adding multiplayer

[jm764]

Well I wanted to make a video on KSP multiplayer with DMP to show how it works for those who want to know more about it, but unfortunately time escaped me and the one I made isn't a that good of video compared to my normal ones so I'll have to redo it when I get back from vacation.

[Jatwaa]

I would LOVE to have multiplayer. I personally would like to have a peaceful and a combat\racing server but that is me. I play the game all sorts of strange ways. To each their own! No one is wrong as long as they are having fun, it's why the game is so great. But the thought of having a multiplayer settlement which has to be resupplied until stable and then adventuring out further would be awesome. 

Time Warp would be concerning, things get a bit boring. But, if they allow time warp to happen on the requester level then re-sync it to the main game it could work. 

1. Request Time Warp
2. Requester game gets isolated from server
3. Main server tracks Time Warped craft but does not render it (radar blip on screen\map) so it can be avoided
4. When warp is over craft re-syncs to the server

Then the craft would be visible and would allow time warp without affecting other users. To the other players the craft would just be moving at high speed. Would be acceptable to me as an option, but one that could be turned off to force no time warp (use alerts instead). 

[Duxter]

On 22/12/2015 at 3:42 AM, jm764 said:

Well I wanted to make a video on KSP multiplayer with DMP to show how it works for those who want to know more about it, but unfortunately time escaped me and the one I made isn't a that good of video compared to my normal ones so I'll have to redo it when I get back from vacation.

Hi everybody, I'm a french user of KSP  ( since...too long times  ) I see many things here and the first I read about multiplayer is WAR, WAR WAR WAR... I m very bored  about it, in my mind this game is a fully cooperative game wherre you can exchang with other moder, builder, and sometime aeronotic profesionals. May be in futur for the players who dream to fight anything, that would be great for PVE...why not...

To return in the subject and about the jm64's post, few weeks ago I made a video to show how to use the DMP mod on KSP but that's in french if anyone want to create some videos in cooperation send me a message, we can made french or english videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kedoKLoE3ig

Edited December 25, 2015 by Duxter

[Arugela]

I honestly thought multiplayer was supposed to be in 1.1.

[pandaman]

On 27/12/2015 at 11:57 AM, Arugela said:

I honestly thought multiplayer was supposed to be in 1.1.

 IIRC Squad have confirmed that they are working on multiplayer, but have given no indication when they think it will be ready for release.

[322997am]

3 hours ago, pandaman said:

 IIRC Squad have confirmed that they are working on multiplayer, but have given no indication when they think it will be ready for release.

That's what I'm afraid of. I'm afraid of it being constantly set back and back. If they say the version it's going to be in then the community will rage firy war on the forums. If they never say it it might just keep getting set back.

Edited December 28, 2015 by 322997am

[pandaman]

Don't panic.

Firstly. they very very rarely give release dates to avoid building false hopes.

Mainly. they probably don't know themselves how long it will take to get it how they want.  It will be a lot if work, but they wouldn't say they are working on it if they have no intention of doing it. 

[AlamoVampire]

Ive listed before the issues that must be solved to make mp work. Ive also i fail to see a way for them to solve them. I hope mp goes away the same as the original scrapped resources idea. 

I think squad should first make it so we have a stock version of mechjeb. I know of no mod that is as useful. Engineer redux cant fly for you so no there. We need flight data and various automations. 

Look the long/short is this really is a game that isnt suited to a multiplayer environment. 

Put enough ppl into a server and the trolls will come out to play to wreak havoc, that is just the nature of multiplayer

Edited December 28, 2015 by AlamoVampire

[Thrill3rKill3rz]

So when is this new patch do to come out and upgrade to unity 5 and has squad said or released anything about multiplayer other than saying that it is planned?

[AlamoVampire]

Multiplayer wont be in 1.1. Its gonna be a long while if ever

[JamesL86]

I don't see what all the big hub bub is about the multiplayer being bad.  Sure there are some technical hurdles to deal with.  The thing that gets me is why are people so up in arms about it.  Squad has expressed interest in bringing multiplayer to KSP for over a year now.  Near as I can tell, Squad is not talking about a typical multiplayer scenario with a dozen or more people trying to pile onto a public server with grief on their mind either.  At most we are talking about being able to get together with a few friends and jointly experience the game in a more hands-on way, unlike just showing friends pictures or video or watching streams.  Personally, I have a number of friends that have expressed interest in actually buying the game and learning it for the first time if we could all play and have fun together.  The issues I see are like this....

1) Timewarp...

In the case of timewarp, give the players multiple options.  We should have the ability to either lockstep the warp OR run it in A-sync mode.  However, before you go jumping on me about A-sync warping, remember that in the cases we have seen already in multiplayer mods, you cannot interact with another player unless you are in sync AND you can only catch up to another player in the future.  You cannot reverse timewarp.  I personally prefer the lockstep method (why that is will become clearer later) but options either way are key to overall satisfaction from the community.  In any case its doable.  We know its doable because if a ragtag team of modders can make it work within the bounds of modding, then imagine what the devs can do with having access to the source code.

 

2) Simultaneous Player Actions...

So, this has been another big topic of discussion throughout this thread and elsewhere.  How to deal with multiple people physically playing in the same world at the same time.  There are two basic schools of thought in my mind concerning this.

2a) Give the players a single space center to share.  In this case certain mechanics from single player will hold over in many ways in multiplayer.  For example, you cannot use the Launchpad or Runway for launching vehicles if someone is already using them.  In single player, if you have something on either of these when you select the launch option, it gets removed.  A similar system can be used in multiplayer.  You simply disallow other players to use the particular facility until for example T+X time after player A initiates their first stage.  Plus these T+ times could be configurable by the players in the game.  Now this would only apply to the Launchpad and Runway because the VAB and SPH scenes can obviously be instanced on each players client.  That though, is how I would basically look at doing a multiplayer with a shared KSC.

2b) The other main option is to give players multiple space centers to choose from around Kerbin.  Each can be identical but in different places all across the planet.  You might even be able to give modders the ability to set these centers on other planets so the really adventurous can start in completely different places in the Kerbol system.  The key point here though is that, with multiple start locations to choose from for each player, you no longer need the added complication of a launch failsafe.  Its also not necessarily that much extra work with this option because Squad already has a perfectly viable KSC to work with.  Its simply a matter a sprinkling additional clones of it in locations around Kerbin with suitable terrain.  A little height map tweak here, a spawn location there, and voila, done.  Plus, the less experienced players can elect to pick from the more equatorial locations while the old pros can try their hand at the more complex launches from higher or lower latitudes.  

 

3) Player/Craft Interactions...

This is always gonna be a tough one.  You can code the world's best ever server but there isn't anything on this Earth the devs can do if someone simply has a slow or bad connection.  Its a sad fact that not everyone is gonna be able to play KSP in multiplayer.  Some folks may have computers that are just a bit too antiquated.  Others will have internet that is slower than paint drying in a rainstorm.  However, The obvious option that would at least help some of these poor souls and offer the best experience overall, are dedicated servers.  In most multiplayer/Co-op games you typically have two server options, Listen and Dedicated.  For those that do not know, it breaks down like this.  Listen servers are where everyone playing with you are running off the machine of the player that is hosting the game.  Dedicated servers are typically either paid-for servers from a 3rd party like say, PingPerfect, or are run on a spare machine by one of the players.  The biggest difference is the load of the game on the network or host computer.  Dedicated servers are in the vast majority of cases, superior in nearly every way as far as game performance.  When Squad does introduce multiplayer (and I do believe its "when" not "if") I truly hope they build a dedicated server program for it.  If we don't get a server client then I am afraid it would all be for naught.

 

 

In closing...

I know a lot of you will never be interested in multiplayer Kerbal Space Program.  That is your prerogative and I am not gonna call you names, or spit hate in your direction.  I love this game.  You love this game.  We can agree to disagree.  The biggest reason I wrote this post was the number of folks I saw in this thread that had actively called for Squad to not even bother trying to get a stock multiplayer available.  That to me is just, well, rude.  How would you feel if I were to demand that Squad made multiplayer the ONLY option and too bad for you single player folks.  Not so good I'd wager.  Its not a waste of Squad's time just because YOU don't want it.  I want it.  Lots of people want it.  Here in this post is just a tiny little inkling of the fun that could be had by a lot of us in the community that does not have to interfere with the way you want to play.  At the end of the day, Squad has said that they at least want to give it a shot and if they don't succeed then, well, I will be sad.  I'll still play KSP though.  I'll still crash things.  I'll still shout for joy to the dismay of my family and pets when I pull out a miracle landing.  Most of all though, I'll still gladly continue to watch your Twitch streams, your YouTube adventures, and read about your thoughts and opinions on these fine forums.  Give it a chance.  You never know, if they pull it off you might even want to give a shot.  You'll be welcome on my server anytime if you do.  

 

Edited for grammer.

Edited January 28, 2016 by JamesL86

[BloodDusk]

Since the introduction of a working multiplayer model using the Dark Multiplayer mod, multiplayer is a planned feature for KSP, much like other mods that introduced other features and now are part of the main game (i.e. Subassembly Loading, Fairings, Listing of vessels, EVA, etc.) 

[BorderLine]

My Idea: 

Game Modes: Sandbox, 16-36 players, players get to do what they want when ever they want. Co-Op, 4 players all get to all do a mission, for example: Asteroid Redirect, Mun rover, Kerbin Space Station, ect. each player will be assigned a role, One can manage the launch, two will build the rocket, and the last will carry out the the mission (Redirect Asteroid, Land and operate Mun rover, set up space station, ect.) Custom, (plugins, mods, ect.) a player can start a server with a plugin, for example: Factions, PvP, ect

Launching your rocket/space plane in sandbox mode: When you launch your space craft, you will be put into a queue,  and wait for your turn to be launched. if the person that is next to be launched takes longer then five seconds, he will be skipped. same goes for the space planes.

Here is my idea for the warping issue in sandbox, a player can start a warping group (lets pretend you want to go to the mun) a bunch of people can join this group, and warp to the mun with you. and to other people outside of the Group, will have the mun and people warp at the speed the people chose in the Group. this will send out a notification to all players that the group will soon warp. people on the mun would have to agree on this based on votes. same goes for other planets. what do you guys think?

What are your comments/suggestions? 

[sal_vager]

Welcome to the forums Borderline

As this is a common suggestion I have merged it into the main thread for multiplayer discussion.

 

Cheers!

[BloodDusk]

Well, Dark Multiplayer is the fine example that, if you want some feature in the core game, make a mod for KSP and prove SQUAD that the idea is good enough. Much like:

- Haystack (Listing of objects in Tracking Station)
- Subassembly Loader/Saver (Sub assembly section in both VAB and SPH)
- Procedural Fairings (Adjustable fairing parts)
- Toolbar (Different UI for buttons)
- Deadly Reentry (Heat shields and failure due to high temperature)
 

And others.

[Daveroski]

If multiplayer is the last update ever to KSP then go ahead. I won't have to download that version.

If it is not then I say no. A thousand times NO.

In every game that supports multiplayer the boards are full of people moaning about how it doesn't work properly for them.

That the developers are neglecting them and how evil they are for doing so.

I socialise with people all the time in real life.

I play on my computer to have time for myself.

I know of people who have been friendly for years falling out over a game.

When you do try multiplayer and get harassed and victimised by a hoard of strangers from china (as in my case) it quickly sucks the fun out it.

It attracts people who can only have fun by preventing other people from enjoying themselves.

I don't know. Perhaps I am being too harsh. Maybe MP serves a psychological need in those who can socialise with someone so long as they are not in the same room.

 

[Just Jim]

22 minutes ago, Daveroski said:

If multiplayer is the last update ever to KSP then go ahead. I won't have to download that version.

If it is not then I say no. A thousand times NO.

In every game that supports multiplayer the boards are full of people moaning about how it doesn't work properly for them.

That the developers are neglecting them and how evil they are for doing so.

I socialise with people all the time in real life.

I play on my computer to have time for myself.

I know of people who have been friendly for years falling out over a game.

When you do try multiplayer and get harassed and victimised by a hoard of strangers from china (as in my case) it quickly sucks the fun out it.

It attracts people who can only have fun by preventing other people from enjoying themselves.

I don't know. Perhaps I am being too harsh. Maybe MP serves a psychological need in those who can socialise with someone so long as they are not in the same room.

 

I couldn't have said it better myself!

I am 100% opposed to multiplayer.  I won't play it, I won't download it (if I have the option).

I've run into just what you've stated, more time than I want to count.  And I can't count how many times I've had people quit a good game, once they think they're starting to lose in any way... and get mad at me for it!!!  What, I'm supposed to lose, or get blown up, or just bow down and not play to the best of my ability, just to save someone else's feelings?  No.... I am NOT politically correct that way, especially in a game.  I'm cunning, mean, ruthless, and I will win at all costs (except cheating).

No, I'm afraid I totally agree. My experience is multi-player seems to bring out the worst in people, so I'm going to pass and keep my Kerbal universe solo.

[Skylar']

I don't like the multiplayer idea too, I like solo play. co-op maybe. but again if they do any of them, they will need to support the idea all time and that mean less time to actual game. the game itself don't really have an entity to make a fun multiplayer. I like ksp as space/since game not some kind of multi/jet fighter bu****it  

[BloodDusk]

21 minutes ago, Skylar' said:

I don't like the multiplayer idea too, I like solo play. co-op maybe. but again if they do any of them, they will need to support the idea all time and that mean less time to actual game. the game itself don't really have an entity to make a fun multiplayer. I like ksp as space/since game not some kind of multi/jet fighter bu****it  

But think about how much money and marketing that'll make, especially with the console versions!

[Just Jim]

4 minutes ago, BloodDusk said:

But think about how much money and marketing that'll make, especially with the console versions!

So???  That money isn't going to help me out one bit.... 
Now, if Squad wants to buy me a faster computer with a small part of those profits, then maybe I'm onboard.
Until then, still opposed.

Edited February 15, 2016 by Just Jim

[BloodDusk]

Just now, Just Jim said:

So???  That money isn't going to help me out one bit.... 
Now, if Squad wants to buy me a faster computer with a small part of those profits, then maybe I'm onboard.
Until then, still opposed.

But, it's all about helping the noted marketing company. It's not a mutual profit, you know?

[Skylar']

3 minutes ago, BloodDusk said:

But think about how much money and marketing that'll make, especially with the console versions!

well as we can see more money to the squad in this situation is not giving too much to benefit to as. they are not hiring more "full time" developers. of course if they do then multiplayer good to go. because it will not affect the actual gameplay and time appointed to it.  

[Just Jim]

Just now, BloodDusk said:

But, it's all about helping the noted marketing company. It's not a mutual profit, you know?

OK, I wouldn't mind helping out Squad....  But it doesn't really change my original views.  Kerbal should remain solo, and if there is a multi-player version, I won't download it.  In that respect, squad is wasting their time and money.

[sal_vager]

Each to their own of course but I'm really wanting multiplayer KSP, personally.

[Just Jim]

This is just my opinion..... Squad can do what they want, that's fine.  I'm just not interested in playing it.

Edited February 15, 2016 by Just Jim