Old save files, new build

  • #1, by JoemcrWednesday, 08. February 2017, 22:38 7 years ago
    My understanding is that running a game using save files from a previous build can cause a lot of problems (sounds disappearing, characters disappearing etc.). I was wondering if there was any way of getting round these issues for post-release updates.
    For my beta I'm keeping a build number in the game title, so new save files are written with each update. But this is obviously not a very good solution for the final game, as it means players lose all their progress from previous builds.
    Any better ideas?

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  • #2, by afrlmeThursday, 09. February 2017, 00:24 7 years ago
    I believe it's mostly to do with difference between the xml data stored in the ved/vis files & that stored in a save file. If you say update some graphics, then it's probably not an issue, same with most action parts. The problem is most likely to do with new/updated/removed conditions, values & all the other things that get stored inside of a save file.

    If you create some new conditions the data for those won't be in the save file & the game will have to base it on the ved/vis data. Same thing if you edit or delete something as the engine will be trying to locate something that may no longer exist.

    I'm not 100% sure on exactly what gets written to save files, but I surmise it's mostly stuff, like conditions, values, positions of animations/objects/characters & so on.

    I recommend trying to iron out your game as much as possible before you release it. As a quick fix you could always personally generate & share some save files yourself from various parts of the game. Maybe the beginning of each chapter - bit shit, but it's better than nothing.

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  • #3, by JoemcrFriday, 10. February 2017, 11:55 7 years ago
    Thanks for the info Lee smile

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  • #4, by afrlmeFriday, 10. February 2017, 11:58 7 years ago
    Anyway, how's your game coming along?

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  • #5, by JoemcrWednesday, 22. February 2017, 16:25 7 years ago
    Sorry Lee, I missed this question! Game is finished! Releases tomorrow! I need to get a post up here but SO MUCH TO DO :s

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  • #6, by afrlmeWednesday, 22. February 2017, 17:49 7 years ago
    Sorry Lee, I missed this question! Game is finished! Releases tomorrow! I need to get a post up here but SO MUCH TO DO :s
    Wow, that was pretty quick. Doesn't seem like 2 minutes since the last one.

    Anyway, cheers for letting me know. Added it to the associated games list on the Steam group & to the game index page on the wiki. By the way 2 other VS games are coming out soon too; Midnight at the Celestial Palace is coming out in a couple days & I believe Paradigm is in the works for being released in the near future as well. smile

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  • #7, by ke4Thursday, 23. February 2017, 19:08 7 years ago
    I did enjoy playing the early "demo" you were sharing here once. Didn't take you long to finish it. Nice work smile Looking forward playing the full version.

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  • #8, by JoemcrSaturday, 25. February 2017, 10:40 7 years ago
    Took only a year in total. But that's working on it full time, and probably more hours than I should... smile

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