Spotting system alteration

Tao, on 17 March 2011 - 02:29 AM, said: Simple LOS system fix:
I mention this idea because it is simple programming wise to implement and test.
I suggest that all tanks 'appear' to all players but without red highlighting, player name and type of tank.(no calculations to when a tank 'appears' to other players) Essentially this would have all enemy tanks be treated as ordinary parts of the map (no special identification). The terrain and camouflage of the tank skins should be enough to hide enemy tanks.
Simply create a new game type to allow players to voluntarily test this LOS system, and delete the code which identifies enemy tanks for this game type. Of course this system would need minor map changes and some work with graphics and lighting towards enemy tanks to be perfected.


Tao, on 20 March 2011 - 12:14 AM, said: I do not believe that this would put a new load on the server. In fact it should be the same or a reduced load since it uses the current system with some commands left out:
function make tank visible
{
(calculate view range and modifiers)
check distance to tank
is tank distance = view distance
if so then make tank visible
}
tanks are only made visible/invisible for artillery via radios. For non artillery players, all tanks are visible all the time (the system load is slightly decreased because it does not need to send this information to non artillery players)
********************
function tank identification
{
if cursor is over a player
highlight player with green or red
display player name
display tank type
display Hit points
}
leave this function out entirely (this reduces system load by eliminating boolean checks, and data to send to players)
**********************
This allows for a radically new view system for the players while doing minimal work for the devs. It isnt perfect, but it is worth a period to test with the players.
Anyway please pass this on to the devs or the suggestion forum. It cant hurt for them to spend 5 minutes reading these suggestions.