Microsoft and Update Certification

So I was wondering, as a both a console and PC player, do you think that Trion will face an uphill battle when it comes to patching the game for the Xbox 360?

I say this, because Microsoft are notorious for having a laboriously complex certification system, when it comes to content updates for their system (see FEZ). Although this wasn't so much a problem for FFXI (as I understand it - I never played it on that platform) I imagine MS make it a difficult platform to maintain.

Also, do yo think the rate of content updates will affect the PS3 and PC versions, if problems should arise?

Trion would be updating the server, not the client. I doubt there is anything that needs to be submitted to Microsoft for certification. The client will probably receive a day 1 patch, however.

Yeah all the data Is stored server side. updates and balance changes will be made during scheduled downtime. Major bug fixes WILL have to be submitted through a title update and dlc will have to go through it as well. but most of the updates will be when they do maintenance

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Originally Posted by Hiero Glyph

Trion would be updating the server, not the client. I doubt there is anything that needs to be submitted to Microsoft for certification. The client will probably receive a day 1 patch, however.

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Originally Posted by ItISLupus

Yeah all the data Is stored server side. updates and balance changes will be made during scheduled downtime. Major bug fixes WILL have to be submitted through a title update and dlc will have to go through it as well. but most of the updates will be when they do maintenance

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Thanks.

Yeah, that's what I figured. I just imagine it being a headache for Trion to jump through so many hoops when the hard patches meed to be applied.

I hope Microsoft are looking to make the certification process easier on their next console, but I have my doubts.

Its the price MS charge thats an issue for some developers. Niche titles (Birds of steel!!) do not sell to the masses, yet a patch costs the same as it would for COD or BF3, which is next to nothing for them. But for the smaller developers its alot of money to part with so the patches never happen.

The result - Fans blame the developers for lack of loyalty or caring about their fan base. When infact its MS who are the culprits. Sony on the other hand i believe do not charge anything for patches to go through certification.

If this game sells alot which i hope it does, then appylnig a patch should be an issue as long as the developers are commited to supporting the game.

IIRC they also have something worked out with M$ to get patches through quickly so that bugfixes dont need months to get approved.

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Originally Posted by foz

Its the price MS charge thats an issue for some developers. Niche titles (Birds of steel!!) do not sell to the masses, yet a patch costs the same as it would for COD or BF3, which is next to nothing for them. But for the smaller developers its alot of money to part with so the patches never happen.

The result - Fans blame the developers for lack of loyalty or caring about their fan base. When infact its MS who are the culprits. Sony on the other hand i believe do not charge anything for patches to go through certification.

If this game sells alot which i hope it does, then appylnig a patch should be an issue as long as the developers are commited to supporting the game.

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Hope I haven't remembered this wrong, but am I right in thinking that Microsoft allow the first patch free of charge but you have to pay for any others? This is why smaller companies can take an age to patch their games in attempt to include as much as possible in one go.

from what ive heard microsoft charge $30k-$50k just for a minor patch this is why you will never see games like cod4 get an update to fix all the hackz and modz but i hope with everything mostly going to be server sided this wont be an issue fingers crossed

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Originally Posted by pricey007

Hope I haven't remembered this wrong, but am I right in thinking that Microsoft allow the first patch free of charge but you have to pay for any others? This is why smaller companies can take an age to patch their games in attempt to include as much as possible in one go.

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i think you are correct

During the beta there was patches that could be downloaded from inside of the client..Trion might have found a work around..patches for MMOs need to come out MUCH faster than any other game..