Multiplayer real or Vaporware?

[FrostyMug]

Here is a link to PCGamer back in 2013 where Squad stated "The finished release of Kerbal Space Program will include official Multiplayer modes." This was directly from a developer at Squad almost 2 years ago. If this comment is true and we know it wasn't, there would be a multiplayer mode in KSP right now since we are on a finished release version. So my question is where is Multiplayer modes and when is a good time to expect them in the future if at all?

http://www.pcgamer.com/kerbal-space-program-committed-to-multiplayer-career-and-sandbox-modes/

[Red Iron Crown]

Since they made that statement they later said that multiplayer would be included in a post-1.0 update.

[Commissioner Tadpole]

Honestly, it would be better to have Singleplayer mode complete but lack Multiplayer mode, than to have a half-baked Singleplayer mode while having a functional Multiplayer. Give 'em some time.

[FrostyMug]

I disagree I think updating a completed game would be easier with all its modes instead of doing half the game and then trying to figure out how to update and add the other half later. Seems to be defeating the purpose really. Also please direct me to the responses in relation to release after 1.0. Thanks

[3Dave]

Here is a link to PCGamer back in 2013 where Squad stated "The finished release of Kerbal Space Program will include official Multiplayer modes." This was directly from a developer at Squad almost 2 years ago. If this comment is true and we know it wasn't, there would be a multiplayer mode in KSP right now since we are on a finished release version. So my question is where is Multiplayer modes and when is a good time to expect them in the future if at all?

http://www.pcgamer.com/kerbal-space-program-committed-to-multiplayer-career-and-sandbox-modes/

Wait. your saying that project scope changed in 2 years? THATS UNHEARD OF!

chill the freek out with your accusations. You dont know what changed or what problems they encountered in the course of converting a single player game to multiplayer. Just be happy its a planned feature. Keep calm and blow up more rockets.

[Red Iron Crown]

Some sources:

Maxmaps is KSP's producer, this tweet shows they're testing it:

[Endersmens]

Some sources:

Maxmaps is KSP's producer, this tweet shows they're testing it:

Or a semi-recent Devnote:

http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/98508-Devnote-Tuesdays-The-Gizmo-Edition?p=1509041&highlight=multiplayer#post1509041

[tetryds]

Meanwhile, you can taste KSP multiplayer using this mod: http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/79111

It's not perfect, but it works very well.

That actually eases some of the pressure for an official implementation, which IMO allows them to not rush it.

[goldenpsp]

I disagree I think updating a completed game would be easier with all its modes instead of doing half the game and then trying to figure out how to update and add the other half later. Seems to be defeating the purpose really. Also please direct me to the responses in relation to release after 1.0. Thanks

Maybe that's why they are the developers and you aren't? Honestly have you given any real thought of the intricacies of adding multiplayer to KSP? Do you really think it would have been easier to have MP while still adding and changing stock features? If they had they would need to test all those feature changes against SP and MP every time. It would be way easier to make a functional MP once the core of the game is pretty much feature complete and stable.

[NovaSilisko]

Maybe that's why they are the developers and you aren't? Honestly have you given any real thought of the intricacies of adding multiplayer to KSP? Do you really think it would have been easier to have MP while still adding and changing stock features? If they had they would need to test all those feature changes against SP and MP every time. It would be way easier to make a functional MP once the core of the game is pretty much feature complete and stable.

Well, for the making of multiplayer, it would've been easier to integrate it into the heart of the game from the very beginning, but that's not how events transpired. Not laying blame, just stating how development went. Multiplayer was originally a "no way", until it became a "maybe way", and now it's an "eventually way". The problem is, now it's like the equivalent of trying to replace a cylinder on a car, while the car is running. It's gonna be a huge pain in the rear, and I extend nothing but sympathy for those who have to make it happen.

Edited May 1, 2015 by NovaSilisko

[FrostyMug]

Yup I do know how hard it would be to implement into the game but it seems people (not the devs) have figured out how to do it already. Referring to the mod out there. So if a bunch of people like me and you can get in there and mod the game to include the multiplayer then what is taking the devs 2 years on something that has already been done. I refuse to play on the mods man I play only Stock KSP.

[Sandworm]

I refuse to play on the mods man I play only Stock KSP.

Only stock? You will get over that. Seriously. Everyone goes through a "vanilla" phase with KSP. It passes once you get to grips with the games ... "quirks" and seek fixes.

[FrostyMug]

Nope been playing KSP since 2014 January and have yet to install a mod so I dont think it is a phase.

[Starwhip]

Only stock? You will get over that. Seriously. Everyone goes through a "vanilla" phase with KSP. It passes once you get to grips with the games ... "quirks" and seek fixes.

Sometimes, anyways. Stock has its own appeals. So do mods. If you feel like you've got everything you want in stock, so be it. If not, there are mods, or you can pose a suggestion over in the Suggestions and Development subforum.

I enjoy KSP with and without mods. 1.0 is going to keep me (mostly, except for KER) mod-free for a long time. Plenty of new stuff to do, and old things to remake.

Eventually I might go back to mods, there were some great ones. Environmental Visual Enhancements, Camera Tools, Distant Object Enhancement...

[/off_topic_wandering]

Anyways, I completely forgot what this thread was about.

The statement "with the final release of Kerbal Space Program" can be taken several ways. 1.0, or the LAST version. (Not what they meant, I know. )

Good to see that it is in progress, I'd love to play with others. Have some space battles, races, build-offs.

[Red Iron Crown]

FrostyMug, perhaps you should try the DMP mod before citing it as an example for what stock should be. It works, but there are some pretty serious bugs and issues that would make it unsuitable for an official release. People are more willing to accept such things in a mod than in the core game.

I don't know what else to tell you. Multiplayer is still in the pipeline, but the devs have prioritized other things before releasing it. It is not vaporware, it's an upcoming feature. Be patient and it will come to the stock game.

[pincushionman]

The good thing about KSP multiplayer development will be that, as there are no "competetive" aspects in the game, they can afford to put zero effort into game balance issues and focus entirely on the technical problems. Of which there are many.

[goldenpsp]

Well, for the making of multiplayer, it would've been easier to integrate it into the heart of the game from the very beginning, but that's not how events transpired. Not laying blame, just stating how development went. Multiplayer was originally a "no way", until it became a "maybe way", and now it's an "eventually way". The problem is, now it's like the equivalent of trying to replace a cylinder on a car, while the car is running. It's gonna be a huge pain in the rear, and I extend nothing but sympathy for those who have to make it happen.

Yes, athough that point is moot, since it didn't get put in at the beginning. At this point (which was my point) it makes more sense to at least get the core game stable, both crash stable and feature stable, before trying to add MP.

Yup I do know how hard it would be to implement into the game but it seems people (not the devs) have figured out how to do it already. Referring to the mod out there. So if a bunch of people like me and you can get in there and mod the game to include the multiplayer then what is taking the devs 2 years on something that has already been done. I refuse to play on the mods man I play only Stock KSP.

Yes, and if you ever used or followed that mod you would know it is far from perfect, or stable. It has lots of compatibility issues with other mods. It has issues every time KSP has been updated/changed etc. For better or worse, you can get away with the limitations of the mod, but for squad to release an official MP it will have to play nice with third party mods etc. The main point still being that MP will be a challenge best suited for after they get 1.0 nice and stable.

[FrostyMug]

FrostyMug, perhaps you should try the DMP mod before citing it as an example for what stock should be. It works, but there are some pretty serious bugs and issues that would make it unsuitable for an official release. People are more willing to accept such things in a mod than in the core game.

I don't know what else to tell you. Multiplayer is still in the pipeline, but the devs have prioritized other things before releasing it. It is not vaporware, it's an upcoming feature. Be patient and it will come to the stock game.

Agree but it should have significantly cut down on the development time since most of the work has been done. Sorry but 2 years means it took more then just a backseat, it was forgotten about. There is no other argument. I am glad it is still in the works but f it means waiting another 2 years for it then Im not sure it will be worth it.

[Frozen_Heart]

Only stock? You will get over that. Seriously. Everyone goes through a "vanilla" phase with KSP. It passes once you get to grips with the games ... "quirks" and seek fixes.

Well my vanilla 'phase' has lasted since 2012...

[biohazard15]

I certainly hope that it would eventually turn out that there is no viable way to make a multiplayer mode for KSP.

Too many games today are focused solely on multiplayer (being that co-op or PvP). They might feature some singleplayer modes - but that's usually an one-shot short campaign (like Call of Duty) or just multiplayer with bots. Anyone who wish for a decent singleplayer experience has either to rummage through tons and tons of games in hope of finding something, or play old titles. KSP is a rather unique experience - it gives you a nice sandbox to play with, and it doesn't allow anyone but you inside. That's a way to go.

[FrostyMug]

I certainly hope that it would eventually turn out that there is no viable way to make a multiplayer mode for KSP.

Too many games today are focused solely on multiplayer (being that co-op or PvP). They might feature some singleplayer modes - but that's usually an one-shot short campaign (like Call of Duty) or just multiplayer with bots. Anyone who wish for a decent singleplayer experience has either to rummage through tons and tons of games in hope of finding something, or play old titles. KSP is a rather unique experience - it gives you a nice sandbox to play with, and it doesn't allow anyone but you inside. That's a way to go.

So your saying that it would be ok with you if it just stayed a single player game? So all those that want multiplayer added should not get what they want? Sorry I disagree and think that there is room for both to get what they want. There is a solid single player mode now its do time for some multiplayer modes.

[Red Iron Crown]

Agreed, I'm not interested in playing multiplayer at all but it seems to be a highly desired feature for many players, no reason to not make those players happy. It's not like the game has been multiplayer-focused at the expense of the single player experience.

[FrostyMug]

Do the devs look in the forums at all? Do they answer posts? Just curious.

[Red Iron Crown]

Do the devs look in the forums at all? Do they answer posts? Just curious.

Fair question. I know that they look at them, but responses from them on the forum are somewhat rare. The reason is that every post they make is scrutinized heavily, squeezed for every ounce of implication, and treated as some sort of binding promise. Understandably, they're a bit reticent about making offhand remarks in here.

[FrostyMug]

Makes complete sense. Thank you.