Excellent post Steve. I agree with it all because everything you said just makes sense. Sure hope they listen, in whole or even in part. Anything would be an improvement from what's been happening so far.
M. Vail -----Original Message----- From: hlds-boun...@list.valvesoftware.com [mailto:hlds-boun...@list.valvesoftware.com] On Behalf Of Steven Hartland Sent: Friday, July 23, 2010 6:08 PM To: e...@ccgaming.com; Half-Life dedicated Win32 server mailing list Subject: [hlds] Improving the update procedure I must say the updates are becoming a pain. More and more regular and more often than not they break things :( We all appreciate the work being done, don't think for a minute we don't, but I do think that there could be some definite improvements to how things are done atm. First off don't release updates a absolute PEAK gaming time for the week. Week after week we get updates released at 10pm on a Friday during peak gaming hours, by all means prepare a weekly update and release it but pick a sensible day / time. Tuesday / Wednesday would be much better, it means people are more likely to be about and if there are any issues they can be fixed in time for the weekend sessions. Please please let us know in advance! Is there any harm in getting an update ready then delaying its release for 24 hours or so during which time admins can download the updates to prepare for the release. Then at a pre-published time the client releases, server admins flick the switch their end and everyone's happy. The benefits of this:- 1. Admins can prepare 2. Lower load on the Content Servers as admins aren't downloading at the same time as the Clients 3. Clients are happier as their servers are updated quickly instead of having to wait while admins struggle to get the servers update. 4. Admins can pre test with their server up and raise issues before all hell breaks loose. All in all everyone wins. Please consider reviewing your release engineering to incorporate some or all of the ideas above, it will make everyone's life so much easier. Regards Steve ----- Original Message ----- From: <e...@ccgaming.com> To: "Half-Life dedicated Win32 server mailing list" <hlds@list.valvesoftware.com> Sent: Saturday, July 24, 2010 1:42 AM Subject: Re: [hlds] Counter-Strike: Source Update Available > Releasing a required update without the capacity to handle everyone updating at once is a problem -- expecting people to leave > their servers broken to reduce Valve's load isn't an acceptable solution. > > Valve should either invest in the infrastructure to handle it or work with a service such as Akamai to handle the load from > updates. > > If TF2 is any indication, don't expect advance notification or beta releases (Valve even released an update they knew would > break almost all management plugins without giving notification or a beta for the plugin developers to work with). ================================================ This e.mail is private and confidential between Multiplay (UK) Ltd. and the person or entity to whom it is addressed. In the event of misdirection, the recipient is prohibited from using, copying, printing or otherwise disseminating it or any information contained in it. In the event of misdirection, illegible or incomplete transmission please telephone +44 845 868 1337 or return the E.mail to postmas...@multiplay.co.uk. _______________________________________________ To unsubscribe, edit your list preferences, or view the list archives, please visit: http://list.valvesoftware.com/mailman/listinfo/hlds _______________________________________________ To unsubscribe, edit your list preferences, or view the list archives, please visit: http://list.valvesoftware.com/mailman/listinfo/hlds
