Spiral Knights - Gate Updater: Real or just an idea?

Gate Updater: Real or just an idea?

19 replies [Last post]

Sun, 07/10/2011 - 19:24

Darkiboo

Legacy Username

Whether it be a constantly updated forum post or a program that syncs with the game, I dunno (I can't do the second one).

Regardless, this would:

Display what 4 Gates are currently active.
Display what 4 Gates are in construction.
Stratum changes (I know this happens every few minutes so there will be both a countdown until the change and what will it go to, etc, etc).
All Gate themes and best weapons to use at what times (I.E. Use Piercing for the first half-- switch to Elemental at Terminal).

Optional:

Maps
Specific monsters / locations
[etc].

Again, I don't know if something like this already exists or if it's a possibility. I know I haven't seen anything, but if it's out there then yay! I'm open to suggestions, help, rants, etc (wow I've used that a lot. :\).

I just want everything all in one place that's easy to understand and point out "hey, I wanna do that-- *gibber jabber*".

EDIT: Added basic concept of this. http://i902.photobucket.com/albums/ac221/SoWhimsical/GateUpdater.jpg

Sun, 07/10/2011 - 19:51

Flynnerik

Love this idea

From a programmer stand point, it would require either:

A) Sega/OOO releasing an API to allow us to code something in C# (since thats what I know best)

B) Someone would have to be really good at Java, and know how to break down the code to pull the info from the servers (without loading the game).

Its very do able if the right things are in place (A) or if someone has the time to do it (B).

Would love to see it happen, and if it's in C# I'd like to kibitz if possible on the UI for the program (or if its a website, I'd like in on it too depending on what your thinking of doing with it besides just this small piece since I have some ideas for it).

Either way, whether I am a part of it or not, I would love to see it happen =)

Flynn

Sun, 07/10/2011 - 20:23

Golgomath

That'd b really cool. It

That'd b really cool. It would really just be a program that would keep checking for information from the servers or would check for when the server updates certain things.

I only work in C++, but looking towards Java, that might be really fun to do!

Sun, 07/10/2011 - 20:45

Darkiboo

Legacy Username

What if we don't interact

What if we don't interact with the game itself but simply have everything set/memorized to know when/about when it will happen. For instance, I know the gates switch every 3-7min according to the Wiki. So that can simply be set at 5min to give someone some sort of indication. Sure it may be off, but until, like you said, programmers get an API (learned what I was) or could interact with servers, that's our best bet and I'm sure it'd do.

If this is programmable still, then I think someone could do it and I'd help any way I can.

Right now, I'd picture all the gate icons (Queen, White Lion, etc) with the stratums 1-6 listed horizontally underneath. Clicking the icon would reveal the depths similar to how you'd view it in game. Mousing over those icons in the depths would then display more information. And more could be added to that.

Again, this is purely an idea if it isn't already in the works, but I know it'd make the game much easier to maneuver around and get what you want/need and get out faster.

Maybe even an easy Bestiary/loot table could be created as well. Anything is possible.

Sun, 07/10/2011 - 22:27

Evning

This is interesting =p

What if there was a voice announcement broadcasted in the clockworks,
declaring time for stratum change?

either in the next level or throughout the levels for a particular gate.

and when it comes to a gate rotation,
there would be lots of bangs,
loud warning announcements
and bright red flashing alarm lights,
all over heaven, the clockworks and every where =p

the entire world would tremble and shake?
something overtly dramatic lasting about 5 to 10 mins,
just to emphasize that the world is dangerously changing =p

and if you are in the closing gate, you better get out soon or end up stuck in there for good =p

lol let me dream, let me dream XD

Sun, 07/10/2011 - 22:40

Flynnerik

Using C# we could make it a

Using C# we could make it a UI window that has the current gates icon with a count down till its gone (since we know the rotation, and how long before it would be removed) and which is next incoming.

From there, I would have to mess aorund with the UI and see what I feel is the most flow, and easiest to use, I design as I go, so its hard to say in advance I would use. I already have a few visions in mind though (I work on the fly, and fast lol)

I do like the sound effect when a gate changes, or etc, maybe a notification icon (for windows users sorry macs!), if this is web based then we could do the sound effect, and a pop up window (see I have a plan for everyone mac users!).

So many possibilities here, just need the API, or a good Java programmer to help us get started.

On a side note, we could also use this to track the CE market if there was an API for that, so we can see when it goes up and down over time. Is it higher during the day or at night, is there more flooring during the day or at night, and etc. Help us get a better idea of the actual market since don't forget this market is not just US based, people from other places can play it too. (So when they buy CE, they have a conversion fee).

So many things can be done with the right tools now I'm all giddy....

*has a geekgasm*

Mon, 07/11/2011 - 01:55

Dirt

Legacy Username

@thread

6. Restrictions. You agree not to do any of the following prohibited actions:

1. reproduce, distribute, publicly display or perform, translate, modify, adapt, create derivative works from, deconstruct, reverse engineer, decompile or disassemble in any manner Spiral Knights or any portion thereof, including but not limited to any character, graphic, associated software or proprietary communications protocol used by the software or any utilities, applications, emulators or tools derived therefrom;

Tread lightly.

Mon, 07/11/2011 - 07:33

Evning

Dun worry,

i think hes just talking about potential designs,

But if he happen to have the API for Spiral knights,
then i bet he has the permission to do those things too =d

Mon, 07/11/2011 - 12:17

Darkiboo

Legacy Username

If there's anything I need to

If there's anything I need to do to get this going, I'll do it. Whether that be emailing Three Rings and asking for an API or what our options are and/or posting on the forums saying that I'm looking for a Java Programmer.

I'll go ahead and start doing those two things here soon because it seems like a good amount of people are interested in making this and I know a lot of people will surely love this when it exists.

Mon, 07/11/2011 - 12:25

Arimal

I do have to say an out out

I do have to say an out out of client real time gate map would be just about the coolest thing ever.

Mon, 07/11/2011 - 12:32

#10

Thrull

Legacy Username

Strikes me as the kind of

Strikes me as the kind of thing 000 might also want to implement on their main website. It would be a great way to generate interest and pique the curiosity of potential players, and there's plenty of room for a new button to the right of "HOME, PLAY, ABOUT, MEDIA, FORUMS, WIKI". "Server/Gate Status" maybe? And can you say, mobile app?

Mon, 07/11/2011 - 12:37

#11

Jaerin

Legacy Username

I think its a great idea.

Mon, 07/11/2011 - 12:47

#12

BiggestLoser

Legacy Username

Zelda

hmm just wana question it a little(not experienced with the tech stuff)

what about the regular maps, even if its shown the exact same on the gate map it can be totally different, sometimes with a whole danger room missing
also how do u calculate the time needed to finish a depth and reach the 1 that u wana go to, since u hav to go through all maps still unless u check the gate map for friends at the correct timings and join them accordingly

other than that most people play in boss floors..:/

dont really see any good advantages yet except for little more convenient waiting times for rotations

Mon, 07/11/2011 - 12:53

#13

Character-Name

I wouldn't count on APIs...

I think your best bet is to figure the rate in which stages change places, code a little map in, and hit play. Probably have gates read from a text file, so whenever a new gate is up, you'd be able to type it into the program.

It'll take making dozens of measurements on gate swap behavior, the hour and day they changed for the next few months. Or at least, the hour/day a specific stage is avaliable from a given stage. Assuming the same stage is offered to everyone at a given moment. I'm not sure if OOO would either be annoyed at this, or name the hardworking guy the head astronomer. (Limesnomener Darkiboo? Well, its a title allright.)

Mon, 07/11/2011 - 15:58

#14

Darkiboo

Legacy Username

Basic Concept

Alright, so I quickly threw together a little collage of images that would appear in this Gate Updater (maybe change the name because it will feature more things than just that).

It is completely open to changes, modifications, etc. For instance, I think the treasure box and crystal icon looks like crap, so a fix on that would be nice. :P

I showed 2 ways on how we could display the Gates and their themes. Personally I like the first one even though it differed from my original thought. I really like the timers and way to show information on the depths. And yes... I know that's not the map for the Snarbolax. But it's a map I just snagged from Scarlet Fortress and pumped it full of everything I could to detail what it's supposed to look like.

The current level that you are on/will be lifted to is highlighted in yellow along with the timer to show the correlation between the two. The next level that will be cycled to is highlighted in red. Hopefully this is understanding enough. ;)

http://i902.photobucket.com/albums/ac221/SoWhimsical/GateUpdater.jpg

Let me know what you think!

Mon, 07/11/2011 - 16:09

#15

Gigafreak

Legacy Username

Clockwork Tunnels stages are

Clockwork Tunnels stages are re-randomized every time you visit them. Even if it's the same stage in the same gate at the same depth on the same day, possibly even at the same time for two different parties. Even "set layout" stages have random elements: the Ironclaw Munitions Factory has randomly-spawning health boxes.

Levels have multiple "layers" of cycling going on simultaneously. The levels can cycle, but the direction of the cycling can change, and the path itself can change destinations-- all independently on separate timers. And do we even know if the destination for two groups will be the same, even if they ended up on different stages in the same depth?

Mon, 07/11/2011 - 19:10

#16

Flynnerik

I wasn't looking to map out each depth

I was mostly looking to make something like when you click to bring up the T maps from the in game window. To map out for example where the health boxes are, or etc would be to tedious, and I am sure as you said its random. I know I have played the same level several times in a day, and they have been different paths/boxes/etc each time.

Just the general concept of each, and which they are on at that moment.

I wonder if OOO is reading hits right now, and would be willing to lend a hand with the API side of things, or would be willing to add this into their website (as was mentioned before).

Mon, 07/11/2011 - 19:15

#17

BiggestLoser

Legacy Username

Zelda

a map! finally! lol its so annoying not knowing which direction to go 1st!

Mon, 07/11/2011 - 22:20

#18

Evning

Let the third party devs gather =p

and we might be getting some interesting UI mods like WoW XD
i would invest my time in making a hud that focuses on incoming danger,
hopefully as a way to give me that little advantage over lag with regards to shielding

but honestly i think the design of SK
is that you are not suppose to know
where you are going to end up =d

Tue, 07/12/2011 - 00:01

#19

Darkiboo

Legacy Username

Ah, to be honest, the levels

Ah, to be honest, the levels that I continuously grind always end up looking the exact same every time. XD There's been a few occasions where a random health box has been somewhere it wasn't before, but just a few.

Knowing that, I'm sure the map can look much simpler. Regarding layouts of things, I'm going purely off an experience (major fault on my part) so learning of what happens to other people or simply how the Clockwork Tunnels operate would all be very helpful.

Nonetheless, I feel there is great potential in this idea and if anyone is willing to give it a start, I will do everything I can to contribute. I'm more of an idea kind-of-guy.

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Gate Updater: Real or just an idea?