Multiplayer and Pitboss

[45°38'N-13°47'E]

I'm currently testing multiplayer. PBEM isn't probably working now, it hangs at the end of first turn. I haven't been able to make Lan option work, but you can play on Lan using Direct IP option, how many players you wish. However, if you use Simultaneous Turns, there will be some Out of Sync problems, although the game still looks playable. If you're playing via Direct IP but not all players are on the same Lan, there's a trick to make it work, I'll post it later, I still need to do some testing. Good news is that Pitboss is working too! For the moment I've only tried with players on the same Lan but it should work with external players as well. To be honest, it works only if Simultaneous Turns is OFF. If it's ON, it gets out of sync at first turn but I need to test more.
Also, I'll post some settings that I think are currently safe to play with to avoid OOS issues.

 

[45°38'N-13°47'E]

Looks like I've been too optimist and probably pitboss is causing out of sync problems too. There's no out of sync at connection as it was in the past but straight at the end of first turn. More info will follow.

 

[45°38'N-13°47'E]

OK, current multi-player game with 3 players, directIP, simultaneous turns, first out of sync around turn 160/1200. Looks good so far.
Using No Simultaneous Turns is causing out of sync. Same for pitboss.
I'll post more info in next days.

 

[45°38'N-13°47'E]

Ok, here we are, turn 240/1200 and only 2 OOS; directIP and 3 players, 2 on the same LAN.
First of all, in order to be able to play on DirectIP or with more players not on the same LAN, you'll have to apply a little fix. From what I've learned, when Gamespy was shut down, this problem caused interference with DirectIP games too. So what you have to do is open with a text editor the file "hosts" that you can find in
C:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts
and add the following lines

148.251.130.188 civ4bts.natneg1.gamespy.com
148.251.130.188 civ4bts.natneg2.gamespy.com
148.251.130.188 civ4bts.natneg3.gamespy.com
148.251.130.188 civ4bts.available.gamespy.com

You can see why/how to do it here.
What will probably happen if you don't do it is that you'll get a message about the firewall not being properly configured for the third player when he tries to connect.

Then if you wish to avoid OOS as much as possible, there are some settings that I can suggest.

• I suggest all players use the english version to stay safe.
• You'll have to set ALL your RevDCM options BEFORE starting a MP game, in a SP game; you can't change them once the game is started because that page under BUG options is locked in MP.
• Remember that every player must have the very same UserSettings folder; I suggest you make sure you share the same revision of the mod; then the host chooses his BUG settings in single player and then sends the UserSettings folder to other players, which will delete their own UserSettings folder and replace it with that of the host. This way you'll be sure you're using the same settings.
• Turn off Debug or Cheat modes if you have used them
• Only Simultaneous Turns is working currently; without that option, game will go OOS.
• I play with New Random Seed on Reload; it might not be the best choice in general, but at least it might avoid the same problem repeating over and over again (CTD or maybe OOS too). It's not mandatory, but I suggest it.
• FYI revolution causes no problem; I've played with it all the time in MP and no problem even when rebels were being spawned.
• No Barbarian Civs is forced via dll, no matter what's your choice in the starting options. I think it's not necessary and I'm not sure why Barbarian Civs should cause problems with OOS but I haven't tested yet. Moreover you can't change it unless you recompile the dll so this is staying like this for the moment.
• I strongly suggest you turn off Archer Bombard, Opportunity Fire, Stack Attack, Defender Withdrawal, Battlefield Promotions, Dynamic XP. I think I've used pretty much everything else without serious problems. Some of the above mentioned options might work, I'm still not sure what's causing some OOS between Defender Withdrawal, Battlefield Promotions and Dynamic XP.

More or less, that's it; have fun and let me know how's your MP experience with AND.

P.S. I'm still trying to fix Pitboss which goes OOS right after the first turn is finished; from what I've seen from the logs, pitboss and clients calculations are different somehow. I think it won't be easy to find what's happening, but I keep trying.

 

[sintri]

Keep up the good work, remember doing rom years ago, was great cept think we ultimately stopped cause of eventual repeated oos errors. Re'ing civ these days tried c2c but that eventually oos pretty soon as well. Now doing kmod since that's ton more stable but it's also practically vanilla and lacking numerous options so would be nice having a stable rom alternative.

c2c oos'd mainly with the custom unit naming on (for some reason it would still activate sometimes even without it being enabled), though eventually oos would ramp up as well.

 

[45°38'N-13°47'E]

Currently around turn 380/1200, 3 players, about 6-7 out of sync, pretty good until now.
Also still working on pitboss. Original RoM was working with pitboss, hence problem is somewhere in AND. Going back to revisions before 1.75, I'll let you know when I discover more.

 

[45°38'N-13°47'E]

Mmm, looks like Terrain Damage is causing out of sync issues. If I switch it off, no more out of sync after each turn with pitboss. It probably influences out of sync in normal multi-player too. I haven't fixed it yet, but playing with Terrain Damage off should also reduce out of sync issues

 

[LuminousLizard]

Hello !

I wanted to play a PBEM match with a friend (because hardly time for LAN and my connection is bad). However, we have exactly the mistake 45°38'N-13°47'E has described:

I'm currently testing multiplayer. PBEM isn't probably working now, it hangs at the end of first turn. [...]

Are there any news that the error can be fixed ?

Via LAN (directIP) we have always OOS directly at the beginning ... but that might be my internet connection. We play Civ4 BtS + 3.19 + AND v1005 + Mega Civ Pack v1.6.

Greetings
LuminousLizard

 

[45°38'N-13°47'E]

Right now no solution for PBEM but I'm almost certain that OOS at start isn't caused by Internet connection.
Here's what I would do to play via DirectIP (LAN might not work, always use DirectIP even when on the same LAN): make sure you have exactly the same version. And I mean it. Same options, same BUG options, everything. Your best option is you both install AND and MCP. Then one of you makes a copy of XML, Config, Python and UserSettings folder and zips them while the other player deletes its corresponding folders and replaces them with the ones the first player has sent him zipped. This way critical folders are exactly the same. I suggest you keep that zip somewhere safe and if things start going out of sync too frequently, you both delete above mentioned folders and replace them with the (unzipped) zipped ones.
There are some options known for causing troubles in MP. I suggest you don't use Great Commanders and Surround and Destroy for the moment, for example.
That should work, I'm currently playing with a friend and we're at start of industrial era, Rev1005 and MCP.


Also, make sure you're using Simultaneous Turns. IIRC, No Simultaneous Turns is causing OOS.

 

[LuminousLizard]

Thx for the answer 45°38'N-13°47'E,

We have AND and CMP both from sourceforge. My mate has the Steam version and I have the CD version .... but we have followed the specific install instructions on sourceforge. I have found the folders (config, xml, python and usersettings). We will try a new DirectIP match today. I will then write back, if it worked.

Greetings
LuminousLizard

 

[45°38'N-13°47'E]

The Steam version might also be a problem. I have a CD version but IIRC there's a trick for Steam version to make MP work.

 

[<Nexus>]

Also note that there are different versions of MCP out there.
You should both use ->THIS<- content.

 

[LuminousLizard]

Hello,

Also note that there are different versions of MCP out there.
You should both use ->THIS<- content.

For CMP we have used this version from sourceforge . But OK. We can try the other one. Thx for the hint.

Greetings
LuminousLizard

 

[<Nexus>]

Oh, it's the same just wanted notify you of the latest version

 

[LuminousLizard]

MP game works till now !!!

XML, Python, Config, UserSettings folders copied and distributed to all.
We have also configrated the GlobalDefinesAlt file and all have the same (befor game start):

• enabled DCM_BATTLE_EFFECTS
• enabled DCM_AIR_BOMBING
• enabled IDW_NO_BARBARIAN_INFLUENCE
• enabled IDW_NO_NAVAL_INFLUENCE
• enabled SS_BRIBE
• enabled SS_ASSASSINATE

Furtermore on match making we have (among others):

• disabled Great Commanders
• disabled Surround and Destroy
• disabled Revolutions
• enabled Multiple Production
• enabled Multiple Research
• enabled Realistic Cultural spread
• enabled Large Cities
• enabled United Nations
• enabled Expandes Espionage
• enabled Guilds
• enabled Modern capital companies
• enabled Simultaneous Rounds

Till now no OOS ! If we have an OOS, how I can identify the reason of the OOS and inform you ?

 

[45°38'N-13°47'E]

MP game works till now !!!

XML, Python, Config, UserSettings folders copied and distributed to all.
We have also configrated the GlobalDefinesAlt file and all have the same (befor game start):

• enabled DCM_BATTLE_EFFECTS
• enabled DCM_AIR_BOMBING
• enabled IDW_NO_BARBARIAN_INFLUENCE
• enabled IDW_NO_NAVAL_INFLUENCE
• enabled SS_BRIBE
• enabled SS_ASSASSINATE

Furtermore on match making we have (among others):

• disabled Great Commanders
• disabled Surround and Destroy
• disabled Revolutions
• enabled Multiple Production
• enabled Multiple Research
• enabled Realistic Cultural spread
• enabled Large Cities
• enabled United Nations
• enabled Expandes Espionage
• enabled Guilds
• enabled Modern capital companies
• enabled Simultaneous Rounds

Till now no OOS ! If we have an OOS, how I can identify the reason of the OOS and inform you ?

Well, identifying an OOS cause is very very difficult, sometimes logs can help but I would need logs from all players, especially OOS logs and RandomLogger. They have to be enabled in CivilizationIV.ini for all players.
Anyway your setting looks pretty safe, you could even use Revolution, that's pretty safe too. There are some BUG options that I suggest to turn off: Dynamic XP, Defensive Withdrawal, Battlefield Promotions and Enhanced Fighter Engagement (I'm not 100% sure of names, but you get them when you see them). I've been able to play almost 200 turns on Blitz without OOS but things can get worse quickly around Medieval Era.
How many players are you?
Anyway if the game goes OOS you can try Recalculating with Ctrl Shift T (one player at the time, not all at the same time), sometimes it solves the problem. If it doesn't, you all have to quit, host reloads and others join in again.

 

[LuminousLizard]

Well, identifying an OOS cause is very very difficult, sometimes logs can help but I would need logs from all players, especially OOS logs and RandomLogger. They have to be enabled in CivilizationIV.ini for all players.

I have found the configurations for the "Logging system" as well as the "SyncLog" and "RandLog". We will enable them and let's see if they are useful

How many players are you?

Anyway your setting looks pretty safe, you could even use Revolution, that's pretty safe too. There are some BUG options that I suggest to turn off: Dynamic XP, Defensive Withdrawal, Battlefield Promotions and Enhanced Fighter Engagement (I'm not 100% sure of names, but you get them when you see them).

We are only 2 playing about DirectIP (with Hamachi). Yesterday we launched a new game (after the test game) with following settings (more detail than before):

Spoiler :

Installation:

• Civ4 BtS 3.19 (CD, respectively Steam with Beta-Patch)
• A New Dawn (latest)
• Mega Civ Pack 1.6

Additional configrations in the GlobalDefinesAlt file and all have the same (befor game start):

• enabled DCM_BATTLE_EFFECTS
• enabled DCM_AIR_BOMBING
• enabled IDW_NO_BARBARIAN_INFLUENCE
• enabled IDW_NO_NAVAL_INFLUENCE
• enabled SS_BRIBE
• enabled SS_ASSASSINATE

Game settings:

• Hemispheres
• Standard size
• 3 Kontinents
• Diversified
• Islands
• Normal Speed
• 10 Player (8 KI)

Match making settings:

• disabled Great Commanders (OOS difficulties)
• disabled Surround and Destroy (OOS difficulties)
• enabled No Tech Trade
• enabled Revolutions
• enabled Multiple Production
• enabled Multiple Research
• enabled Barbarian Generals
• enabled Advanced Diplomacy
• enabled Realistic Cultural Spread
• enabled Personalised Map
• enabled Large Cities
• enabled Displacement of Religion
• enabled United Nations
• enabled Expandable Castles
• enabled Advanced Espionage
• enabled Guilds
• enabled Modern Capital Companies
• enabled Simultaneous Rounds

Additional Bug (Tab: A New Dawn) settings:

• disabled Dynamic XP
• disabled Defensive Withdrawal
• disabled Battlefield Promotions
• disabled Enhanced Fighter Engagement
• enabled Resource Depletion
• enabled Religion Spread
• enabled 4 Units per field

At about 4000 BC, however, we had 3 OOS. Not correctable with Recalculating. We had to reload the game. A small hint, this 3 OOS we always had when the new round begins and a unit, of my mate or I, had to defend itself against animals.
We will play the game further. If we now record errors with the logs, then we give them in the bug thread.

 

[45°38'N-13°47'E]

I have found the configurations for the "Logging system" as well as the "SyncLog" and "RandLog". We will enable them and let's see if they are useful



We are only 2 playing about DirectIP (with Hamachi). Yesterday we launched a new game (after the test game) with following settings (more detail than before):

Spoiler :

Installation:

• Civ4 BtS 3.19 (CD, respectively Steam with Beta-Patch)
• A New Dawn (latest)
• Mega Civ Pack 1.6

Additional configrations in the GlobalDefinesAlt file and all have the same (befor game start):

• enabled DCM_BATTLE_EFFECTS
• enabled DCM_AIR_BOMBING
• enabled IDW_NO_BARBARIAN_INFLUENCE
• enabled IDW_NO_NAVAL_INFLUENCE
• enabled SS_BRIBE
• enabled SS_ASSASSINATE

Game settings:

• Hemispheres
• Standard size
• 3 Kontinents
• Diversified
• Islands
• Normal Speed
• 10 Player (8 KI)

Match making settings:

• disabled Great Commanders (OOS difficulties)
• disabled Surround and Destroy (OOS difficulties)
• enabled No Tech Trade
• enabled Revolutions
• enabled Multiple Production
• enabled Multiple Research
• enabled Barbarian Generals
• enabled Advanced Diplomacy
• enabled Realistic Cultural Spread
• enabled Personalised Map
• enabled Large Cities
• enabled Displacement of Religion
• enabled United Nations
• enabled Expandable Castles
• enabled Advanced Espionage
• enabled Guilds
• enabled Modern Capital Companies
• enabled Simultaneous Rounds

Additional Bug (Tab: A New Dawn) settings:

• disabled Dynamic XP
• disabled Defensive Withdrawal
• disabled Battlefield Promotions
• disabled Enhanced Fighter Engagement
• enabled Resource Depletion
• enabled Religion Spread
• enabled 4 Units per field

At about 4000 BC, however, we had 3 OOS. Not correctable with Recalculating. We had to reload the game. A small hint, this 3 OOS we always had when the new round begins and a unit, of my mate or I, had to defend itself against animals.
We will play the game further. If we now record errors with the logs, then we give them in the bug thread.

I suggest you both rise your Unit per Tile Limit to 20-25, or you might have problems in later eras. Remember this setting is stored in Config and UserSettings folders so if you copy them back, this setting will also be overwritten.

 

[OverlyExcessive]

So it seems like sort of a mixed bag, is the impression I'm getting, is this mod MP friendly or can we expect problems over LAN?

 

[45°38'N-13°47'E]

So it seems like sort of a mixed bag, is the impression I'm getting, is this mod MP friendly or can we expect problems over LAN?

If you follow above instructions for settings and options, it's playable. As I've said I've made it up to middle modern era, 1960AD. And I've stopped there only because my wife was getting bored with that game . I'm currently playing with RyoHazuki and we're around Industrial Era, I'll let you know how it goes, lately we've got OOS around every 10 turns. Not too good but not too bad either, and with not optimal settings.