t1 Engineer spam lag reduction

[whootle]

Hi guys,

As we all probably know, t1 engi spam is seen a lot for various reasons. It apparently causes issues with pathfinding though. So, apart from allocating more resources to pathfinding, we can also perhaps reduce the pathfinding load (since 100s of engies assisting a factory seems a waste of pathfinding resources).

Some recent discussion was here: viewtopic.php?f=2&t=6215&p=63483#p63483

Suggestions are:
1. keep things as is
2. let engineers merge into factories to upgrade build power
3. let engineers permanent assist factories (but BP can still be raided)
4. allow new buildpower upgrades on factories
5. Introduce factory adjacency (or rework factory assist)

I think keeping this as is is problematic as 100s of engies assisting a factory takes up a lot of pathfinding resources. I think reducing the resources required somehow (e.g. making engineers no collide when given an assist command, if that is possible) is a good idea.

Allowing engineers to merely merge into factories changes the mechanics quite a lot, as no easy vet for t4 and no easy raid targets. If people are happy with this change to game mechanics, I don't mind. I prefer not to change mechanics so I'm in favour of option 3, but it appears to be too complex to appeal to people. Option 5 has not been discussed much at this stage.

Given the above, for those wanting change, option 4 appears to be the most popular.

Arguments against option 2 and 4 is that you are taking away easy vet for t4 and making your build power less raidable. While that is certainly true, and certainly does change things, the same argument can be applied to support factories and they were still implemented. And as before, the counter arguments of not being able to use them to build t4, reclaim, move/run from nukes etc. still means there are reasons why engineers can still be better even if you allow Option 2 or 4 to go ahead.

So - allow BP upgrades on factories FTW!

[Reaper Zwei]

Number 2 might be interesting just to give people the option. I still don't see people using it though I could be wrong. The reason is of course that its more versatile for the player to have that build power in engy's that can build/help build anything(not to mention reclaim) than in a factory that only builds certain things. As for number 4 I don't think that would really work unless your going to allow the factory to continue building while its upgrading, However no engy or factory can build two things at once currently so I don't know why we would allow it for this.

[Anaryl]

No. This isn't a pressing balance concern, and those advocating such changes (including yourself) are guilty of believing that their changes are necessary without providing any justification whatsoever.

Proof first, then analysis then solution.

Anything else is hot air.

[whootle]

This isn't a pressing balance concern

Sorry, but read the thread please. I don't think I ever argued it is a balance concern.

It's been mentioned by people who I believe know what they're talking about that it is a PERFORMANCE concern, therefore changes are presented to address the performance concerns, with the side-effects on game mechanics (and balance?) being considered.

[Anaryl]

I read the thread - and gave it the appropriate response. That's all you'll get from me from herein.

[Swkoll]

Repeat after me, "Engi Mod"

[Aulex]

Repeat after me, "Engi Mod"

Didn't change a thing

[BRNKoINSANITY]

Please stop opening multiple threads on the same topic. Also, things like this belong in "Suggestions."