Well with the new server change, I guess it's time to address the issue of database bloat. Any time a database gets over 5000 units, it tends to affect server performance. We have, as of this posting, nearly 8000 player built/owned units in the database. We have got to get this under control folks if we are to get the best performance out of this very expensive server. Its usually at this point that most servers do a complete database wipe, and start over with a clean slate, but I am trying every thing I can to avoid that.
So I guess we need to attempt a couple of things to make the situation better.
1. New vehicle limits. Vehicles are the biggest framerate killers of all. We will probably reduce the vehicle limit from 7 per base to 5 per base. Of course donor vehicles are exempt. A lot of players have vehicles that are never driven. Many are used just for storage. A safe or other storage container is better on the server for this purpose and more secure as well.
2. Hero status will be required to build a personal base. Plot poles are now available only at hero trader. It is not legal from this date on, for any player to be given a plot pole, or be in possesion of a plot pole that was given to him that does not have the humanity to purchase one. This is necessary because of all the "two-week wonders" that start a base their first day on the server and abandon it shortly there-after and go on to play other games. A safe does not require a plot pole to set up and makes an excellent temporary base, and shows that a player is devoted enough to raise the price required for a safe..
Also, even though the new optional server SSD drive is fast as lightning, its only 120gb capacity, so a smaller database size is important.
Again, this is all about quality of play. We are here for the long haul and I do believe that our most devoted players will understand the logic behind these restrictions.
Feel free to comment on this topic.
Thanks,
Sandman
