One Server, One Thought...

[Formatted]

I know capitalising every word in my post title will annoy some (and so will not spell checking!)

But that is not important now, in my infinite wisdom I've had a brain wave. I was wondering if there is going to be a problem with "one sever". The reason being, on release, we will probably all be in the same area (earth space dock) we will then be given a few options "go here or go there". So at this time we have the entire game population in one or two areas.

Although this is the same with most new MMOs (remember TBC Release?) it will be made worse by having one server. The lag is going to be insane (and world PvP :D)

The other question or problem is were the severs will be baced, as you may know (and sorry for the World of Warcraft reference again I know you don't all play) during the time that the Chinese servers were out of action many players played on Thailand servers, this caused Lag problems due to the distance away from the server site. This had also created many cultural problems (See WoW.com interview with guild Stars).

So are we all for the one server move? Or we you hoping for regional (if not multipul servers1)

Hope my spelling ain't to bad

[mad2274]

I would assume that it will run like Champions Online with one server and multiple shards. I believe in CO the max pop for each shard is 100 people. So there is a cap on how much you will get from shard pop, and it won't be overcrowded, except for initial missions that cause you to wait for a spawn.

[Formatted]

SO really, what you are saying is that each "shard" is a seperate zone.
But they are still linked to the same world server?

[Huutini]

It is vry likely, that the areas will be instanced. So, there will be, what do I now, about 20 versions of the "Starting Spacedock" with 200 Players each or something like that.

That prevents the unbearable lag. (And, as someone will do this anyway: Yes, it might prevent the immersion of a massive universe too...)

[Huutini]

SO really, what you are saying is that each "shard" is a seperate zone.
But they are still linked to the same world server?

There is no shard, there is only Zuul ... uh, "instances" I mean.

As we have to assumes, that it will work the same as CO does (since it is the same engine) you can switch between instances freely. A lot like Age of Conan.

[mad2274]

SO really, what you are saying is that each "shard" is a seperate zone.
But they are still linked to the same world server?

Yes. And as long as it is not filled up, you can pick which shard you go to so you can meet up with guildies. However, with a population cap, you will never be able to get all your guildies in the same zone, but if it is like CO, you can all still run the same instance if you are grouped even though you entered the instance from a separate shard.

Hopefully, I didn't confuse anyone along the way.

[geodbdrunk01]

multiple segregated servers are largely unnecessary with the technology they have now. Eve has run for years on a single server, with fairly high loads. Granted I know they used to get laggy in busy systems...

Not nearly as laggy as old Ironforge though IMO.

WoW is pretty dated from a tech standpoint, can't really compare the server technologies very well.

[Huutini]

WoW is pretty dated from a tech standpoint, can't really compare the server technologies very well.

Don't the move their playrbase onto ther new battle.nett server now? That should technically update their whole server system I guess.

[kkmccall]

I can imagine, on retail release day, there will be tens of thousands all starting in the new 'starter Area', so without instancing, that could get a bit laggy.

Unless there is a worldwide release at same time, though, this will be broken up somewhat with the US getting in 3 days before the EU.

Pricing will no doubt be the same as Champions Online - that is the 'normal' pricing for MMO's currently.

[Formatted]

Unless there is a worldwide release at same time, though, this will be broken up somewhat with the US getting in 3 days before the EU.

:) Oh great...

[geodbdrunk01]

That's what you get for not being American... you should know better!

[Huutini]

Unless there is a worldwide release at same time, though, this will be broken up somewhat with the US getting in 3 days before the EU.

It's usually also buffered by the headstart, which let's the hardcore Fans in a few days prior to official release.

[AekaGSR]

Ugh, im not a fan of instances. Yes the first day is a bit wonky, but I'd rather deal with a minor inconvenience on the first day than a game's lifetime of instances.

[sandman105]

I am still kind of getting used to the way this type of server works I suppose. Im just to used to logging into a game and picking a server to play on. However, having played CO for a little while now, Im starting to see how it works but It seems like the player cap per shard... or instance... or whatever the term is, is pretty low.

I have only seen around 50 players per shard, and sometimes around 10 to 15 shards on the server. Im not sure if im using the term shard correctly so please correct me if I am wrong.

I like this system, and I don't. I have only seen one guild and only one or two players from said guild on a specific shard. Now, if it is a simple fix to get all players from your guild on one shard, like simply changing instances, then i suppose that's ok. But what happens if your guild has more members than a shard( or instance) can support? That means you can never be in the same place with all your guild members at once?

[geodbdrunk01]

Your fleet is too big... delegate the younger captains to get you a cup of coffee.

[Admiral_Ares]

But what happens if your guild has more members than a shard( or instance) can support? That means you can never be in the same place with all your guild members at once?

This is one of my greatest concerns, that and Faction Spying.

[AekaGSR]

edit: well i just read an interview that said its one shard, but there will be instances on most missions it seems