Post Release Patching

(SockDog) #1

The DLC thread got me thinking.

Given the PC release will be distributed via Steam, that there are zero external requirements to certify PC patches and Steam handles updates, can we expect to see quick and small PC patches being released?

I’m clearly biased but this seems a perfect test bed to tweak balance issues, fix glitches and exploits before rolling and committing to a console patch.

It just sucks when you’re forced to live with bugs not because they’re being worked on but because even a typo fix requires a week of QA before being released.

Anyway, not sure if anyone at SD would be allowed to comment but thought I’d throw it out there to say I’d really appreciate seeing this happen.

(LyndonL) #2

Eugh, so long as they don’t go the other way and update every third day like TF2…

(.Chris.) #3

I’d rather see less often larger updates that frequent small updates, unless it’s for super important things that really do need a quick fix.

(Apples) #4

I think sockdog is talking about quick fix but closer to release, then major patches in time, all the bugs cant usually be spotted and it would be cool not to wait too long for some quick fixes after the launch.

oh, and nerf the anansi already!

Peace

(light_sh4v0r) #5

ETQW had a patch out on day 1, so I guess they can do that anyway.
And I hate updating my game all the time, with the pile of **** that steam is this usually takes ages or just goes wrong and I have to redownload the entire game.

(Singh400) #6

I don’t mind either. ET:QW was fairly well supported I think. Can’t see why Brink wouldn’t be. I expect Brink to be bigger and better than ET:QW, so logically one could assume that it should be better supported.

(LyndonL) #7

But as OP said, since Brink is going to be on console, updates need to pass Sony / MS prior to release which adds time unlike with ET:QW which was able to be updated at SD’s desire.

(.Chris.) #8

ET:QW was on consoles also?

Patches for each system don’t need to be released at same time nor will they be identical.

(Singh400) #9

[QUOTE=LyndonL;256290]But as OP said, since Brink is going to be on console, updates need to pass Sony / MS prior to release which adds time unlike with ET:QW which was able to be updated at SD’s desire.[/QUOTE]ET:QW was also on the console. And not all the same tweaks/updates will apply to all systems.

(tokamak) #10

Brink also seems to have way more parameters so more support seems to be required.

(AnthonyDa) #11

So you loved the 1.4 version of ETQW?

Small patches all the way + major update (ex: new OFFICIALS maps) is much better than waiting for ages to fix a bugs (even if it’s a minor bug).

On the other hand, idtech4 engine is a real mess when it comes to apply patch to servers/mods and fortunately nobody will ever use this engine again. :stroggbanana:

(LyndonL) #12

But wasn’t the ET:QW on consoles not developed by SD…?

(light_sh4v0r) #13

True, I think Aspyr dit the port.
Question: did ETQW ever get a patch on consoles?

(Corpse) #14

Aspyr did the port to the Mac OS. As far as I know a completely different studio did the port for the consoles.

(Humate) #15

Nerve did the console version and it was released much later than the PC version.

As far as the original topic:
Theres one game which I wont name, where youre lucky to get a PC patch.
PC players were not able to play online for about 8 months, while the PS3 and Xbox were patched straight away. :shakeshead:

(SockDog) #16

I’d guess L4D2 is a fair example. Each week there is usually a small update along with the mutation change, less than 50mb. At the same time there are some bug fixes. Once every two or three months larger patches come out with lots fixes and changes. BUT. If they notice a bug between these schedules they’ll patch and update asap.

Frequent updates may be a little annoying but surely less so that bugs which can be exploited or game breaking? As the game stabilises the need for frequent updates would decrease and you’d get just a few of the major patches released with new features etc.

There is always the beta opt-in option in Steam too!

(Jess Alon) #17

Splinter Cell Conviction’s multiplayer ran into some really weird stuff on day one that had to be patched quickly.