Weapon Base Change

Weapon Base Change and Optimisation Works​

TFA has been one of the major causes of lag on the server for a long time, while we have planned to move off of TFA many times in the past we have never been able to find a suitable replacement which has SW Weapons, is optimised, and contains the features we want. However we have finally managed to find a base and weapons which do this.

We are going to be moving our weapons from TFA over to ARCCW. While ARCCW is still a large and quite heavy base it has some key performance improvements from TFA, most importantly in the way it handles network messages and model rendering. While it will not be a "night and day" improvement it is still a vital improvement for the server backend.

This weapon base change will come with one main downside, because ARCCW does not render the weapon like TFA you require a full view and world model for each gun, this comes with performance improvements (server doesn't need to calculate as much when drawing weapons) but will come at a slight file size increase, however we are working to make this as minimal as possible.

While it is early days and we do not currently have an ETA on when this change will get rolled out, we do have most of the base weapons we need and are starting to move the stats/versions of our current weapons over to their ARCCW equivalent, there will be some minor changes to stats (as TFA->ARCCW isn't 1:1 with some calculation based stats like recoil) we will be making sure everything is consistent where possible. Some weapon models may also have to change, but this will be discussed with the Reg Commanders where needed.
We are also planning on posting some updates and previews as we continue to progress in this project.

This is only one of a few optimisation changes we are making, which can be seen on our Optimisation Roadmap, however the other changes will not have as wide an impact on the players (more backend or pretty unnoticeable) and did not require a separate announcement. Some image previews of the new chat system will be released soon.
Alongside these changes we will be continuing something I started last year and doing a December Clean-up when the server is quieter during the downtime period, this should also help performance and hopefully remove some unneeded content etc.​

 

[Fox]

Greetings,

Firstly, I'd like to commend the team for the meticulous approach towards optimizing server performance, particularly the shift from TFA to ARCCW. This strategic move, though complex, seems promising in addressing the longstanding lag issues. Let's dissect the multifaceted dimensions of this transition:

1. Network Efficiency and Model Rendering: The emphasis on ARCCW's superior handling of network messages and model rendering is pivotal. It's intriguing how these technical nuances, though seemingly minute, can significantly influence server performance. I'm curious about the specific mechanisms ARCCW employs to enhance these aspects compared to TFA.
2. Full View and World Model Requirement: The necessity for full view and world models for each gun, although increasing file size, is a fascinating trade-off for performance gains. This raises questions about the balance between graphical fidelity and server load. How will these changes affect the visual aesthetics of the weapons? And what strategies are in place to ensure the file size remains manageable?
3. Statistical Adjustments and Weapon Model Changes: Transitioning weapon stats and models from TFA to ARCCW is undoubtedly a herculean task. The non-linear correlation between the bases, especially in terms of recoil and other calculation-based stats, adds layers of complexity. How will these changes impact the overall gameplay experience? Moreover, the involvement of Reg Commanders in decision-making about model changes is a commendable example of collaborative governance.
4. Progress Updates and Previews: The promise of ongoing updates and previews is exciting. It's essential to keep the community engaged and informed about the developmental progress. What channels will be used for these updates, and how can players provide feedback?
5. Optimization Roadmap and Backend Changes: The mention of an Optimization Roadmap piques interest. It's not just about the weapon base change but a holistic approach to server optimization. What other changes are planned, and how will they synergize with the ARCCW transition? Additionally, the new chat system's upcoming previews are eagerly anticipated.
6. December Clean-Up: The annual clean-up initiative during the quieter December period is a strategic move. It's akin to a digital spring cleaning, ensuring the server remains uncluttered and efficient. What criteria will be used to determine the "unneeded content," and how will this process be managed to avoid inadvertently impacting essential elements?

In conclusion, while the path ahead is fraught with technical challenges and intricate decision-making, the direction taken is commendable. The team's dedication to enhancing user experience while maintaining a robust and efficient backend is evident. I'm looking forward to witnessing the fruits of these laborious endeavors and how they will reshape the server's performance and player engagement.

Warm regards,

Rory Burns