Tuesday, November 17, 2009

On IWnet, game development and what not...


Gone are the days where simplicity is a factor for low ping gaming session with your friends sitting right next to you. Where simplicity lies ONLY in the authenticity of a CD-key, which is enough for you to play on official servers.


Recently, newer games require internet connection for authenticity and just to play with our buddy sitting next to us in the same room. I don't see why it is necessary to connect to the internet and suffer high pings just to play with our buddies in the same room while LAN offers the most simplified yet the fastest connection speed which is better than the most fastest internet connection in the world. Internet connection should not be a necessity, it should be a feature and let's just hope that this will serves as a lesson to new and upcoming game developers out there. Do not take away what is already good. PC gamers demands it because they are better at this than most of the console players.

Let me give you an example. 2 or 3 years ago, Apple decides to turn their Macs from PowerPC to Intel base. Most of us Microsoft users know that Intel offers a better performance than the PowerPC and some of us know that PowerPC might not survive the market as Intel and AMD are leading the way, being the only 2 most competitive processor brand in the market. Apple finally realized that they have nowhere to go but to change their platform to Intel which also benefits their market because with the Intel processor, BootCamp are made possible where you can have 2 Operating System in one machine. It's good because Apple has the most stable software platform and Intel with most parts from custom build PC like the Graphic cards offers better performance. My main point is, most of us PC users or in this case, PC gamers, know what's best for us. We don't give a damn about casual gamers not knowing how to maintain a server because we can just Google those crap out and we can rent a service just to do that for us. Even casual gamers prefer to play on LAN than going online just to suffer shitty latency and keeping them from actually enjoying the game.

Here lies my most anticipated and yet something that I might going to regret and the odds are 99.9% that I'm going to regret getting myself a copy, Modern Warfare 2.

Infinity Ward shook the entire PC community by taking away the support for Dedicated servers and Mod for Modern Warfare 2 which, in the entire FPS history on PC platform, love and lean towards to because of their capability to support a lot of players in dedicated servers and to balance the game for competitive play in Mods for games like Modern Warfare 1. And to make matters worse, we look like those pathetic Xbox360. JUST LOOK AT THE FRIGGIN PICTURE BELOW!!!






Colored bar for Ping indication? Please. We aren't like those idiot console players who can't even do a simple math. Give us back out digits!!!

Now, I'm not here to complaint and cry about that as I am a reasonable man who understands that not everything is perfect and that the universe is always there to bitch to you in every possible way in life which, we all call, Karma. Instead, I'm gonna state some facts that Infinity Ward are making a huge mistake giving the PC community the shitty IWnet.

Before I continue, many PC users are angry and just throw their angst towards the developers instead of trying to make them understand by giving out facts and teaching those dumb console players about the superiority of PC. Instead, their attacks got backfired by the flames of console players throughout forums and articles. I have taken a lot of reading and hiatus just to write this by the way.

Now, lets look at the meaning for dedicated game servers. I have here a quote from Wikipedia which I entire agree about the statement which are highlighted.

"Most games use a dedicated server application. This program collects data from players and distributes it to other players. This is more efficient and effective than peer-to-peer arrangement, but it requires a separate computer to host the server application. The additional computer is a server.

Network bandwidth, in particularly upstream bandwidth is often one of the major limitations in hosting game servers. Home broadband Internet connections rarely provide the necessary upstream bandwidth to host dedicated game servers with more than 4-10 clients.

In the past, this is how the majority of game servers were hosted. This was the only option. The player would buy the game, and most households only had one computer, so the player would use this one machine host his or her server and play the game on, often simultaneously. The stress on the computer was enormous, and game performance was proportionately poor. Even if the bandwidth on the newest broadband Internet services could keep up with the load, the computer itself was still behind in computing the data needed. Process data for 3D graphics, game physics, sorting and distributing network data to the other players on one computer, places considerable demands on servers.

A professional server is a computer to read data and transmit vast amounts of data as fast as players need it. A handful of game hosting pioneers realized the need for such systems. They purchased rack mounted server machines and colocated them within datacenters to host their games. They paid between $200 and $700 a month for this luxury, and the teams that could foot such bills were few and far between, but these setups significantly improved the gameplay. Within a few years online multiplayer gaming became a huge success. Prices have lowered dramatically and subscribers increased 1000 fold."

Here's my understanding about dedicated servers. It's an entire machine, running dedicated-ly, just to host a game. Without any other background programs like MSN Messenger, Anti-virus, or even Firefox running behind the stage and lags the whole game. Now with IWnet taking over, it's actually using our computer to act as a server. Meaning that you are hosting the game, with the extra shit you're running which is typical for most user and basically, brings you to the Hell of Lag-ness where you'll eventually stutter in-game or keep bouncing here and there and stuff which you would usually experience when there is a serious lag.

And to put the cherry on top of that, after reading some reviews, I fear that IWnet is what I suspected it to be, a failure. The migrating host feature which turns out to be one of Infinity Ward's FAIL list plus the ongoing sufferings of high pings and bad latency with the peer-to-peer connection. Looks like their "big investment" doesn't give any good returns instead, having Nerd Rage by some hardcore fanboys shooting through their bullet proof vest continuously with infinity ammo.

Besides that, they have it integrated with Steam and Valve Anti Cheat for secure and hackless gameplay which VAC already defeats the purpose. Now, I have no objection that Infinity Ward would release their games on Steam. Steam is a very good digital distribution software and I myself am still using Steam and liking it. But using VAC and IWnet together? I've played on few servers with VAC and I still sometimes see players playing hack on the servers. "Big Investments?" Hehe. You tell me.

As for no mod support, IWnet doesn't have any feature where you can ban weapons like RPG, n00b tube and any imbalance guns for competitive play. It is impossible to make a Mod to get Modern Warfare 2 to the competitive scene because on the multiplayer side it is all just for fun because console players are n00b and they tube. Due to that, Infinity Ward has lost their market on the competitive scene. Last I read, the i38 tourney were having problems with the Modern Warfare 2 tourney due to IWnet fucking shit up.

I guess this is what the market tends to lean towards to. With all these "features" like IWnet, matchmaking and no mod supports, it feels like those feature are some console kinda shit and they are giving all these privilege to console mainly the outdated, incapable and pathetic Xbox360 that cannot run any First Person Shooter above 100 Frame Rate Per Sec, giving only shit, to us and shutting us PC Gamers.

Here's a question. Do you see any Xbox360 version of Crysis on sale in the market???

So, to sum it up, I'm still going to get myself an official copy of this because I'm a masochist.(Haha!!! Booyah!!!)

But to all those who have been raging about it, quit crying you emo punks and start working on or looking for hacks. That is what we are better at than console players so we better get to it. As of now, I've just acquired a pirated copy, been playing a few missions already and waiting hacks for LAN play.



-JJ-


Tuesday, October 20, 2009

[Tech Tips] HID (Human Interface Devices) Part 1


Foreword:


It's been awhile that I've actually write something here except expressing my recent angst moment. Actually, that happened a long time ago and that is the exact stuff that I wanna say to that certain person. Well, with that said, I just don't want to be reminded about it again and move on with my life with more exciting stuff for me.

Anyway, I'm gonna cover with some of the basic stuff (to me and most of my geeky friends especially those in my FB friend list) plus the importance and reasons why I choose certain peripherals that are more expensive than the ordinary ones. Though, most of my peripherals are expensive, but sound system is not really my forte so I usually just choose a simple 2.0 speaker. For sound system, I prefer going slow with it. I mean, what good is a sound system if you have a sucky computer system that can't run games with FPS above 100, right? Mostly, I'm into headsets.

I'm gonna divide this into 2 parts with the first part where I'm gonna do some cover about mice, mouse pads or mouse surfaces and keyboards while the second one will be headsets and monitor.


Before I go on, I just wanna state that what I've recommended are my preference of the products. As the wise would say, a man's meat is another man's poison. So, not everything I recommended, will offer you the same experience that I had with the devices. When you wanna buy your own peripherals, anything that you feel comfortable of in getting the stuff in terms of budget and the feel when using the product, should be applied in this situation.


Till then,

Enjoy.



Mouse


Like athlete, a shoe is not just a shoe. For a gamer, a mouse, is not just a mouse. It's their precision factor for the headshots and kills which leads his/her team to victory. And to accomplished that, a gamer must be comfortable with his/her mouse. Zero-acoustic skates attached to the mouse below for smooth glides on your mouse pad, and a good sensor to avoid skipping problem when aiming. USB connection for fast data transfer rate then the old P/S 2 connection. A good polling rate for short response time and a hyper response buttons for zero lag clicks when clicking for shooting opponents. Besides that, mouse designs for ergonomicity (not sure whether this is a word) whether it's for both left or right handed players plus what styles on how the players are gonna use the mouse when playing whether it's palm grip, claw grip or fingertip grip.




After more than 3 years and counting using the Razer Diamondback Plasma Limited Edition, you can't go wrong with this. The world's first mouse equipped with Infrared sensor. Due to it's ambidextrous design, this mouse is made for right handed and left handed players. It came with an additional driver for gamers to configure which main button they would choose to click. Well, bad news, you can't really find this particular mouse anymore.



But the good news is that Razer has come out with the improved version of the Diamondback line called the Diamondback 3G with the improved 3G Infrared sensor.




I've been a fan of Infrared sensor ever since my Diamondback and I feel that I can never go wrong with Infrared so I got myself this. The Razer DeathAdder. I like the design because it resembles the Microsoft Habu and the Microsoft Intelli 3.0



Mouse pads/Surfaces for mouse


A mouse pad does plays a role in gaming. A good mouse pad will improve the tracking performance of the mouse. Besides that a good quality surface would ensure a longer lasting life of a mouse pad. On top of that, there are mouse pads made with certain precision whether gamers want control or speed. On top of that, the size of the mouse pad matters for different sensitivity mouse user. For most Asian players, they'll go for high sensitivity mouse settings so they'll go for mid size to small size mouse pad. While as for me and the rest of the non-Asian mouse user, I go for low sensitivity setting and my size preference would go from medium to large.



I got the Razer eXactMat Duo precision together with my Diamondback. It's comes with Control and Speed surfaces. It's a really good and durable mouse pad. But I will really need to wear a wristband on my right wrist when playing with it.




After using the eXactMat for awhile, I got myself the SteelSeries QCK Mass cloth mouse pad to eliminate the need for wristband. Right now, I'm setting my eyes for the Razer Goliathus Cloth mouse pad.



Keyboard

Like the case for mouse, it's a little similar for keyboard. Hyper Response Technology keys for fast response movements and changing to suitable weapons. USB connection for fast data transfer rate. Fully programmable keys feature for macro capability, Anti-ghosting capability for multiple keys pressed simultaneously without any "Ghosting" effects meaning that no signal failure occurs when three to four keys are pressed simultaneously. Profile Switching for different game configurations high polling rate for short response time. Windows key deactivation feature for unwanted interruption when accidentally switched to desktop when pressing the windows key. Besides that, backlight feature for late night gaming session and detachable wrist rest is a plus.



A year and a 3 quarters ago, I purchased the Razer Lycosa having it replacing my Logitech Ultra Flat keyboard. The eye candy of this baby for me is the backlight keys on it. Though, it lacks some features from the famous Razer Tarantula, I like it's simplicity design and the feel of it. After almost 2 years of using it, I found of that the D button are wearing off. It happens with rubber coated buttons which is why I'm aiming for the Razer Lycosa Mirror Edition. Even with the wear-offs, the Lycosa is still a good quality build from Razer.

That's it for part one. Stay tuned for part 2.


-VIRUZXP-






Friday, October 2, 2009

Rant is Loading...






Yeeeaaa... It's October and all I can say is, DreamHack!!! Which is in collaboration with the upcoming Indie Youth Fest. Now...

Should I go to KL or not???

Hmm...

Geez Goddamnit!!! I feel like installing Photoshop CS4 to fill my boredom. Got the frigging Master Collection but the requirement space is just too much. 20+ GB for God sake. Guess I'll just have to install the non Master Collection till the new rig is up.

Just finished up Portal and Half Life 2 : Episode 2 and... Hmm... Let's just say I got nothing else to do. Hehehe... The games were great but short(will write a review). I just can't wait for Episode 3 which is the final episode of the installment of the game.

Anyway, this weekend will be another Dota Tourney. Good thing is I can make it for the Saturday mass.

To those who are expecting me for the WCO, Sorry. I feel that the session is too boring and I dun wanna waste my Fridays just sitting there and got nothing to say. Plus, I'm busy marshaling for the tourney so... Yup. I can't go.

Owh well, on the other hand, I'm looking for Splinter Cell games. I haven't been following the franchise since Pandora Tomorrow. So Chaos Theory is my best bet for now.

Till then,


-JJ,out-

















Friday, August 28, 2009

Tim Sweeney : The End Of GPU Roadmap.



Here's a little something about one of the many stuff I'm excited about and don't really or rather I'm lazy to find the time to blog about.






Couple of months ago, I've got a heads up of a link that ended me up downloading a power point presentation made by Tim Sweeney, a Video Game Developer, CEO and Founder of Epic Games, about the End of GPU Roadmap. I must say, this is a very very good read. Throughout the presentation, Tim stated that GPU line will die by the year 2020 as it draws itself closer and closer to CPU which actually, we're right back into the cycle when we first started with computers running on Intel 80386 without the GPU way back before I was even born. With the upcoming Intel Larabee, these are made possible since the CPU are actually a Hybrid CPU/GPU where developers are actually able to create games with better graphics that would actually render in-game. It offers texture filtering,anti-aliasing, rasterization that can be replaced with a software implementation through C++ and backed by massive computing power.


Some of you might have read about the Power of Gaming Triangle on my old post few years back where the PhysX Technology actually completes the circle that makes sense in the Gaming Industry for Processing Physics. But many might not know that PhysX Technology can be now found on your GeForce graphic cards starting from the 8 Series until the recent GTX Series model. Ever since Nvidia has acquired PhysX, GPU and PPU are already all in one piece so, if you wanna build a high-end machine, you don't need to waste a space for a Physics Processing Unit anymore as it is already integrated into your graphic cards which processes a lot better than the unit
itself.







Gaming Triangle


With the upcoming Larabee, the three separate Processing unit will unite as one into a hybrid CPU/GPU/PPU which offers an even better in-game environment


The future is indeed a very exciting event for the Gaming Industry as well as the Tech Industry in the computer side. As a computer tech enthusiast, I cannot wait to see what it holds for the upcoming Larabee.

For those who wanna read the slides, you can click here. You can download it as well.

Until then, I'm signing off with my hiatus still on. Hopefully you geeks like me out there would enjoy the read. Wannabes can Fuck Off because you totally suck and you cannot catch the vibe we're in.


-JJ,out-






Sunday, August 16, 2009

My thoughts on District-9






I know that it's a little late but District-9 has gotta be one of the best damn movie I've ever seen. Wish I got that kind of weaponry to blow idiots into pieces.

More on this on the review site with insights of why I really like the film. I mean seriously. Movies these days are really disappointing. G.I. Joe... SUCKSS big time. Effects are nice but stories don't deliver.

Till then, I still got the headache from last night's party. More like hangover. Shiit!!!


Ciao.


-JJ,out-



Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Call Of Duty : Modern Warfare 2 Multiplayer Teaser.



This... Is... Fucking... Awesome!!!





Enjoy the video.


-JJ,out-


















Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Testing cross-posting to Blogger.



Test session begins and ended once this post is posted.


-JJ,out-


Monday, July 20, 2009

The Death of 32-bit Operating System Platform.



In the Tech World today, as we are moving forward to the future, older technologies will die, giving way to the newer techs that inherits the legacy of the older ones. Whether with a faster data rate transfer or having more cores in one processor, if Moore's Law demands it, the old will slowly fades as Technology continues to grow.


These days, I've been seeing a lot of changes in the world of computing, especially in the hardware and the software section. Seeing how things slowly dies, it is difficult not to think that the 32-bit of Operating System Architecture will die and giving way to the dominance of the 64-bit platform and also, the birth of 128-bit Operating System, thus, also, will be the days of the 128-bit Processors and also the birth of 256-bit Processors. When the time comes, the Moore's Law demands it, like I said before.

Today, more and more software developers and also enthusiasts are moving toward 64-bit computing. Gamers, like me, who are on the enthusiasts' side, are doing so to break the barrier of the 4GB limitation of RAM in a 32-bit Operating System, thus, allowing us to go for more RAMs to get some more juice in our games. With the release of Core i7 from Intel, the requirement for RAMs has been added with one more stick of RAM to the usual 2-stick package of RAM on sale in the market thus giving the minimum amount of RAM from 3GB going up to 6GB, then to 12GB and finally doubled to 24GB of RAM just as the Moore's Law demands it to. With that amount of RAM, it is hard not to go for 64-bit platform due to the limitation of RAM given by the 32-bit platform.

As of now, 32-bit will still live for the moment until about after 2 years or maybe even a little bit longer before it dies. Given the fact that Windows 7 are on the way and still giving hope on the 32-bit platform since there are much performance gain on the 32-bit side on the beta testing stage than on Vista. From that onwards, more and more things are beginning to change or die in terms of people changin motherboards, platforms, RAMs and many more. All this, is because the Moore's Law demands it and developers will continue to push new games and softwares which will requires better hardwares to run smoothly on them.

Starting from next year, it will be hard for me to go for 32-bit OS anymore since my new rig that are still on the construction stage are going for 64-bit OS. The reason I'm porting is because I wanna fully utilize those 4GB of my Corsair Dominator RAMs and also the extra 2GB of it which I have bought. Damn!!! But at least I got the extra juices.

Yeah... If you have any thoughts on this, please leave a comment below.

Till then,

Ciao.


-JJ,out-