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#41
Bugs & Support / Re: FFA leaderboard bug?
Last post by Ross Przybylski - April 03, 2015, 06:18:07 AM MT
SUCCESS!!!

So, as it turns out, the server code was actually not causing the problem.

The issue was in the database limits for the "rating" column. I was using a tinyint instead of a smallint. The maximum range of a tinyint is +/- 128. The issue with this game was that when WorldChamp was eliminated, he lost 192 FFA rating points. This caused the database to silently fail as this value was out of the database range.

Because of this, WorldChamp's game status was never recorded, and from the server perspective, this game never got its stats recorded. Therefore, it would keep resetting flag for "not seen game ending" which is why it says "Awaiting Destiny".

Finally, because worldchamp's game record score wasn't captured, everytime the game ended, it tried to update all the records, which is why you saw WorldChamp at -9000 or so FFA points, while others were up positive in the thousands.

To fix, I did the following:
1) Increased size of rating to smallint so this won't happen again
2) I reviewed database backup for 11/14 and used this to determine that this game record had been opened and recorded 54 times!
3) I manually corrected the data by subtracting the points difference for this game times 53 (so everyone effectively only got credited once, the proper and fair amount)
4) I checked to see if anyone else had negative rating scores, and fortunately, it appears this incident was isolated to this one game.
#42
Bugs & Support / Re: FFA leaderboard bug?
Last post by Ross Przybylski - April 03, 2015, 03:50:26 AM MT
I believe I know what is causing this. For some reason, I commented out a return line in the record game method in the server code. It looks like I may have done this to fix a prior bug where game stats were not being recorded at all.

It would help to have one of you available for a live test so we can check whether my intended fix resolves the problem (this way I can also run tracers to verify the pattern I believe is causing this).

Let me know if I could get your support and when you'd be available.
#43
Bugs & Support / Re: FFA leaderboard bug?
Last post by WorldChamp(ELITE) - March 31, 2015, 11:37:25 AM MT
I have the same problem..
#44
Bugs & Support / Re: THAT exploit...
Last post by Scribe - March 31, 2015, 10:53:56 AM MT
Way to go, Ross!  :D
#45
Bugs & Support / Re: THAT exploit...
Last post by Ross Przybylski - March 31, 2015, 05:22:01 AM MT
Dear Community,

I have implemented a fix that shall appear in v1.8.8. The fix resolves the issue by adding an additional command that's stored to the game log to prevent exploit. When you choose to sprint and expend your attack, this decision and your resulting sprint roll will be stored to server and restored on game load.

The fix has been submitted to Apple and is pending a review. I will keep the community updated on status. Apple reviews may range 1-2 weeks.

~Ross
#47
Announcements / A long overdue community updat...
Last post by Ross Przybylski - March 26, 2015, 04:27:09 AM MT
Dear Hero Mages Community,

First, I'd like to take a moment to sincerely thank the players of our community for your continued interest and enjoyment of Hero Mages. Your passion and excitement are sacred to me as a personal measure of success for the time and effort I have invested in the creation of this game.

Now then, I'm long overdue for an update - so let's have it:

1) Sprint Exploit: I hear loud and clear the concerns regarding the sprint movement exploit in async gameplay. I will commit to a fix. The effort will not be easy; this will require a client and server update across all platforms to resolve. First party client updates (particularly Apple and Amazon) will require some enhancements to code base and a review process. I'll suggest a 6-8 week timeframe to resolve the issue and get updated across platforms.

2) Hero Mages Elite: I'd like to introduce a new community membership group called "Hero Mages Elite". My intent here is to recognize players of the community who have gone above and beyond to invest in this game and community, whether it be ridiculous hours of game play, forum suggestions, on boarding new users, or otherwise serving as a real champion for Hero Mages.

What does Hero Mages Elite membership entail?

* Membership recognizes outstanding contributions to our game and community with leadership opportunities and special private access to development activities
* Membership provides access to "Elite Member - Only" private forum access
* Membership is by nomination or request and approved by me or designated HM moderator

Why now?

With more of my time devoted to raising my two children and providing for my family, my available time to invest in Hero Mages has become limited. I believe strongly in this game, this community, and our future. By tapping the minds of those most invested in the game and community, new ideas and new leaders have the highest potential to emerge and make a difference.

How do I apply?

Email me direct at ross@d20studios.com subject line "Hero Mages Elite" and answer these three questions in the body 1) What is your Hero Mages community/player name? 2) What has been your favorite Hero Mages experience? 3) Why do you want to become an elite member?
#48
Bugs & Support / Re: THAT exploit...
Last post by jmvh59 - March 19, 2015, 10:17:26 PM MT
Amen,  my friend.  I suggested a fix over a year ago.
#49
Bugs & Support / THAT exploit...
Last post by agm0402 - March 17, 2015, 02:35:46 PM MT
I'm a bit tired of losing games to movement abuse. If you still actively support this game, it really must be fixed.
#50
Upcoming Features / Re: 10/28/2009 Hero Mages: RPG...
Last post by Ross Przybylski - February 28, 2015, 04:30:43 PM MT
Hi cyoungmi,

Glad you are enjoying the game! The dungeon crawl feature is still something I dream about delivering, but for various reasons, is not something as simple as a feature release I can announce at this time. Not the most exciting answer (I know) but I have confidence that when such a time comes, my next announcement will go far to meet the expectations you and so many of our community here have shared.

Feel welcome to hit me up over email if you have additional questions ross@d20studios.com