Multi-map on one server idea

[decoman 45]

The following is a furhter development of an idea I had some time ago, where players jumping servers had to pass through one intermediary map between map-of-departure and map-of-arrival, where they would risk encountering other players also jumping servers. A big concern here was how alot of players ended up playing on maps separate from the big Chernarus map, not very social.

With the implementation of underground structures, I envision the possibility of allowing smaller contexturally random maps for encounters, while still having all the player reside on that one server with the Chernarus map.

The main function of such maps is to force random enounters where applicable and semi-plausible. In order for such an illusion to exist, there can be no association between a map area and the surface landscape (as playing on this map just beneath a town or beneath a building). The only fitting scenario for such maps would be tunnels, natural or man made.

A fun aspect of such a procedural tunnel system, is the possibility of becoming lost. Being lost in a tunnel with zombies would be no trivial issue.

An alternate version, for an encompassing tunnel system, would be for having procedurally made tunnels come into existence as a result of fumbling (taking a wrong turn in a tunnel system and then abruptly ending up in a maze of tunnels, although not realistic).

So, at this point, having a tunnel "system", players entering the tunnels risk:

• becoming lost

• encountering other players, as a consequence of how an encounter system would have players forcibly enounter other players (more randomly).

Some practical issues would be: just how random can an encounter be, can the system be exploited, abused or crippled in any way?

Edited February 27, 2013 by Treehugger

[intensity 157]

Even though I don't like Frankie1080p that much, how he does his outros towards going to another map, has always been something that has intrigued me. It would be nice to drive a heli/boat to Namalsk, or Taviana. Although, it would actually have to take some time to get there. Not to mention how HUGE the map would have to be.

If they do implement this, possibly add a loading screen between switching islands(about half way there)? Then the map wouldn't have to render everything, only whatever is beyond that load screen once it's completed.

[Argamore (DayZ) 110]

Even though I don't like Frankie1080p that much, how he does his outros towards going to another map, has always been something that has intrigued me. It would be nice to drive a heli/boat to Namalsk, or Taviana. Although, it would actually have to take some time to get there. Not to mention how HUGE the map would have to be.

If they do implement this, possibly add a loading screen between switching islands(about half way there)? Then the map wouldn't have to render everything, only whatever is beyond that load screen once it's completed.

K. Leutscher does the outros, not Frankie, but I understand you.

And for the multi-map thing, it's really really difficult to see stuff like that, because not only you have like 50-100 players on the server + 500 Zombies which is ALREADY a huge stress on it, but you also have giant issues with the items transfer between those. It could possibly work with 2-3 servers webbed together, and the servers could share information about items that you have, e.g. so you can transfer them to the other island / map. But still, pretty large and hard job, not sure if someone could that, but hey, maybe ;)

[liquidmind 320]

The following is a furhter development of an idea I had some time ago, where players jumping servers had to pass through one intermediary map between map-of-departure and map-of-arrival, where they would risk encountering other players also jumping servers. A big concern here was how alot of players ended up playing on maps separate from the big Chernarus map, not very social.

I think I talked about it in the official suggestion thread on reddit. (#2 or #3 it was).

In general, you could add different maps to the same hive. In addition to the position, it would only have to save the map you are on.

On spawning, you can choose which map you want to spawn at. After that, your character is, as long as he lives, bound to the location he is at, forcing him to travel larger distances. As every player can choose the map to start, players spread.

This would allow for map-change, expeditions and provide options to further expand the world, without loosing performance by increasing the map-size. The distance between the maps on the virtual globe could tell how much fuel you need to get there. So closer maps are easier to get to than maps further away. Islands can only be accessed by boat or plane.

I think it would be a neat way to balance serverload while providing a world large enough for everyone. Only problem would be, that an area that has already max players on it, couldn't be traveled to, if there is only one map of each type in a hive. Allowing a list of different maps to choose from might be an option.

[intensity 157]

K. Leutscher does the outros, not Frankie, but I understand you.

And for the multi-map thing, it's really really difficult to see stuff like that, because not only you have like 50-100 players on the server + 500 Zombies which is ALREADY a huge stress on it, but you also have giant issues with the items transfer between those. It could possibly work with 2-3 servers webbed together, and the servers could share information about items that you have, e.g. so you can transfer them to the other island / map. But still, pretty large and hard job, not sure if someone could that, but hey, maybe ;)

My mistake about the outro thing (Like I said, don't really watch a lot of his videos lol).

But we can only hope for something of the sort!

[liquidmind 320]

Even though I don't like Frankie1080p that much, how he does his outros towards going to another map, has always been something that has intrigued me. It would be nice to drive a heli/boat to Namalsk, or Taviana. Although, it would actually have to take some time to get there. Not to mention how HUGE the map would have to be.

not really. You just have to define where taviana lies in relation to chernarus. Then you take your boat in chernarus to the edge of the map. The loading-screen simulates the open-ocean-travel, respawning you on the edge of taviana map. You could require f.e. 5 full jerry cans in the boat, that are set to empty on arrival. You'd then need to refuel in taviana to get back.

You wouldn't go by boat for days, but it should still make up for an hour of traveltime or more. I'd recommend an airplane :-)

but you also have giant issues with the items transfer between those.

not really. Dayz Epoch runs on 4 or 5 different maps at the moment. They can be added to the same hive. So when you change maps, your gear stays the same. Saving the data from one map to another therefor isn't the real issue. Getting the vehicles over would require a link tough, as you could send the description and recreate it there. In standalone, when they are objects, it shouldn't be a problem anymore. At the moment they are strings tough, so it could be more difficult.

The actual transfer between the maps wouldn't be more than saving your character with changed location data, leaving the server and logging back into it, on the other map, with the new location.

Considering server-load this shouldn't use up more ressources than changing your clothes.

One issue would be the vehicle spawn tough. People could abuse that, to get all planes and helis from all maps to their base. To decide how migrated vehicles behave, how long they exist and when or where they respawn isn't something to be ignored.

Edited February 27, 2013 by liquidmind