Background: Among the first models to boast next-gen cavorite frames, the Prosk Hon design saw heavy use during the early cavorite raids. They presented a menacing figure to Sentium pilots; their distinct chassis profile stood out even at distance and the first Prosk company to be deployed with the Hon began their tradition of never returning from battle with captives. Hon components remain in active service in nearly all mech fleets, owing to their remarkable performance characteristics and ease of repair.
You will find these new cosmetic parts available for purchase right now in-game.
CapnJosh's Mouse Giveaway!
My mouse.
I'll send that to one lucky user who Replies/Tweets/+1s/Posts/Whatever. You've got 24 hours!
-capnjosh
New Paint Available - "RBW-Cross"
I was looking through some of the deep back-end systems and came across something I thought needed to be released. This is the first time I get to release something for Hawken! I hope you enjoy :)
Here's the first view:
CapnJosh
Weekly Update - 2015-04-10
A few things remain outstanding from last week's plans, but other things got accomplished that made up for them. At a very high level, the last 7 days saw the following:
1. Saw the first bug fix to live systems (server management stuff last weekend)
2. We got the Announcements content back up on www.playhawken.com (it's just text for now)
3. We're well on our way to identifying the cause and some fixes for long-standing mech problems and syncing issues; more work is needed, but there has been some good progress.
4. Our support site and operations are getting up to speed, so feel free to submit support tickets.
5. Source code looks to be in good shape
6. I read Hawken: Genesis. If you haven't, go get it; it's good.
7. New users can now access the server browser immediately
8. Server Region redesign is now live
9. New users now choose their default region the first time they play
10. Analytics systems are usable
11. Singapore Servers!
12 More Servers in Europe
Challenges:
1. Build systems will require a lot more work than I had hoped for to get them back up and running. It's going to be a pretty extensive rebuild of the old network. It's a matter of time though. But this is the big one.
Goals for this next week (they're fuzzier than in the past):
1. Release Steam Bundle
2. Work more on build systems
3. Roadmap and planning
4. Work on gameserver hosting improvements (better machines, cost)
5. Private server admin site
Remember,
Stress Test and 3x HC and XP:
Saturday and Sunday from 8am-12pm PDT (15:00 to 19:00 UTC).
Stress Tests This Weekend with 3x HC and XP
It's time for a stress test. For helping out you'll get 3x HC and XP while you're doing it!
I need to see how the existing architecture and systems handle serious stress. I'm most interested in the number of concurrent users (that generally stresses all systems).
Here are the time we will enable Triple HC/XP (yeah, 3x the HC/XP):
Saturday from 8am - 12pm PDT (15:00 UTC to 19:00 UTC)
Sunday from 8am - 12pm PDT (15:00 UTC to 19:00 UTC)
I'll be watching the loads on the servers and Tiggs will be visiting the Live Streamers on Twitch during all the fun, so I'm sure it'll be a good time ;)
-capnjosh
Stress Tests Saturday and Sunday (and 3x HC/XP)
It's time for a stress test. For helping out you'll get 3x HC and XP while you're doing it!
I need to see how the existing architecture and systems handle serious stress. I'm most interested in the number of concurrent users (that generally stresses all systems).
Here are the time we will enable Triple HC/XP (yeah, 3x the HC/XP):
Saturday from 8am - 12pm PDT (15:00 UTC to 19:00 UTC)
Sunday from 8am - 12pm PDT (15:00 UTC to 19:00 UTC)
I'll be watching the loads on the servers and Tiggs will be visiting the Live Streamers on Twitch during all the fun, so I'm sure it'll be a good time ;)
-capnjosh
Region Redesign plus Initial Region Selection
I pulled the trigger. New server regions. They're here.
The goal is to get more players together so the matchmaker has a better opportunity to do its thing, indicate where a specific gameserver is physically located, and hopefully make things a little more obvious to a new player (fewer fuzzy bunny expletives are typically good). Click here to read the full post and provide your feedback.
Brief Maintenance
We'll be performing a brief maintenance @ 6:45 PM CDT to change the server regions. Expected downtime is 1 hour. Thanks for your patience.
Weekly Update - 2015-04-03
This last week wrapped up the process of getting all core systems up to basic functionality levels or better. There are still various outstanding bugs, but we're in a good spot. It's actually a pretty significant milestone :)
For the next 7 days we will be focused on digging in to the source code and seeing what's there. We will set up our first dev sprint, and we'll lay out a live streaming schedule. We will be more actively using the new support site too, so you will have a place you can officially submit your complaints, accusations, and sob stories ;) I plan on personally working with CS tickets too (it's important).
What I had aimed for last week this time:
1. Fix dependencies on some forum modules (that's why the home page still looks off)
2. Customer support site - we have the account set up; SSO needs to be rebuilt (more involved than with forums)
3. Licensing and licensing systems for a number of dev tools and systems, e.g. Maya, 3dsMax, source control, build servers, etc. (a few renewals to process still) 4. Get that new user mech and loadout implemented
5. Start digging in to the gameserver and client source code <--- that's the exciting stuff :)
6. Manage the distraction potential of meetings, legal, and other "fun" bookkeeping tasks (I try to remain positive) (honestly, this will be ongoing)
Goals for next week:
1. Source code exploration
- Get tech lead up to speed with current state of Hawken
- See if things "build", even at a rudimentary level
- Start setting up various build servers
- Start process of formalizing dev sprints and releases
2. Confirm how functional various back-end tools configuration settings actually are
- e.g. "Does that setting right there that's not in the documentation actually do what it seems to indicate it might do?"
- If I break something I'll fix it - I promise and pinky swear (I can see Tiggs glaring at me now)
3. Add some more alerts for when things like logins go wonky
4. Work on recovering various Hawken-related "stuff", e.g. lore, 3d printing, swag, etc.
5. Read "Hawken: Genesis"
6. Find out if I can get Bundles up in the Steam store
7. Set streaming schedules (both Tiggs and capnjosh)
8. Go to meetings in LA and not miss a beat with other work
- Find out who here has experienced LA traffic somewhere around Santa Monica
9. Play Hawken more than last week
btw, Tiggs got a new gaming rig. Ask her about it. I dare you.
-capnjosh
Double XP Weekend, Test Drive Mechs & Assault Promo Code!
Pilots get ready for some Double XP fun all weekend long! Don't forget the new test drive mechs: Scout, Bruiser & Predator and LOADEDASSAULT is a new Promo Code.
