Public bug reported:

Binary package hint: openttd

OpenTTD 0.6.0-1 was uploaded today to Debian unstable.

As discussed in #ubuntu-motu, it'd be good to have this new major
release in Hardy so the release has a compatible client with the online
servers available at http://www.openttd.org/servers.php.

The new release does fix a pile of bugs, but it's major scope is adding
new features which break backwards compatibility with 0.5.x clients.
Hence, having 0.5.3 in Hardy will make the package mostly useless for
online gaming with people using the latest stable series, which is the
huge majority of players.

This is a common problem with free games that can be played online; server and 
client versions need to be more or less in sync.
OpenTTD releases one major version each year or so, so this time timing hasn't 
been exactly perfect for the hardy release.

0.6.0 has gone through 5 betas and 1 RC release, and appears to be
pretty solid.

Ubuntu has a modified version, but the issue the ubuntu changes address
(add a Desktop file) is already fixed in Debian's 0.6.0-1 so I don't
think a sync is necessary at all.

Finally, bits from the IRC conversation:
16:35 < jordi> mok0: my biggest concern is people using the current version 
               won't be able to play online with the servers, as they'll have 
               outdated clients
16:36 < mok0> jordi: the package might go in hardy-backports
16:37 < mok0> jordi: although I don't know what the policy is for that to happen
16:37 < mok0> jordi: you mean the servers have changed, so the current version 
              doesn't run anymore?
16:38 < jordi> mok0: if the public servers at openttd.org run 0.6.0, which they 
               will, 0.5.3 clients won't connect
16:38 < mok0> .... and when is this upgrade going to happen?
16:41 < jordi> mok0: 0.6.0 was released yesterday, I assume it'll happen in the 
               following weeks
16:41 < jordi> mok0: this happens all the time with online games: frozen 
               bubble, freeciv, etc.
16:41 < mok0> Hmm. I'd say that is a bug
16:41 < jordi> the timing for this release isn't too fortunate then
16:41 < jordi> mok0: no, it's like trying to install a package compiled for 
               glibc 2.7 on a glibc 2.3 system
16:42 < jordi> the client lacks features the server wants to use in the game
16:42 < mok0> jordi: you can try to file a bug at Launchpad, with all the facts 
              you've given here, and subscribe the motu-release team. They will 
              decide
16:42 < jdong> mok0: I think in the case of incompatible network games, a FFe 
               should be attempted
16:43 < jordi> mok0: yeah, this is the biggest reason for my request; I mean, I 
               come from Debian, there's a pretty tough culture to not allow 
               freeze breaks :P
16:43 < jordi> mok0: and the new features are a problem to old client users

** Affects: openttd (Ubuntu)
     Importance: Undecided
         Status: New

-- 
Please accept openttd 0.6.0-1 in hardy
https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/210848
You received this bug notification because you are a member of Ubuntu
Bugs, which is subscribed to Ubuntu.

-- 
ubuntu-bugs mailing list
ubuntu-bugs@lists.ubuntu.com
https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-bugs

Reply via email to