So we all remember the work that had to be done with MBAC for prepping computers for tourny. Let's start out with a real serious list of what a computer needs to be acceptable for tournament. Things such as optimum USB Polling Rate, graphic/power settings, window size, etc.
I think my biggest concern is since we all run wide screens these days the spacing may look/feel harder if everything is stretched out, and
I'm no one is willing to deal with that. I definitely vote for
a window mode convention of some sort. correct aspect ratio as a requirement.
I know there is only so much we can do before it actually comes out, but let's pull bring up some of the old MBAC experiences for now.Try not to get too mad thinking about it...computers are better, people have more PC compatible sticks, and the software will be better. I don't think there will be as big a problem with this as there used to be. Edit: So I guess we'll just have a checklist on each setup.
Current Checklist:
-Set USB Polling Rate to 250hz.
-Disable all power saving features that reduce PC performance. Display Dimming/Turn Off/Brightness Dimming, Computer Sleep/Idle/Hibernate/Standby/Shutdown, Hard Disk Standby, Lid Close/Sleep Button Actions/Power Button Actions, Processor power saving mode, Low Battery Actions included.
-Disable all automatic programs that automatically perform functions or programs that would generate actions without manual input. This includes virus scanners, Skype, and messenger progams.
-Disable all screensavers and graphic themes/altering applications, this includes programs such as flux or background changers. Also please make sure all graphics are worksafe for public tournaments.
-At minimum, 2 working USB ports are going to be needed if you're donating a PC to the tournament.
Because there will undoubtedly be patches, we should all launch the game and play a round with the two most graphic intensive characters for a round on the most processor intensive mode
(come onnn Team Battle). Only after all these checks are made with two sticks that people hopefully donate for use so there isn't constant switch out, should we consider a setup "playable." Each players will play directly from one setup, or software mauve develops through a potential LAN feature will be playable. If there is recording or streaming, it is to be done from an HDMI split on another computer or graphic recording should be done beforehand.
It's encouraged that you:
- Have a PS3 Stick as PS3 converters are very reliable. Alternatively, please have a PC compatible stick. Having to switch out converters are a pain.
- Be comfortable using other people's sticks during casuals. This is so we don't have to switch out every match.
- *A note to keyboard players. One you should probably look at this thread, because keyboard player compensation is a huge hassle for tournament organizers. If you absolutely must use a keyboard (or pad for that matter), you should have a USB convertor with you, and if that convertor creates "unfair" lag for you, there is nothing we can do to compensate. If your convertor has strange driver issues (as in you don't have drivers appropriate software with you), there is nothing we can do to compensate and you may not be allowed to use that at tournament. Further more native keyboards, even if USB, are not allowed. On one keyboard there is not enough room for two players. If you use 2 keyboards it will map the same output from the computer and there is a chance of cheating/accidentally hitting the opponents keys. If you want to use a keyboard you must have a key-stick or some other game controller device with keyboard keys on it. It's actually more expensive to have this made, and while it was just something that "looked funny" on PS2, it will need to be re-configured on computers. So it should be easy to install/setup as well at minimum cost to the computer being used. If you do not have a custom joystick or otherwise, you should look into getting a USB game pad. This game is not designed to be played on keyboard.
When the game is released will set specifics about the game features, such as window size and tournament options. For now, if the arcade and PS2 release are any indication,
-Set your graphics card to launch Melty Blood in 4:3 aspect ratio. This is to solve the problem I mentioned before with playing the game on widescreen.
I think it would be best to generally have your computer set on the default game graphic settings we conventionalize, because that's what will be used at tournaments. [/s] Needs updating.
We should also make these conventions within the capable realm of mauve's software. That may mean window mode. Furthermore tournament organizers (Fox) should carry around a flash drive with the following files,
-All the latest patches for Current Code.
-All of mauve's files. (MBACCTool)
-USB Polling Rate changer program.
-Tournament Organization Software.
-Commonly used streaming/recording software. (XSplit/Flash Media Encoder)
And of course donators should be prepared to have those things used/installed on their computers in addition to a copy of Current Code installed before coming. I think it would be good to if we had something like a player cam so we can always record the hype (especially if we're not streaming and just saving match replays.)
This is all really fucking important,
if you want to play competitively, do not just get CC and launch it on fullscreen settings on your madcatz ps2 3000ms converter with character sprites 1.5 times their average width. It will mess with your spacing and execution.
If this shit is well prepared, it means tournament setup is as easy as plugging all the shit in and launching/closing some applications.