Fall Patch and GOTM

[Halcyan2]

With the new Fall Patch coming (date TBD), I'm curious what people think about its implications to GOTM.

Austria (UA) and Denmark (pillaging rules) will undergo fairly significant changes, so I hope we delay using those civs until after the patch comes out (if possible).

Minor corrections to the Korean Hwachaa (we just had Korea) and Ethiopia's Mehal Safari, though it shouldn't be a big deal.

Interesting changes to diplomacy, as well as being able to declare war on the same civ multiple times and still get concessions in the peace treaty.

It should be obvious, but maybe the rules need to explicit that you use the provided map and *don't* Regenerate Map with that new option.

 

[leif erikson]

The problem is automatic updates. While you can turn them off, sometimes they turn themselves back on again.

In the past, we have delayed TSG's to await patches. Of course, we have no idea when this one is coming, so we will just have to muddle along as usual and see what happens and how we can minimize the problems created by changes.

 

[Mesix]

I was actually worried about the patch for TSG44. Specifically this:

AI adjustments to Wonder build priorities.

When I first started reading the patch notes, I thought it had already gone live. I was worried that the AI might be better at sniping early wonders which would have made a big impact on the OCC culture game in TSG44. Happily, the patch is not live yet, and I finished (somewhat slowly) TSG44 last night.

 

[AlanH]

Any game from TSG 45 onwards could be affected by the patch arriving before or during the game.

The changes to game play, plus the possible impact on the submission system if the save file format changes, could impact games in progress when the patch does hit. Ideally, players should avoid applying the patch in mid-TSG, but I know the Steam system makes this a challenge.

It seems likely that the save file format will change, given the scope of the changes. If so, and if it arrives mid- to end-October, we may have a problem with the submission system, as I am travelling during those two weeks. I may not be able to update the system until I get home.

We'll try to keep you informed about arrangements if the submission system breaks.

It should be obvious, but maybe the rules need to explicit that you use the provided map and *don't* Regenerate Map with that new option.

The submission system checks the map and other game parameters to verify that it's the same as the one in the start save. Of course, this check may get broken if the patch arrives mid-game!

 

[caeru71]

The dll code is being released with the fall patch so we may be able to start the gotm competitions for real soon

 

[leif erikson]

There will be much to do with getting a mod together, if it is even possible. As we know how things are going, we will update everyone.

 

[Schalke 04]

The dll code is being released with the fall patch so we may be able to start the gotm competitions for real soon

How is the DLL code connected the GOTM series?

 

[leif erikson]

From the Welcome to the Civ-V GOTM thread:

Excellent, but when does this all start?
Well, we're not yet set for the actual competition. First we need to develop a security mod that detects if the game has been modified. Hopefully we can reuse the mod developed for the Hall of Fame competition. Then we need to learn how to extract the information from the saves, and update the current submission system to support Civ5. With a bit of luck and lots of hard work, we could start before Christmas (this year), but we'll return with a target date once we know the amount of work that needs to be done. There are still a lot of uncertainties. Meanwhile, the Civ4 GOTM will continue. However, since we're all eager to play Civ5, we're happy to announce:

The Civ5 GOTM Training Series
Once the game is released (and the staff has learned the basic routines), we will start hosting training games. This training series will run until we have a security mod (a variant of HOF/BUFFY) that enables us to run the proper competition. The purpose is for Civ5-fanatics to try out the new features, share experiences, and informally compare games in a friendly environment based on the no-reload concept. The staff will propose objectives related to the new features to allow a more focused discussion, and the games will be provided twice a month.

Once the submission website and the security mod are in place, we will start the actual competition. The award system will be designed once we understand the scoring mechanics of the game, and the players will have an important role in this process. We will use the experience from the training series to devise an award system that is fair and encourages players to perform at their best. We will also decide later if we will use adventurer/challenger saves, or if there are other ways to allow for a variety of playing skills.

edit - We cannot create a security mod without the code in the .dll release.

 

[LordOgre]

Don't want to be a party pooper or anything, and everything about the competition is great, but I want to know if we are going to have a GOTM 45 before or after the patch.

My vote goes to now please since its a training map, it doesnt really matter if it gets patched or not.

 

[leif erikson]

Don't understand this comment because the release dates for games are the 1st and 15th of each month. Tomorrow is the first of October, so keep your eyes peeled.

 

[Schalke 04]

From the Welcome to the Civ-V GOTM thread:


edit - We cannot create a security mod without the code in the .dll release.

Yeah, I kind of remember that

However, after 2 years of Civ5 I somehow thought that the TSG turned into a "full" GOTM contest, even with the "T" in front...

At least to me it doesn't make that much of a difference if there is a "security mod" or not. It doesn't change the fun of playing and it's still interesting to compare your own game with that from others.

Whatever, I hope that the DLL offers everything you all have been waiting for. I don't mind to join a new series without the "testing-T" in front!

 

[Cromagnus]

Supposedly, the patch hits on or before October 24th because of Windows 8. Since Prize Ships (and therefore Sea Beggars) is getting nerfed, it would make sense that people attempt to do their submissions before the 24th, if possible.

Also, the changes to pillage rules affect every civ, not just Denmark, and could significantly affect how hard the AI is on Emperor. Early attacks by the AI might go from profitable to game-killing, if they pillage your happiness resources and farms. Even if you beat back the attack immediately, it could take 10 turns to repair the damage to your growth.

 

[Mesix]

I agree that the competition is a lot of fun even without a security mod. If the DLL allows you to make such a mod, I might play GOTM less until I unlock the tedious achievements (e.g. build 1,000 temples) since playing with mods disables achievement progression. I'd still have a go if the game was interesting, but probably not every time.

 

[godotnut]

Man, I hope the dll file is released. Having what people here are calling "the security mod" in place is a huge plus for encouraging legitimate competitive gameplay. I remember when the mod was first released for Civ IV and what we learned about submissions as a result of it.