The New Server FAQ
Posted: 14 Mar 2007, 01:00
What is this ominous "new server" all the devs are talking about?
The "new server" (codename: TMWServ) is our new software for the server backend that is currently in development.
Why do we need the new server?
In the beginning of the project we planned to customize eAthena to create our game. But after a while we realized that eAthena, as it has been created as a Ragnarok Online server, was just not flexible enough to allow us to make the game like we want it and react on the many player suggestions we receive. So we decided to create our own server software from scratch that gives us the freedom we need to make our visions come true.
What will the gameplay on the new server be like?
First of all combat will be much more action oriented. Instead of clicking a monster and watching your character while it beats it up you will have more control over your character in combat. You will be able to move around freely and you have to press the attack button at the right time to be succesful in combat.
Then the character system will be much more complex. Player characters will have a wide range of combat and non-combat skills that will increase when they are used.
And yes, there will be magic.
Will there be classes/jobs?
The attribute and skill system will work without distinctive classes. But the attribute system will encourage you to specialize your character into a specific direction. The main directions will feel a lot like classes but give a lot more freedom and room for experimentation in the character development than predefined classes.
Will we be able to keep our characters?
Unfortunately the new character system will be completely different from the current system. That means that it will be very difficult to find a fair method to convert the characters from the new to the old system. At the moment it looks as if everyone will have to start from the beginning. But maybe we will give the old veterans a little present to make the start easier.
Is there anything that will be the same in the new mana world?
Most of the work we invested over the years wasn't in vain. Just the implementation of the eAthena protocol and some parts of the gui that were made to be compatible with the eAthena system won't be used anymore. The complete graphic engine will be used as it is (testing the graphic engine was the main reason we kept the eAthena server for so long) and most of the game graphics and sounds will also stay unchanged. If we will use the current maps or remap the whole world isn't determined yet.
How far is the development of the new server?
Currently (December 2008) the basic netcode and game mechanics are already implemented, but there is still a lot small and large stuff which needs to be done before the server is ready for real gameplay.
You can see the current Version 0.1.0 development roadmap on the bugtracker.
Now I am curious. Can I see it myself?
You can find the most recent sourcecode for both our new server and the new client on our Git repositories. To compile it you need the Git sourcecode management system, a C++ compiler and the knowledge to use those. Instructions for getting the librarys required for compiling TMW can be found in the dependency guide on the wiki
When will the server be ready for playing?
When it's done.
I want it to be finished as soon as possible. What can I do to help?
What we need most are people who are able to write performant, reliable, maintainable and robust C++ code and help with the server programming. See the wiki article joining the project for information how to become a part of the development.
But even when you can't program you can help by making suggestions for the game mechanics on the new server by contributing to the wiki.
The "new server" (codename: TMWServ) is our new software for the server backend that is currently in development.
Why do we need the new server?
In the beginning of the project we planned to customize eAthena to create our game. But after a while we realized that eAthena, as it has been created as a Ragnarok Online server, was just not flexible enough to allow us to make the game like we want it and react on the many player suggestions we receive. So we decided to create our own server software from scratch that gives us the freedom we need to make our visions come true.
What will the gameplay on the new server be like?
First of all combat will be much more action oriented. Instead of clicking a monster and watching your character while it beats it up you will have more control over your character in combat. You will be able to move around freely and you have to press the attack button at the right time to be succesful in combat.
Then the character system will be much more complex. Player characters will have a wide range of combat and non-combat skills that will increase when they are used.
And yes, there will be magic.
Will there be classes/jobs?
The attribute and skill system will work without distinctive classes. But the attribute system will encourage you to specialize your character into a specific direction. The main directions will feel a lot like classes but give a lot more freedom and room for experimentation in the character development than predefined classes.
Will we be able to keep our characters?
Unfortunately the new character system will be completely different from the current system. That means that it will be very difficult to find a fair method to convert the characters from the new to the old system. At the moment it looks as if everyone will have to start from the beginning. But maybe we will give the old veterans a little present to make the start easier.
Is there anything that will be the same in the new mana world?
Most of the work we invested over the years wasn't in vain. Just the implementation of the eAthena protocol and some parts of the gui that were made to be compatible with the eAthena system won't be used anymore. The complete graphic engine will be used as it is (testing the graphic engine was the main reason we kept the eAthena server for so long) and most of the game graphics and sounds will also stay unchanged. If we will use the current maps or remap the whole world isn't determined yet.
How far is the development of the new server?
Currently (December 2008) the basic netcode and game mechanics are already implemented, but there is still a lot small and large stuff which needs to be done before the server is ready for real gameplay.
You can see the current Version 0.1.0 development roadmap on the bugtracker.
Now I am curious. Can I see it myself?
You can find the most recent sourcecode for both our new server and the new client on our Git repositories. To compile it you need the Git sourcecode management system, a C++ compiler and the knowledge to use those. Instructions for getting the librarys required for compiling TMW can be found in the dependency guide on the wiki
When will the server be ready for playing?
When it's done.
I want it to be finished as soon as possible. What can I do to help?
What we need most are people who are able to write performant, reliable, maintainable and robust C++ code and help with the server programming. See the wiki article joining the project for information how to become a part of the development.
But even when you can't program you can help by making suggestions for the game mechanics on the new server by contributing to the wiki.
.
.... and I can help in mapping too.