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Post by Major Pain on May 17, 2014 2:09:14 GMT 1
After reviewing the .pak files, all GameSpy references are in the BK1_loca_englisch.pak. So removing this .pak file should solve the issue. But that is only if all of the .pak files are extracted. Other files in the .pak are still needed.
You could extract the BK1_loca_englisch.pak, then the Overlay_BETA2 should replace all of the GameSpy references.
I could replace the GameSpy references within the BK1_loca_englisch.pak but it would change the date on the .pak file. That does not seem to be an issue from my tests.
Another option is to re-write the code in the GameList part of the .xml. Right now the text file called by the code by the path to the .pak file. I could change the code by calling the text file with the path only, eliminating the .pak file call. That would automatically use the most recent text file by date.
When the .pak files are read, the database is created. The database stores all of the paths for each object, trigger and interface. When the interface code runs for any menu, the code references all routines or modules by name. All text files for buttons or captions are called in the same manner. When the text file is missing in the code, it automatically defaults to the .pak file for retrieval. Any other added or updated .pak files are then ignored, as well as the data references in the database. Screwy, but the way it was designed.
This is the only reference to GameSpy that I can find that works this way. Everything else is called by the file name via the path, meaning it uses the latest data reference in the database.
So there are several ways that can solve this issue.
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Post by Major Pain on May 18, 2014 1:38:02 GMT 1
OK... I'm going to answer some false claims that have been making their way around the Multiplayer Circles.
There is a nasty rumor going around that states that OpenSpy Multiplayer is illegal to use.
A couple of guys have stated that I illegally changed the BK Code.
Here is the truth.
OpenSpy is quite legal to use and there is no reason to not migrate to it.
As I see it, OpenSpy is the only viable solution to GameSpy. The BK Team who has been working on the behalf of the Multiplayer community has direct contact with the Top Level Staff at OpenSpy. The OpenSpy staff has offered their total support for BK.
So where is the issue? Where is this illegal? And what did I do that is illegal?
The tragedy of this issue is GameSpy shutting down. Because of the uncertainty of where BK MP would go, many people have claimed to have inside information. Well some may, but most do not. What inside information could anyone have that they can claim the legality of anything? The fact is BK is not the only game affected by the GameSpy issue. Some developers are working to help their MP communities on older games. Some are not. As of today, NIVAL is not doing anything to further the BK MP community. I do not condemn them for this... and neither should you.
Blitzkrieg 1 was designed to be OPEN ARCHITECTURE. That means virtually everything can be changed... Legally. NIVAL gave all of us license to change the game. All of the files are open for modification. So claims that I did anything illegal because I changed open code is rubbish. In my effort to help the MP community, a few have decided they would rather spread lies about me and the other members of the BK team that have done everything they can to solve the MP isse. I'm not a Multiplayer, but it is in my best interest that the Multiplayers have a new home. I truly want BK to have a future.
Let me be clear.....
The GameSpy issue has been overcome and is solved.
OpenSpy is the new home of Blitzkrieg Multiplayer.
There is no other server that is helping this community solve the issue. No other server company has offered the BK community its support. Claims that some may add BK is a business decision for them. That means someone is going to have to pay money. If you have been reading what I have said about the issue since Mid April... I tried to attract STEAM. They answered that they would require NIVAL consent and support. NIVAL would have to provide additional software support. I did not get a direct answer from the Top Staff at NIVAL. I doubt anybody else did either. I do know they are very aware of the issue. Their silence does not mean they do not care. They can clearly see that we are capable of solving this issue with the tools they gave us.
I would welcome any representative from NIVAL to provide their position on this by posting here. We have already heard from the Top Staff at OpenSpy.
OpenSpy is equal or perhaps superior to GameSpy... so what is the problem guys?
So those of you that continue to resist OpenSpy, or make false claims about me or other team members that have solved the issue, step forward and make your claim here. I already know who you are but I will not provide your names here. If you continue to tell your lies about me on the various chat forums, I'll make your life very uncomfortable. Defamation of Character is a serious crime, and I already have the evidence I will need to hold you accountable. I do not wish to do this, so the choice is now yours. If you continue, then you have made the choice and you accept the responsibility and consequences.
And for the record... if you want to know if I endorsed any other MP server, I did not. I did not state that I liked any other chat room or forum. If you read my name anywhere but here, it is bogus. The guy that is using my name is only trying to undermine this community. He is letting his ego cloud his judgement. All of this because he could not get credit for saving BK MP.
The funny thing about the internet, it is not that hard to find out who someone is. Many of you believe you can hide behind a name and no one can find out anything about you. I have no reason to spend my time trying to learn who anyone is unless they attack me or cause me an issue. In the last couple of days, I had reason to find out about some of you. There are no international boundaries on the internet, meaning it does not matter what county you may live in, a crime on the internet is a crime in your country. Are you sweating yet? Your age is not an issue either. If you are old enough to type on the internet, you are old enough to know the difference between right and wrong.
I have said from the beginning, it is going to take all of us to solve this. It is not about one person or their ability to solve it. It is only about solving it as a community.... period.
And one more time so all of you know what I mean:
OpenSpy is the new home of Blitzkrieg Multiplayer.
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Post by Major Pain on May 18, 2014 3:36:51 GMT 1
UPDATE:
The OpenSpy_Overlay has been updated. The issue with GameSpy appearing on the GameList menu has been resolved.
The Update Overlay -> OpenSpy_Overlay_BETA3 is now available from me by email, and hopefully will be updated in the Patch.
I have a couple of guys that will test the new overlay to confirm it is now working properly. I invite them to post results here...
The issue was my mistake. I had placed one file in the incorrect folder. For further explanation, please refer to the other topic where the Patch appears.
Sorry for the oversight.
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Post by Major Pain on May 18, 2014 5:20:34 GMT 1
I haven't worked on the TCP issue, but I'm not a MP and don't have specific knowledge of what has been experienced over the years.
I think your assessment of the issue if it still exists is outside of any server since most will likely running newer servers and software for multiple platforms.
I can review the game engine as you have, but I'll bet as you point out we would need the source code to facilitate a change. I do think the .dll is where we will find the module that controls this. Remember the game code was written from 2000 through 2003, so it is much outdated in respect to todays computers. But I agree that we might be able to call or hook a updated .dll or perhaps some code inside the current folders to address this. We might be able to call it from the multiplayer interface, or create an installer which permanently resolves the issue. The open code itself does not seem to deal with this from what I have seen so far. It would be useful if it was that easy.
I would need more info than I have now to really understand what the issue is and how to resolve it. My efforts thus far have been focused on solving the GameSpy issue within the open code. My next project is to replace the actual menu and interface codes so GameSpy is totally removed from BK. I have already started this project and will likely take another week or so. Most of the code is quite accessible but it takes some time to find the actual code lines that control the interfaces and actions in regard to GameSpy. That is the target code that will be changed to OpenSpy. The improvements I will make will not prevent another server from working, since I will create new files for the captions and button text. Any newer Overlay can be used without having to go back into the code. Once I complete that, I'll inquire with the MP players and see if they have noticed issues.
MP
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Post by Jagged Steel on May 18, 2014 16:30:18 GMT 1
@ Mortbertjh and MP: You guys are putting out some amazing work for fixing Blitzkrieg Multiplayer on Openspy. The last thing either of you should be doing is apologizing for anything, I think you both deserve a medal for this. I installed the new patch and it looks like all of the text is now correct. The patch is a thing of beauty, it did remove the older patch and all. I also swapped out the file on my download mirror to the final version. I will try to get hold of Mogwaii, there is another patch download mirror on their Clan de Officiers site that should be swapped to the final version as well. There might be some other ones as well, I will try to spread the word in case someone has a download for one of the first versions. For those just tuning in there is now a final version of the patch that switches Blitzkrieg Multiplayer from Gamespy to Openspy. Click here to download the Blitzkrieg Openspy patcher by mortbertjh and Major Pain.For those who are familiar with the folder structure, all you need to do is place this tiny (350k) patch in your Blitzkrieg/Run folder (where the game.exe is) and then double click the patch and select "1" to switch to Openspy. Run it again and select "2" and it swaps back to Gamespy. You can even make a shortcut of the patch and place it on your desktop so that you do not have to navigate to the Run folder every time you want to switch form one server to the other. For those that do not know how to locate their Blitzkrig/Run folder, I made a how-to in the second post of this thread. The easiest way to locate the correct folder is to right-click on the shortcut that you use to play Blitzkrieg on Gamespy and select "Open folder location". That should be the Blitzkrieg/Run folder. Get the patch and come on over to Openspy!
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Post by Jagged Steel on May 18, 2014 16:54:41 GMT 1
A quick update: The Openspy server is down right now, hopefully they are doing some maintenance and things will be up and running soon.
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Post by Jagged Steel on May 18, 2014 17:57:52 GMT 1
Good News: As of 9:53 a.m. Pacific time the Openspy server is back up and running. The Openspy team is all volunteers, and unfortunately this means having to do maintenance on weekends, but thus far this hour long outage has been the longest I have seen. Compared to the 6 hour outage of Gamespy a couple days ago I think these guys are doing one heck of a job keeping things running smoothly.
Thank you Openspy team for all that you do! When the full contingent of Blitzkrieg Multiplayers gets on board, I sincerely hope there are a couple guys with tech skills who can lend a hand to this worthwhile project.
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Post by Major Pain on May 18, 2014 18:43:13 GMT 1
Thanks JS for the kind words. My hope is we get this move done without too many issues. Those of us that have worked behind the scenes are not doing it for glory, but to help the multiplayer community.
Update on the GameSpy Overlay. I did not repair the GameSpy Overlay if you wish to revert back to Gamespy during the next two weeks. If you do revert back, the gameslist interface will show OpenSpy. I'm not going to fix this since GameSpy will be extinct in two weeks.
I am re-wring the interface code to make it easier for subsequent patches to any other server, which can be done quickly. Right now the code calls GameSpy functions and files. I have already changed the files to OpenSpy, but that was a re-write of the called files. The new interface code will call the files by a key name, which will match what ever server overlay the user is using. After completion, the Overlays can be customized to any server.
The reason I am doing this is not to slight OpenSpy, but to allow users to have some other options. For some reason, some players do not want to go to OpenSpy which is already up and running. I consider OpenSpy the solution, but a few would rather pay for MP play. So they will have the new code and can create their own Overlay if they wish. I may create a new Interface screen making it possible to select from 2 or 3 Servers. I don't know that is necessary... but if the need is there, the code is not an issue.
As far as I am concerned, the few players who wish to not use OpenSpy are missing the boat. We don't have an exact count on how many have already switched to OpenSpy, but it is growing each day and games are going on daily... I would not wait to the last minute to make the switchover... GameSpy could be gone anytime in the next two weeks.
MP
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Post by Major Pain on May 19, 2014 10:12:47 GMT 1
UPDATE:
So there is no mistake that we are working on behalf of the community I decided to share the following.
I received a reply from Sergey Orlovskiy at NIVAL. Here is a copy of the exchange.
My message to him:
His response:
The 'cc' he refers to means he had already forwarded my message.
Now I will not claim we now have official NIVAL support, but this is very encouraging. I am now am in communication with Timur Suzi with NIVAL and hope to secure what we need to move forward.
So what's next?
I invite the Multiplayer Community to try OpenSpy. It is the only viable server that is fully operational for Blitzkrieg 1 with the full support from their staff and IT guys. Chat and the Staging Room is all at hand and operates exactly like GameSpy.
As I stated in the message to NIVAL's CEO, we do not believe this can be considered an emulator, but rather the redirection of already provided resources provided by NIVAL since day 1. There is no GameSpy Copyright on any of the Source Code or Interface Code. The Code was written entirely by NIVAL programmers. In my interpretation of the Open Platform and the USER license from NIVAL, the code mentioned in the message can be changed.
As you can clearly see that I have requested their blessing and permission. I don't want there to be any mistake that we are trying to move the community to a black hole. So full disclosure has been satisfied.
So it seems to me that the future of Blitzkrieg Multiplayer rests solely on the community and now... hopefully NIVAL's support.
I will address any comments or questions.
MP
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Mogwaii
Stariji vodnik
Pseudo n°2 : Adonaiis
Posts: 53
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Post by Mogwaii on May 19, 2014 22:55:44 GMT 1
Hi all, Very glad to see that Nival acknowledges the request. This is all the more rewarding for many of you, who had worked hard to maintain a link between the players in the community. I hope they give their permission so that the community can remain "sealed" and why not, they will support the initiative. Major Pain, thank you for this valuable information, which I hope will find a positive response from critics. Enjoy the game, Nb. I also used to promote Openspy with two French sites in addition to the "Clan Des Officiers". I hope that players show interest.
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Post by Major Pain on May 20, 2014 0:16:06 GMT 1
Mogwaii: I appreciate your efforts on "Clan Des Officiers". And on behalf of the guys that have been working on this project, thank you for your kind words.
I truly believe that NIVAL will approve of everything we have done thus far. If they have no issue with the Interface Changes I have proposed, then the community could migrate to other servers easily with new Overlays and patches. But for the moment, we are very focused on Open Spy who has welcomed the community with opened arms.
There is still some testing to do... but we are seeing very good results so far. The more players we can get involved will certainly speed up our testing and so we can see if there are any issues with the traffic. We expect to see pretty much what they are used to.
One thing I should again stress. Our patch redirects common DNS addresses and re-utilizes code within the BK Game Folders. This is important to understand. GameSpy did not introduce any code to BK for MP . All the code was written by NIVAL. So this is not a emulator patch. We are still using the NIVAL designed Interface with NIVAL Captions and Buttons. We are using NIVAL designed Chat and Staging Interfaces. So there is no reason to not use what we have already patched that is quite is functional.
Thanks
MP
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Post by Major Pain on May 21, 2014 15:36:06 GMT 1
UPDATE: I should have the official word from NIVAL, about the Blitzkrieg Multiplayer situation, early next week.
Stay Tuned...
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Post by Jagged Steel on May 25, 2014 23:42:59 GMT 1
Just an Update: The number of confirmed players to visit Blitzkrieg on Openspy is now over 30. I am sure there are many others, so I think that the word is getting out that Openspy works and is the only logical replacement for BK on Gamespy available right now. If Nival steps forward with their own server or something of that sort that would be ideal. For now, there is going to be Openspy for Blitzkrieg multiplayer. It is, after all, identical in every way to what Blitzkrieg Multiplayers have known and used for over a decade now. When Blitzkrieg Multiplayer on Gamespy shuts down on the 31st, I am sure there will be a sizable chunk of the BK Multiplayer crowd on Openspy.
I have played several games on Openspy today and there is so far only one glitch that I am experiencing, and it is persistent. After hosting a match, the server does not reset the "player state" as can be seen in the chat room, and because of this you can not successfully host another match. You can actually host another game, but others will not be able to enter the room. This has been a long standing glitch on Gamespy as well, but occurring less frequently. The solution is to return to the BK menu and re-enter the Openspy server, which is the same fix as when this happens on Gamespy.
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Post by Jagged Steel on May 27, 2014 15:56:37 GMT 1
Five days left until the Gamespy server for Blitzkrieg Multiplayer is turned off for good. I managed to reach a few more players last night and a couple more this morning, so the confirmed count of players using the Openspy BK server is now above 40. This in spite of the fact that a couple of players are doing everything that they can to try to screw things up for this. One of them is a member here (the other was recently banned), and has been spending day after day hanging out on the Gamespy server telling everyone that Openspy does not work (when they know full well that it works great), and alerting moderators on Gamespy whenever someone mentions Openspy. These two individuals have also been repeatedly going on Openspy, joining games, and then quitting, to make players believe there is some issue with Openspy, when in reality it is exactly the same as Gamespy. I have no idea what drives people to do completely insane things like that, but it is a reality.
When I first decided to look into finding a solution to the Gamespy Blitzkrieg server shutdown I figured that finding a good lifeboat was going to be the biggest problem. Then mortbertjh discovered Openspy and made the patch for it, along with MPs text&graphic fix, and finding a suitable replacement for the Blitzkrieg Gamespy server was solved better than I dreamed possible. I never in my wildest imaginings thought that the biggest problem would be a couple of worthless jerks trying to screw things up for everyone else for whatever delusional reasons they have. Even in spite of the misguided efforts of these two, the word is getting around that Openspy works great and is exactly the same as the Gamespy for Blitzkrieg system they have been using for over a decade.
See you all on Openspy!
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Post by Major Pain on May 27, 2014 18:49:59 GMT 1
As I have advised in my earlier posts, I have been in direct contact with NIVAL. As of this writing, I have yet to receive official word back on their position on our current situation or the OpenSpy Patch. They are continuing to study the issue as we communicate. Because communication is ongoing and appears to be supportive and positive, I am of the impression that the Patch along with my suggested Code Changes which will remove all references of GameSpy forever.... will gain their support.
I can confirm that several individuals are trying very hard to sabotage the OpenSpy Solution. This is unfortunate. We have worked hard to solve this problem. I have seen no other solution from any individual or group that replaces directly GameSpy. If another Server does accept BK, and can surpass the current solution, then I'm all for it. But at this time, there is nothing up and running BK that replaces GameSpy with what you are used to, except OpenSpy. Other solutions that have been suggested, have been investigated personally by me and a few others members of this site using different names. While there are others Servers that can be used for BK, they do not provide the equivalent platform and support. Claims that there is another Gamespy replacement solution are false. Yes, there might be something in the future, but right now, there is not another equivalent solution. I doubt seriously that another server can be put into service by May 31st. No other team has worked as hard to work out a MP solution as we have already provided. No other group has provided a Patch and Graphic Interface Overlay.
If NIVAL does sanction the OpenSpy Solution, then efforts to disrupt this solution will have been in vain. If NIVAL provides another Solution, then I suggest that we follow their lead. But in the meantime, I urge all Multiplayers to work together on the OpenSpy Patch and Server. The Community is stronger and will have a much better position if it works together. Communication between members and potential players can be maintained through this forum or the OpenSpy Chat without any interruption now or on May 31st.
Now let me address something that you all should consider. Because we have an excellent relationship with OpenSpy which provides direct contact with their IT Staff, what could be better? Any other server which might come online in the future certainly is not going to provide the same level of contact and support. You should consider this, The members of this community and OpenSpy are joined at the hip. If anyone can top that, then please send me a PM so I can either confirm or disprove the claim.
GameSpy (GLU) Staff unfortunately has taken the position that OpenSpy discussion is not permitted in their system. I am somewhat confused by this position. Why would they care since they are shutting the door on every MP game? Their site states that they will address questions as to Software Companies efforts to solve the server issues. So the two positions seem to offset each other. My efforts to make direct contact with any of their Staff or Management has been ignored. I can only conclude that they really don't care about the Multiplayers on hundreds of games. The decision to turn the servers off was based on GLU's bottom line. In other words, it's all about business; i.e. MONEY. I suggest strongly that efforts to attract players to OpenSpy or another other Server stay within the GameSpy policies and not spam their system. I have been told (unofficially) they will ban people by their IP in regard to policy violations. This applies to positive or negative discussions about OpenSpy or any other Server... on any game platform.
I have worked very hard to provide the latest information on this issue. While some information may seem to be received or relayed very slow at times, I can assure you that I and the other members working on this are doing everything possible to prevent a collapse or disruption in the Blitzkrieg Multiplayer Community. We're all in the same boat, so would anyone jump out and swim in any other direction?
Because we have direct contact with the OpenSpy IT and Staff, we have control on who can or cannot access the Server. Any further disruption by individuals logging onto the Server and Purposely Quitting to give the impression that there are server issues, or causing a disruption will get those people immediately banned from the Server. We can analyze who was bumped or jumped. Changing the ID Name will not get around a ban. If I directly tie anyone to this site, I will likely ban them from here. Any attempt to cause harm or disruption to this forum will not be tolerated.
This site is dedicated for the purpose of sharing positive and creative ideas among the Blitzkrieg Community Members. The members have shown great progress and ingenuity and have the capacity to continue to push the envelop in our beloved game. This forum will not be used as a vehicle, platform or means to create negativity, personal attacks or disruption in the community. Those that have been habitual troublemakers have been banned, and this practice will be applied when it is justified. Our policy states we give two warnings and then you're out on the third violation. I have been more than tolerant with some members and given multiple chances. I will not be as tolerant in the future.
Attempts to steer members, or potential new members, away from the current MP solution is in my opinion detrimental to the purpose of what we stand for, I suggest strongly that no further disruptions occur. OpenSpy is the only Server that is up and running Blitzkrieg the way you are used to it, and it is working as well or better than GameSpy.
Now if someone can prove to me that they have a better solution that is now in existence, you can PM me. I will not allow any negative posts or attacks on this subject. As hard as we are trying very hard to move forward and provide this working solution to prevent MP interruption, those that are trying to create confusion and interference are only in the way.
If anyone wishes to provide me with a screenshot of an example of further disruption by any individual, I will investigate the matter and take appropriate action as has been laid out. I have been watching the OpenSpy Server under another name, logging in and out at various times. I may also log in under Major Pain. Another individual has also logged in as Major Pain, both at GameSpy and OpenSpy, attempting to cause confusion. I have identified this person by his real identity and he will be dealt with very soon. If I catch anyone in the act of disruption or interference, it will be 'game over' permanently for that individual.
Server Issues on OpenSpy should be reported to me so I can contact OpenSpy IT and discuss a solution. I can tell you that my last discussion with OpenSpy Staff was fantastic as they continue to work to improve the system. While there might be issues that pop up from time to time, they are very committed to providing the best platform possible.
If anyone has any problem with the Forum Policy or my message, I welcome your comments or opinion by PM only.
Personal Attacks will not be tolerated and will be grounds for immediate banishment.
This Topic is reserved for News and Progress Reports concerning Multiplayer on OpenSpy.
If you would like to Share news concerning OpenSpy MP, or a Report about a MP Game, then do so.
If you have nothing positive to say, then say nothing.
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