our goal is to keep the system running well. If that means users need to be take a few extra minutes to figure out how to make PPF files and apply them, everyone will be better off.
We even have *gasp* tutorials on how to do these very activities:
http://www.halomods.com/site2/geeklog-1 ... 0154223772
http://www.halomods.com/site2/geeklog-1 ... 0143040845
Now if the people that spent their time uploading the modified version of Wartorn Cove and fighting the moderators all day long had actually spent that time making a PPF file, the moderators could concentrate on deleting spam and other flames instead of dealing with you. For those people, I simply request that you spend your energy learning something new rather than dragging the quality of these forums down.
For those users that actually care about this server and the halomods community, you are probably the only reason I keep shelling out $300 a month (not to mention tons of my personal time) to keep this place going, thanks for your participation - you are the heart of this community that makes people stay.
So, do we think this mod stinks and shouldn't be allowed? Of course not. On the contrary, I think it is a great idea and would probably improve the gameplay considerably. So why on earth would we want to discourage this map from being uploaded?
The answer, as some of you probably understand, is because we do not want 6MB mapfiles uploaded when a patch file will suffice. If given the choice between a 6MB download and a 2KB download, which one will affect the server performance and bandwidth costs? PPF files store the changes to a mapfile, so if a mapfile is modified only slightly...say from tag swapping...you don't need to download the entire mapfile, only the changes.
So, you might say to yourself, "Yeah Grenadiac, but one mapfile doesn't matter. Plus, it's simpler to just upload a map. I don't have to apply some patch and rename the file". Well, one map does not matter, but what about 10 maps? 20 maps? 50 maps? The number and size of files affects everybody that uses this server, not to mention it keeps my server costs down.
Our goal isn't to be dictators about what gets uploaded. Our goal is to keep the system running well. If that means users need to be take a few extra minutes to figure out how to make PPF files and apply them, everyone will be better off.
We even have *gasp* tutorials on how to do these very activities:
http://www.halomods.com/site2/geeklog-1 ... 0154223772
http://www.halomods.com/site2/geeklog-1 ... 0143040845
Now if the people that spent their time uploading the modified version of Wartorn Cove and fighting the moderators all day long had actually spent that time making a PPF file, the moderators could concentrate on deleting spam and other flames instead of dealing with you. For those people, I simply request that you spend your energy learning something new rather than dragging the quality of these forums down.
For those users that actually care about this server and the halomods community, you are probably the only reason I keep shelling out $300 a month (not to mention tons of my personal time) to keep this place going, thanks for your participation - you are the heart of this community that makes people stay.