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Dev Update - October 3

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#1
LadyTiggs

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A few days ago we launched the first content update for the consoles.  You will see better frame-rate, some quality of life improvements, the beginnings of controller vibration, and some good bug fixes.  The focus for this update was to consolidate the crazy-hectic changes that were flying around until the final builds for launch. We made some improvements that should make it easier to navigate the game as a result of these changes.

 

One great fix we did was a conversion of how the server handles threading, and the efficiency of those threads that communicate with the back-end services.  We redid some legacy code that would on rare occasions suck up tons of CPU on the host, instantly hosing the process in question.  It was one of those things that comes up so rarely that it wasn’t until we had hundreds of game server hosts that we really had a chance to see what the problem was.

 

On the PC side of things, we have consolidated hosting to even better hardware and networking infrastructure, so you should start to notice smoother game play compared to before. Please give us feedback on hosting so we may make adjustments to the PC servers as needed.

 

In terms of what this latest content update contains, we wanted to push the boundaries on what we thought mechs in the Hawken Universe might look like.  We have an incoming “Energy” mech chassis skin that makes your mech look like a combination of being cloaked and shielded.  We took the bold route on this one, and we want to know what you think.  We’ve also got some shark and kraken mech chassis skins added in.

 

What’s up for the next content update?  We’ve got loads of new cockpit decorations, more holo taunts, some new Halloween stuff, and something really special; We’re working on making it so you can swap out your weapons, items, and internals.  Tell us what you think – do you want *all* the weapons, or do you think it should only be a selection of weapons? This is a direct response to player feedback regarding the ‘locked internals and items’ system we tried out in Hawken on Xbox One and PlayStation 4.  We found that the ‘unique pre-fitted mech’ system didn’t really work out that well in a game that we (and hopefully you think!) should be about customizing your mech. After all, what is a mech game without customization?  We’re curious what you think, what the restrictions should be, and we would appreciate any feedback as a reply to this post J

 

Also for the next content update, we’ll have some frame rate and performance improvements – stupid-high frame rate is calling our name, especially with the refreshed console hardware and those re-freaking-diculous new video cards that came out recently.

 

Oh yeah, we’re also thinking about taking a stab at refreshing some game modes.  We don’t want to do anything drastic, but we do want to get familiar with the code related to game modes so that we may make additional types in the future.  What are some ways you think could completely change how you play, say, the Siege game mode?  Or pick another game mode and comment on that if you’d rather. We’re open to feedback and would like to hear from you. 

~~Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons for thou art crunchy and go well with ketchup!!~~

 


#2
(Xbox)Amidateli0n

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  1. So in a game already struggling with framerate issues, you want to introduce a skin that mimics the distortion of shield/stealth to a group of players that has historically, and on console specifically, had trouble identifying stealthed mechs. This is going to scream Pay2Win. Perhaps a nice chrome skin, as has been requested multiple times. Or an elite skin/parts for the Marauder similar to the Raider's elite skin. Or just pure white skins/parts.  

    Basically, anything that has previously been requested and anything but a skin that grants pilots a demonstrable and actionable advantage
  2. Yay customization! Boo all weapons. While greater weapon versatility might be nice, there are several combinations that should never see the light of day. Flak assault springs to mind from the months when the PC crowd was obsessed with weapon glitching. Sabot weapons are also problematic on many chassis. Perhaps restore the customization to PC-levels first and then expand from there.
  3. Before changing any of the game modes, perhaps introduce a proper tutorial for them. Tell pilots about things like shooting ship turrets in Siege and the fact that dying before your team drops below 700 in MA costs your base 3HP.


#3
(Xbox)x KiRK707

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  • So in a game already struggling with framerate issues, you want to introduce a skin that mimics the distortion of shield/stealth to a group of players that has historically, and on console specifically, had trouble identifying stealthed mechs. This is going to scream Pay2Win. Perhaps a nice chrome skin, as has been requested multiple times. Or an elite skin/parts for the Marauder similar to the Raider's elite skin. Or just pure white skins/parts.

    Basically, anything that has previously been requested and anything but a skin that grants pilots a demonstrable and actionable advantage.

The energy skin makes you easier to see, it does the opposite of give an advantage lol

#4
(Xbox)x KiRK707

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  • So in a game already struggling with framerate issues, you want to introduce a skin that mimics the distortion of shield/stealth to a group of players that has historically, and on console specifically, had trouble identifying stealthed mechs. This is going to scream Pay2Win. Perhaps a nice chrome skin, as has been requested multiple times. Or an elite skin/parts for the Marauder similar to the Raider's elite skin. Or just pure white skins/parts.

    Basically, anything that has previously been requested and anything but a skin that grants pilots a demonstrable and actionable advantage.

The energy skin makes you easier to see, it does the opposite of give an advantage lol.

Regarding feedback on the skin, I liked it. The Kraken and Shark skins were underwhelming, due to the comparison to the energy skin. They need to have a more intricate design to get me to want them, they feel like stickers pasted over a color change. Maybe some more splashing water around Kraken tentacles, some blood streaking from the Sharks maw, something to fill in the extra space the new skins leave so much of.

Allow us to use any internals/items but dont allow us to use any weapons; As Amid stated above, its just not a good idea to give us certain combos... It also ruins the point of a few chassis, why would you ever pick the SS chassis when you could put SS weapons on a Recruit?
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#5
(Xbox)Amidateli0n

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The energy skin makes you easier to see, it does the opposite of give an advantage lol.

 

The energy skin makes you easier to see, it does the opposite of give an advantage lol

 

Cool, good to hear! Haven't had a chance to check it out yet.



#6
(Xbox)LordJim47

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Customize weapons with selection-very small with the same damage levels/rate of fire/range, so the focus remains on pilot skill (ability to hit/avoid being hit).  Open items and internals to all choices; it plays into developing individual tactics, technics and procedures per individual Mech.  Make all customization level dependent to force pilot proficiency per mech. 

 

Have not found the skins--customization or somewhere else? 

 

Got the VYTRO but have not seen the other new MECH. 

 

Noticed the voice indicator is back, but do not hear anyone else -- no chat for 2 days; still under repair?



#7
(Xbox)xwx EVIL xwx

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i think all mechs should have their specific roles - allowing any weapon on any mech would just turn it into a meta min/max game.

 

no thanks



#8
(Xbox)xwx EVIL xwx

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ask anyone - the current biggest downfall of xbox Hawken is imbalanced teams and the autobalancer taking it's time to fix ... all other things equal the team with 1 extra player will win....  get a 3 on 5 game and the 3 players are better off quitting and finding another match.

 

how about balancing that on the fly with reduced/increased damage? i don't even know if *I* like it but it's a thought... your team is down a man? +12% damage till you aren't.

 

inactive players that join but never play (they have a score of zero even after x minutes) also is a killer to balance






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