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Any estimate on when multiplayer will work as was advertised?

SuiboonSuiboon Member Posts: 86
edited March 2013 in Multiplayer
Dear Overhaul/Beamdog.

It would be great if the game actually had the functional multiplayer that was promised, which was the #1 reason I purchased BG:EE.

Multiplayer should not require the use of Hamachi and it obviously shouldn't have extremely annoying bugs such as attack animation craziness or random commoners randomly appearing in random locations at random times. I know the bugs are slowly getting ironed out but at the rate this is going ... well, put emphasis on slowly.

I understand it is not simple to just fix it, but when the game was advertised to have a vastly improved multiplayer compared to vanilla, it is somewhat annoying that it is still not out of the so-called "beta" stage.

I know your resources are limited and you are busy fixing and improving various other issues with the game as well, but please tell me that multiplayer for BG:EE will be sorted out before BG2:EE rolls out.

/end whine
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Comments

  • XavioriaXavioria Member Posts: 874
    I whole heartedly agree with you @Suiboon, for I have made a very similar case to yours. I too only bought this when it was released for the advanced Multiplayer options. The fact that it STILL isn't working galls a little, and for a while there I felt like I wasted my money.

    At the same time though, especially in lieu of the latest patch, I would just remain patient, There are many things that the developers are working on, and I'm pretty sure that they have a very long list of things that MUST be done for the world's great!

    I think the only thing I can really say for us is to just be patient and perhaps not play at all and wait it out for the official multiplayer release. Once it's through, playing again after no playing at all makes the game more enjoyable anyways...

    Kinda sucks if you have nothing else to do though.
  • ElendarElendar Member Posts: 831
    +1
  • MajocaMajoca Member Posts: 263
    I also would like to know when multiplayer will be priority. My whole reason of buying this was to play with my friends on baldurs gate without installing lots of Mods, use a third party software to run a LAN game and spend ages trying to get it work.

    The game was advertised with multiplayer support, but its not really supported without a third party piece of software, LAN to a router and use port forwarding which is more trouble than its worth. I am not complaining I love this game and love what the developers have done. My reason of purchasing has not been met yet and my friends still have not played this game together which is what we want TO DO!
  • bigdogchrisbigdogchris Member Posts: 1,336
    edited March 2013
    Baldur's Gate multiplayer works best in a LAN environment. The 15 year old game is very sensitive to network fluctuations, so going over the Internet for MP is going to be shaky.

    As for using Hamachi, it shouldn't be necessary if you have port forwarding set up properly. Not everyone knows how to do that, though.

    I think what the plan is that when Beamdog.net launches, that site will handle the matchmaking for you. By then, hopefully an application layer will sit between BGEE and your router, which will handle the communication between clients rather than requiring layer 3 programming.

    Designing a system like that isn't easy, especially knowing this is a new company with limited resources. Eventually there should be a "press play" functionality to MP, but for now you're going to have to do it the old way.
  • MajocaMajoca Member Posts: 263
    @bigdogchris

    my main gripe is the fact that when I bought the game it is clearly advertised that it has 'improved multiplayer support'. the multiplayer is worse than the original games. Because I can get the original game to run without crashing on gameranger which keeps us all in the game.

    So far this game works nicely with 2-3 people. However there is 5 of my friends who want to play together. We will just have to wait, however I would of appreciated knowing the multiplayer was not going to be supported from the get go.

    if gameranger supported BG:EE I would probably not be as fussed as it is really effecient at setting up games. Hamachi doesnt agree with two of my friends laptops.
  • bigdogchrisbigdogchris Member Posts: 1,336
    edited March 2013
    Majoca said:

    @bigdogchris

    my main gripe is the fact that when I bought the game it is clearly advertised that it has 'improved multiplayer support'. the multiplayer is worse than the original games. Because I can get the original game to run without crashing on gameranger which keeps us all in the game.

    So far this game works nicely with 2-3 people. However there is 5 of my friends who want to play together. We will just have to wait, however I would of appreciated knowing the multiplayer was not going to be supported from the get go.

    if gameranger supported BG:EE I would probably not be as fussed as it is really effecient at setting up games. Hamachi doesnt agree with two of my friends laptops.

    I do think you have a legitimate gripe. I believe, at first, they intended on having much improved multiplayer support. As the development dragged on and the MP got pushed back, maybe the advertisement for it should of been removed as it was implying availability at release.

    They have been more than willing to offer refunds for those who ask, so you can get your money back if you believe it was false advertising.
  • raelcariraelcari Member Posts: 133
    meh. i'm checking back into these forums today to see if MP is finally in place, but by the looks of this post it's pretty much the same. I'd flame, but frankly I'm not angry enough and it was worth $20 to do one final playthrough. Cheers!
  • WigglesWiggles Member Posts: 571
    Trust me if it was working, then the forums would a lot less lively. :D
  • ElendarElendar Member Posts: 831
    Are we there yet?
  • BattleDimBattleDim Member Posts: 55
    Still nothing? No news?
  • XaenorXaenor Member Posts: 34
    edited March 2013
    So, eh, just to be sure, folks - are you saying that Multiplayer via Steam has some issues/doesn't work? I'm in doubt whether to buy this now or not, depending on MP. I just want to play with my buddy who owns the game on Steam.
  • Copastetic1985Copastetic1985 Member Posts: 277
    Xaenor said:

    So, eh, just to be sure, folks - are you saying that Multiplayer via Steam has some issues/doesn't work? I'm in doubt whether to buy this now or not, depending on MP. I just want to play with my buddy who owns the game on Steam.

    It might work. It might not. It's a good 20$ game whether it does or doesn't. If it doesn't, it will eventually ( my guess is soon ) and you can at least get through the game with a character or two until that time. Then, import.
  • XaenorXaenor Member Posts: 34
    Alright, I see. Thank you for the reply. I know the game's good, just beat the single player a dozen times in the original BG already. Well, guess it's worth the risk.
  • QuineloeQuineloe Member Posts: 55
    I can't even get a LAN game to run anymore. My GF laptop can connect if I am the host, but she has the main character therefore she must host (Really bad design but ok) but I can't connect to her host. It just says "joining selected session..." but it doesn't do anything and also never finishes. It doesn't freeze either, I can cancel the joining.
  • GotNoUsernameGotNoUsername Member Posts: 49
    edited March 2013
    Hi Community Hi Mr Trent Oster
    Any news how the MP development is going? I can't gate MP to work even with all the port stuff :-( I badly want to MP . Have completed the game 2 times now. @Nathan is there a Guide how to get MP to work or what you recommend ? Can you give us hope that we see the MP lounge soon or should I put off BG EE MP until BG EE2 is out? I really love BG but it is sad that MP is still not working as expected. The game released November 28, 2012 and now it is 25.03.2013 thta are 4 month waiting now I'm patient but the game was finished when you got it and it still lacks features pls finish a version and give it all features you promised before releasing ports to any system !I preordered the game a long time ago hoping to play MP :-( I'm starting to lose hope and get the impression Beam dog doesn't care at all after the sold a copy, they only port to a now system and hope for mores sales.BG doesn't deserves that it needs polish(like intigrating at least Unfinished business into the game(ca be done lot less change than new NPC's(I read the topic))).

    PS:Do the guys how preordered the game before the Steam release get Keys or are we punished for backing you up early?

    I'd love to hear a word from the stuff on this matters

    Very loyal but sad fan
  • NathanNathan Member Posts: 1,007
    edited March 2013
    Hi @GotNoUsername, with regards to the multiplayer situation:

    Currently, until we're able to implement an integrated match-making service, making a multiplayer game is similar to how it worked in the originals, which is a direct connection between two or more computers. In order to do this, you need to know each other's IP address, and if you are behind a wireless router or similar device, you may need to "forward" port 47630... more on that in a bit.

    Reports of many people have been that the last patch has resolved the vast majority of stability issues people were experiencing. The match making process is unfortunately no worse nor better than the previous game, until (as indicated above) we're able to slot in a solution.

    ------

    With regards to how to create a game with each other if you're not all on the same network:

    Step 1 is figuring out what your computer's external IP address is.
    The simplest way to do this, is visit http://www.whatismyip.com/ and write down/copy the number it says your IP address is.

    If you're hosting, give the other people who are trying to connect to the game that number to connect to after starting a game. If someone else is hosting, then get them to do the same thing and connect to whatever their IP address is.

    If that works, great! If not, then you may have a firewall enabled which is blocking the necessary ports, or you may be behind a wireless router or similar device which isn't handling the port requests properly.

    Step 2 is dealing with your firewall and/or router.

    To copy-paste some pertinent information from @RyanAGTerry 's guide, if you ARE behind a router or other similar device, then:
    First of all, open the Start menu, and search ‘cmd’. The black command box should pop up; enter ‘ipconfig/all’, and copy down the following information:

    -Default Gateway (Should be something like 192.168.x.x)
    -IPv4 Address (Something like 192.168.x.xx) (Different to the Default Gateway!!)
    Again, if you are behind a wireless router or similar device, you'll likely see a 192.168.x.x as your IP address internally. This is not your internet connection's IP address! It is, in fact, just your computer's internal IP address, which you will need to set up the "port forwarding" we alluded to above.

    Every router has a different method of port forwarding. The best resource I can point to, beyond your router's manual, is http://www.portforward.com (NOTE: you DO NOT NEED TO PAY the $25 thing for their product! The information there is available for free if you just skip the ads!).

    The important information, is that you need to forward port 47630, both TCP and UDP, to your computer's IPv4 address as listed above.

    Once you've done that, repeat Step 1 and the game should be able to connect.

    ------

    Finally, with regards to steam keys, we're still trying to negotiate with Atari in regards to getting steam keys for people who purchased the game via Beamdog. This isn't to "punish" users, this is unfortunately nothing more or less than a business related situation. Atari is in full control of BG:EE on Steam, and they've had their hands full recently so while we're hopeful we'll be able to resolve the situation for all those involved at some point soon we don't have any estimated time until something like that is possible.

    HAVING SAID THAT: (courtesy @Aosaw) if you have the game on Beamdog, in the mean-time you can still add the game to your Steam library and launch it from there. Follow these steps:

    1) In the Steam browser window, select the "View" drop-down, and choose "Games List".
    2) At the bottom left corner of the window, click "Add Game", and select "Add a Non-Steam Game"
    3) Select Baldur's Gate Enhanced Edition from the list, and click "Add Selected Programs" (it should show up automatically)

    And that's it; the game will launch normally just like any other Steam game, and you can still run it offline if your internet goes out (by running baldur.exe).

    Regardless, thanks for taking the time to post and I hope this information helps you out.

    Cheers!
  • ElendarElendar Member Posts: 831
    Currently, until we're able to finally implement the promised matchmaking service that we said was in the game before you bothered to buy it, making a multiplayer game and finding people to play with is like pulling teeth and you might as well just wait the 2 years it'll take for us to put the matchmaking service in.
  • tdadannytdadanny Member Posts: 1

    Who has two thumbs, and is working on the multiplayer match making as we speak? ^^^ This guy

    Can you give any rough timeline? A week, a few weeks, a few month?
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 3,675
    The user and all related content has been deleted.
  • XaenorXaenor Member Posts: 34
    Just thought I'll leave here a short report - bought the game on Steam recently and tried Multiplayer with a friend. At first it didn't work, but then the friend disabled VPN and we immediately managed to find each other. So, worked for me, and I wish it'll eventually work for everyone. Cheers!
  • GotNoUsernameGotNoUsername Member Posts: 49
    @Nathan
    Thanks for you detailed answer. My Problem is I can't configure the router I'm behind. Did I get it right even with the lobby and the finished MP features I have to manipulate the router ?
  • NathanNathan Member Posts: 1,007
    @GotNoUsername once the lobby and everything is in, it should provide a path for most people behind standard firewalls and routers similar to many other multiplayer services such as Xbox Live and the like, and for most users changing router settings should not be necessary.
  • RazorRazor Member Posts: 436
    edited March 2013
    You know I dont want to be that guy but ... Steam (when integrated in games) makes it so easy to play MP, matchmaking etc. But anyway, if you are going the extra mile to have your own MP service thats even better I guess.
    ps. I know that you wouldnt even have it on Steam yet if it wasnt for Atari. Still... you are there, just imagine using the workshop for all bgee mods, dayum! (sounds nice)
    Post edited by Razor on
  • VintrastormVintrastorm Member Posts: 216
    Razor said:

    You know I dont want to be that guy but ... Steam (when integrated in games) makes it so easy to play MP, matchmaking etc. But anyway, if you are going the extra mile to have your own MP service thats even better I guess.
    ps. I know that you wouldnt even have it on Steam yet if it wasnt for Atari. Still... you are there, just imagine using the workshop for all bgee mods, dayum! (sounds nice)


    (Actually, the way I understand it, "they" are not there. Atari is there and the game is there but everything that has to do with BG:EE on steam is done through, or by, Atari.)
  • ElendarElendar Member Posts: 831
    Are we there yet?
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 3,675
    The user and all related content has been deleted.
  • XavioriaXavioria Member Posts: 874
    You shouldn't have to be patient for half a year after paying for it... granted it was only 20 dollars so there IS some leeway with the patience department...

    Still though... at this point it kinda just sounds like false advertising...

    I suppose it's just a wait and see at this moment.
  • kamuizinkamuizin Member Posts: 3,704
    Now that BG:EE is being sold on steam plataform also, would be interesting for Beamdog to make a partnership with steam to togheter work on a client plataform for BG multiplayer. If that's not an option, maybe some old generic plataforms on the market could be interessed in support BG:EE, like Garena Client for example.
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