Progress on Mode Swapping exploits

[frostypaw]

Is it possible to get any word from Frontier on how they're progressing on switching mission generation server-side so we can stop the mode-swapping exploits?

I feel my earning ability in the game is seriously hampered compared to people willing to switch between open/solo/group repeatedly to stack missions or exploit material drops. This permanent and huge inequality divides players and produces the ability to earn farcical amounts by hammering the systems where this works, rendering all other play very low earning by comparison.

It's especially sad seeing new players being encouraged to do it straight away.

Are you still planning on fixing it and is there any chance of it coming this year?

 

[Robert Maynard]

Has Frontier stated that mode swapping is, in their opinion, an exploit?

 

[Obsidian Ant]

Has Frontier stated that mode swapping is, in their opinion, an exploit?

Frontier have specifically stated that it is not an exploit.

They have also said they would prefer people not to mode switch, but they won't stop people from doing it.

 

[Cmdr Eagleboy]

Is it possible to get any word from Frontier on how they're progressing on switching mission generation server-side so we can stop the mode-swapping exploits?

It is done server side.

Issue is that there many servers serving message boards and other logistics for the game. They are of course connected to meta servers, but they don't track in real time listings for specific user.

There are some solutions for this to provide more persistent feel but it will take some work to refactor it.

As for this being exploit - not sure, it feels more like tedious procedure to serve someone's OCD. You can still earn colossal amounts of money without flipping.

 

[frostypaw]

Has Frontier stated that mode swapping is, in their opinion, an exploit?

They've stated it's not exactly an exploit but against the spirit of the game. I think that's mostly an "it's hard to fix"

It's clearly an issue - look at the Smeaton thing. Look at Dav's Hope.

If missions were generated and kept server side relogging wouldn't generate new missions to stack and they'd have to wait like everyone else, instead relog constantly and you can max everything out and get as many rare items as you want with zero effort. If this was "intended play" then all those items and missions should reappear constantly for everyone with no mode-swapping.

Basic logic dictates - it's an exploit.

eg from FB

3 free to play modes open/Private group /solo you can use all, i re-log into all many times over 30 minute period to fill Conda, then go do the missions in Pvt group

An advantage to people using game systems in a method other than intended, and not available to people playing normally. Exploit.

 

[MarcusKross]

There are some solutions for this to provide more persistent feel but it will take some work to refactor it.

Therein lies the problem. Frontier doesn't like to work

 

[GunnerBill]

Is it possible to get any word from Frontier on how they're progressing on switching mission generation server-side so we can stop the mode-swapping exploits?

I feel my earning ability in the game is seriously hampered compared to people willing to switch between open/solo/group repeatedly to stack missions or exploit material drops. This permanent and huge inequality divides players and produces the ability to earn farcical amounts by hammering the systems where this works, rendering all other play very low earning by comparison.

It's especially sad seeing new players being encouraged to do it straight away.

Are you still planning on fixing it and is there any chance of it coming this year?

The only person hampering your ability to earn money is you.

200 million an hour, it's right next door, just a couple of jumps away...

 

[Rubbernuke]

The new reward selection in the wing missions points to a new, shiny (and saner) future.

 

[fitzsteve]

If there was a decent generation of missions applicable to your rank and reputation you wouldn't need to swap modes.

When 2.4 landed we had a glorious mission board with lots of missions to do and they took it away, why? It was damn near perfect.

And besides, why is it an exploit? I mean damn me to hell for wanting to play the game and do missions?

 

[CMDR Pugwash]

Aren't they overhauling the mission system at the moment. Perhaps it will no longer be necessary afterwards.

 

[GG7]

Frontier have specifically stated that it is not an exploit.

They have also said they would prefer people not to mode switch, but they won't stop people from doing it.

Yep.

NOT an Exploit and only done because the current mission delivery system lacks the smarts to be able to deliver missions to players that they are actually interested in doing at any given point in time.

As for the OP who posted this thread... What the hell do you care how the rest of us access missions in this game?

I certainly couldn't care less what you do! ?? [rolleyes]

Focus on your OWN GAME and let us carry on with ours.

 

[fitzsteve]

Aren't they overhauling the mission system at the moment. Perhaps it will no longer be necessary afterwards.

Yeah I imagine a lot will change in the next patch so there's probably little point discussing it here and more a matter for the beta suggestions forum once it's up and running.

 

[yminale]

How about we just play the game and stop criticizing others for how they play the game.

 

[CMDR Dreamstate]

Frontier have specifically stated that it is not an exploit.

They have also said they would prefer people not to mode switch, but they won't stop people from doing it.

This, and I strongly suspect it is also a limitation of the UI and server parsing (or intended), otherwise we'd all love 60 missions to scroll through in just one mode because it would be totally easier.

 

[Cmdr Eagleboy]

Therein lies the problem. Frontier doesn't like to work

Sure, they are socialist sleazy bags.

Wait, what?

I love how many people say many words and all I hear 'gamer entitlement'.

 

[Cmdr Eagleboy]

This, and I strongly suspect it is also a limitation of the UI and server parsing (or intended), otherwise we'd all love 60 missions to scroll through in just one mode because it would be totally easier.

No, it is related with server load. They have to retrieve missions in x seconds. As load goes up and down, that causes issues to guarantee that speed. To provide reliable speed at witch you open mission boards, there have to be limits on how much you can fetch from server.

2.3/2.4 saw serious improvements regarding this and I hope these improvements continue.

 

[yminale]

This, and I strongly suspect it is also a limitation of the UI and server parsing (or intended), otherwise we'd all love 60 missions to scroll through in just one mode because it would be totally easier.

Exactly

People need to remember that Fdev at most are 2nd rate developers. They aren't in the same league as AAA publishers. The fact that the game works so well is pretty impressive

That being said decreasing the refresh on mission boards may make board switching untenable and force Cmdr to constantly move around.

 

[the source 0179]

How about we just play the game and stop criticizing others for how they play the game.

Agreed. People have got to stop complaining and caring what other people do in their own game. It doesn't affect anyone else. And if it wasn't for forums and youtube no one would know what other people are doing anyway.

 

[operant]

Frontier have specifically stated that it is not an exploit.

They have also said they would prefer people not to mode switch, but they won't stop people from doing it.

Surely if you keep repeating something, even in the face of all evidence to the contrary, it becomes true.
Seems to be a major element of 'argument' on this forum. Most of which could be replaced with booing and cheering depending of your personal preference - usually of what others should be allowed to do, whether it affects the poster significantly or not.

 

[frostypaw]

As for the OP who posted this thread... What the hell do you care how the rest of us access missions in this game?

It's a multiplayer game.

When such high-earning exploits are available it makes any fines/bounties/ship loss meaningless for those willing to use them. <<< this is point enough on it's own

Having wild disparity in earning potential between those who use an exploit and those who don't sets in stone the issue that for some people ship loss is deeply meaningful while for others the game is just a shoot'em'up causing large problems.

These points are blindingly obvious and are why exploits are shut down in MMOs, these things do not really need explaining do they.

The magic-explaining is why they don't apply in ED but do in every other game.