Threads
Virginia, USAJHobz7 months ago

The Discord link here on the SRC page doesn't work. Probably forgot to set the invite link to never expire?

Virginia, USAJHobz7 months ago

There's a space between "Any" and "%" in the subcategory for single player.

Virginia, USAJHobz7 years ago

[section=Preface] This thread is the result of a lengthy discussion in the Ori speedrun discord. The goal of this first post is to attempt to compile all of the points that have been made in favor of and against mouse wheel binding in an unbiased manner and provide a poll. Thus, this first post should not be seen as a post from myself, but as a compilation of different community voices. Any following posts made by me will be the expression of my personal opinion.

[section=Background] The Definitive Edition of Ori included the ability to rebind keys via the KeyRebindings.txt file. This file enables the user to bind keys to various mouse and keyboard buttons, as well as bind multiple actions to one key and multiple keys to one action. The mouse wheel, however, is not able to be bound through this file alone. Some time ago, it was decided by the community that binding the mouse wheel via 3rd party software (Xmouse, Logitech Gaming Software, etc.) would be allowed. It is unclear all of the factors that led to this decision, but it is remembered by most to be related to the double-bash-heavy route at the time and the natural ease mouse wheel lends to the trick. It was also noted that the concept of "it's impossible to verify," was brought up as a significant factor in the original decision.

[section=New Proposal] Mouse wheel should not be permitted. Existing runs on the leaderboard that used mouse wheel would be "grandfathered" in rather than be removed.

[section=Reasons For] [big]¤[/big] The primary reason for the proposal is that it is not allowed by the game. Mouse wheel is not bindable via the KeyRebindings.txt file, and using external software to make it possible should not be allowed. It is a slippery slope to allow external software.

[big]¤[/big] The mouse wheel has been likened to the "turbo" function of some controllers where, once activated, one could simply press one button to perform multiple actions. While each tick of the scroll wheel does indeed correspond to a single input, some argued that it is still one action being performed by the player (scrolling the wheel) to result in multiple, sequential inputs.

[big]¤[/big] The original concept of "it's not verifiable" should not have ever been considered a factor. There are many forms of cheating that are not easily verifiable (or verifiable at all), and it is not a good reason to allow something questionable. "Just because you can't prove cheating doesn't mean you shouldn't ban it."

[big]¤[/big] Mouse wheel was only allowed to make TAS-level strats easier, not to level the playing field between input devices or anything similar. Removing the mouse wheel might make a few things slower, but it would conform to the game's bindings and not make any large tricks suddenly "impossible" (simply more difficult).

[big]¤[/big] Controller rebinds via external software were allowed in order to give controllers the same rebinding ability of keyboard and mouse. Rebinds were also allowed to assist runners who could not use a keyboard & mouse setup due to physical conditions (such as a Repetitive Stress Injury). They have no place in this discussion and should not be seen as a valid parallel.

[section=Reasons Against] [big]¤[/big] The mouse wheel is a standard function of the mouse and should be bindable just like any other button. Using 3rd party software to do so is just fixing a problem that should've never existed from the game in the first place.

[big]¤[/big] Allowing the mouse wheel only pushes the best time lower and lower. Anything that can be done physically should be allowed if it makes the run faster. The external software is only being used to allow a bind, not perform any additional actions automatically (e.g. a macro).

[big]¤[/big] Several runners have been using mouse wheel for a long time now and have become accustomed to it. Removing it would force these runners to rewrite a lot of muscle memory and might cause them to instead abandon the game.

[big]¤[/big] Controller rebinds are also not permitted by the game. There is a ControllerRebindings.txt file, but it unfortunately does nothing (it is unclear if this was intended or a problem with the game). So far they have been permitted via external software. If one is against allowing the mouse wheel, shouldn't they also be against controller rebinds? There is a clear parallel here.

[section=Current Steps] Please vote in a general poll here: http://www.strawpoll.me/12714241 . This is not a final decision, but just a poll to get some rough numbers. Please feel free to continue adding your points as responses to this thread.

Malumick likes this
Virginia, USAJHobz7 years ago

The last two times I've checked back here to try to improve my time/find new strats there's been a different WR without a video (the current video is an invalid link; likely a past broadcast that was never highlighted). It kinda sucks not being able to see what the top runners are doing to save time when all I wanna do is learn. Has requiring video proof ever been considered? If so, what was the reasoning against it?

Thanks!

Virginia, USAJHobz7 years ago

Hi there,

I'm a moderator over at the Kingdom Hearts series and for a while now we've had a problem with one of our games. BBSFMHD ( http://www.speedrun.com/khbbsfmhd ) was erroneously set up with a "time without loads" option and has caused headaches ever since. When trying to uncheck the "Separate load times" option in the Edit Game settings, all times disappear completely, even though not a single (current) run has a time without loads value in it. If there is any way a site admin could intervene and fix the boards manually (that is, keep all of the current times with loads as the run time and simply remove the option to submit times without loads), we would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks, Hobz

Virginia, USAJHobz7 years ago

Just curious, how is this game different from the base Portal game? Couldn't see anything glaringly obvious from watching a few of the runs. Also, is there a reason this isn't listed in the Portal Mods game series?

Thanks!

Virginia, USAJHobz7 years ago

I'd love to add some more categories to the page. I know at one point I want to route an All Quests speedrun, and I think it'd also be cool to try out a Hardcore run or maybe a Low% run. "Marry Hilda" could also potentially be a funny goal :D although I haven't tried that one out yet and don't know how interesting it'd be.

Virginia, USAJHobz7 years ago

Hi there!

I mentioned this briefly in my run submission, but I'd love to discuss the defined rules with you here. I'm not the biggest fan of the current timing, since (IMHO) there are two other potential options that yield better timings: fully destroying the head after the weezing cutscene or picking up the key to Greendale.

Fully destroying the head after the cutscene (via another hit) seems better than the current timing because that's when you actually get the victory animation for beating the boss. Alternatively, picking up the key to Greendale is a nice trigger as well since it initiates the credits. Another possibility to be to end timing on picking up the key, but require that you must first destroy Cornelius and get the victory dance.

Additionally, could you describe the purpose of the "no cheats" rule? Are there cheats in the game? I'm currently not aware of any, but I haven't really searched for any either. I'm worried someone could get confused that the save option in the menu could be considered a cheat or something.

Virginia, USAJHobz7 years ago

Hey there! Because the "thanks for playing" screen doesn't show up anymore after you've beaten the game once, but everything else is identical, can the timing rules change slightly?

I'd recommend "Timing begins upon clicking the first puzzle in the level select screen and ends upon clicking the proceed icon (bulls-eye) after completing the last puzzle." This way it's identical for both new games and games that have been completed already.

Virginia, USAJHobz7 years ago

I'm referring to the large problem of certain community members spreading hate and fear through offensive language. And I don't mean things like "fuck," because, as many people know, I don't mind me some curse words. I'm instead referring to the broad racism, anti-semitism, homophobia, and more that has been increasing as of late. To be specific: https://i.gyazo.com/2c8f783a75934cde0e51ec69264b5c64.png

(I will be using the word "you" frequently here. I am not referring to any single individual, but rather the collective group of people behaving in an unacceptable manner.)

This is not ok. I have thick skin, I don't even care that I was attacked personally here (amidst WILD misinformation and assumptions). The fact that the immediate reaction by someone was to spread hate instead of talking to me directly extremely pisses me off, to be curt. Attacking any person, race, gender, or group is NOT OK. The large trend of "subtweeting" instead of talking to people directly is NOT OK. Making your TeamSpeak signoff comment this https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ChVZKRbUgAE82Rq.jpg is NOT OK. This https://i.gyazo.com/fcf48c4c4c2ec8b15b1257329723dcc4.png is NOT OK.

I recently referred to myself as part of the KH speedrunning community and was instantly filled with disgust rather than pride, which was a saddening realization. Inside jokes and playful shit talking are all good and fun, but when your "jokes" aren't causing laughter and instead causing long-standing, respected community members to leave, it's far past time to realize you're not only contributing to the problem, but deliberately causing it.

Virginia, USAJHobz8 years ago

This is an idea I've been floating around for awhile and have mentioned to some of you. I think we should disallow leaderboard mods from automatically verifying their runs when they submit. This way, everyone adheres to the exact same rules; other mods would have to verify the runs. To do this as a mod, simply uncheck the "automatically verify run" checkbox when submitting.

Thoughts?

Virginia, USAJHobz8 years ago

Currently, video proof is required for all runs and has always been required for all WR runs. However, there are several WRs on the leaderboards with no video proof attached. We need to decide whether to keep these runs as-is, delete them, or keep them with some stipulation.

I would like to propose removing any WR runs that are not the ONLY run of their game/category. For example, the KHFM Any% (Beginner) run by Saiyanz would be removed, but KHFMHD 100% (Beginner) by SpaceBoundBear would remain in tact since it has no contesting runs. I realize this can be a controversial topic, so let's get some discussion going and please remember to keep it civil. Remember to remove your egos from the topic, especially if your name appears on the list below.

Edit: My feelings on this proposal are not crazy strong, but it's the first I came up with.

Runs any ruling on this matter would affect: ¤ Kingdom Hearts Final Mix - Any% (Beginner) in 5:06:22 by Saiyanz ¤ Kingdom Hearts II (JP) - All Worlds (Beginner) in 5:27:38 by KHfan169 ¤ Re:Chain of Memories - Sora's Story (Beginner) in 2:38:53 by D_Winds ¤ Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix - Silver Crown (Level 1) in 10:25:46 by Bl00dyBizkitz ¤ Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix - Cavern of Remembrance RTA in 5:47 by Bl00dyBizkitz ¤ 358/2 Days (JP) - Any% (Beginner) in 4:43:41 by Drazerk ¤ Birth by Sleep Final Mix - Any% NG+ (Terra) in 1:16:58 by SonicShadowSilver2 ¤ Birth by Sleep Final Mix - Any% (Ventus, Beginner) in 1:56:03 by Yukonuko ¤ Kingdom Hearts Final Mix HD - All Worlds (Proud) in 4:21:53 by Zetrile ¤ Kingdom Hearts Final Mix HD - JJ 100% (Level 1) in 8:31:05 by DJSALTYNUTZ ¤ Kingdom Hearts Final Mix HD - 100% (Beginner) in 18:12:17 by SpaceBoundBear ¤ Birth by Sleep Final Mix HD - Any% (Terra, Standard) in 1:55:25 by KHfan169 ¤ Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix HD - Any% (Critical) in 4:45:51 by Bl00dyBizkitz ¤ Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix HD - Gold Crown (Critical) in 11:05:56 by Rain_Airou ¤ Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix HD - Platinum Trophy RTA in 31:24:46 by ChoiceTick

Virginia, USAJHobz8 years ago

Using LiveSplit 1.6, a friend and I tried to use the autosplitter for a casual co-op run, but the splitter would never start the timer, and after starting the timer manually, it would reset all segments to 0.0s. Any ideas how to fix this? The autosplitter works fine for Portal 1 and presumably works fine for the single player campaign in Portal 2, although I didn't test anything besides it automatically starting the timer.

Thanks, Hobz

Virginia, USAJHobz8 years ago

Hey all,

So I've got a proposition that will seem pretty radical at first but really just changes the way we think about categories. Lighnat0r (one of the creators of speedrun.com) has been gracious enough to develop a "use variable as subcategory" feature for us. This means we can define our own variables (like character, difficulty, etc.) and use them just like subcategories. With that in mind, I'd like to propose the following changes (and will act on them soon, but starting with the WIP games to give people time to comment):

1. Simplify all Beginner categories to remove difficulty and character - e.g. Any% (Beginner) -> Any%
2. Add character and difficulty variables to each category
3. Edit all times to update category & variables (yaaaaaay...)
4. Try to educate people on how to properly set up their splits in LiveSplit (it'll be a bit different now)

So these changes LOOK pretty radical, but overall it's really not a big change. It just means instead of thinking of Any% (Beginner) as its own category, we now just have to think of it as a subcategory of Any%. This will DRASTICALLY improve our speedrun.com pages and put us more in line with other games that only have a few categories like Any% or Any% (No OoB).

Thoughts?

Virginia, USAJHobz8 years ago

I'm currently proposing we include any region/version of a game that is significantly different¤ from its counterparts as a separate game in the game list, similar to how we use to do for KH/KH-J & KH2/KH2-J on the Google Docs awhile back. The current implementation is simply not ideal because the default region filtering combines both English and Japanese, which for these games is never a comparison that should even be considered.

One of the main considerations for this approach was the Sonic speedrun community (http://speedrun.com/sonic). They do the same thing for games like Sonic Heroes Console vs. PC and Sonic Unleashed PS3/Xbox360 vs. PS2/Wii.

That means the following games will be split out of their English counterparts into their own Japanese games:

  • KH-J
  • KH2-J
  • Days-J
  • BbS-J
  • KH2FM-J HD

If I've missed any, it's most likely because I don't know if the Japanese version is significantly different (Re:Coded, I'm lookin' at you). Simply reply if this is the case. Please contain any discussion for or against this proposal within this thread.

¤We really should define what "significantly different" means

Thanks,

Hobz

About JHobz
Joined
9 years ago
Online
13 days ago
Runs
99
Games run
Crash Bandicoot: N. Sane Trilogy
19
Runs
Kingdom Hearts Final Mix
Kingdom Hearts Final Mix
Last run 8 years ago
10
Runs
Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories
7
Runs
Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal
7
Runs
Kingdom Hearts
Kingdom Hearts
Last run 5 years ago
5
Runs
Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix
Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix
Last run 2 years ago
5
Runs
Marvel's Spider-Man 2
Marvel's Spider-Man 2
Last run 5 months ago
5
Runs
Games followed
Marvel's Spider-Man 2
Marvel's Spider-Man 2
Last visit 2 months ago
18
visits
Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time
Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time
Last visit 6 months ago
50
visits
Crash Bandicoot: N. Sane Trilogy
Crash Bandicoot: N. Sane Trilogy
Last visit 4 months ago
470
visits
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
154
visits
Final Fantasy Tactics Advance
Final Fantasy Tactics Advance
Last visit 1 year ago
62
visits
It Takes Two
It Takes Two
Last visit 8 months ago
15
visits
Journey to the Center of Hawkthorne
129
visits
Kingdom Hearts
Kingdom Hearts
Last visit 2 months ago
234
visits