Mil Posted July 23, 2009 Share Posted July 23, 2009 Upload Manager by Mod Nexus 23-Jul-2009 http://devblog.runescape.com/view_post.ws?post_id=1 Some of you may recognise me from the forums, particularly around the times we update. This is for a good reason as I'm the one usually responsible for organising game updates. I'd like to spend a bit of time explaining my week, which will actually start with a Wednesday just for fun! This is usually the start of the following update, be it quest, minigame or something else. After a project has been developed, it gets tested in our Work in Progress (WIP) environment by the QA team. Any bugs found here are fixed and, when that's all okay, it stays here until we're ready to release it. I'll look at the release schedule to determine what we're launching in the following week, then copy changes to the code relating to each of the projects being launched to our Release Candidate (RC) environment. This 'copy' process includes images, textures, models, animations, audio, interfaces and maps. These are all tied together with RuneScript to form the content update we're releasing. This is once again tested by QA to ensure that any differences between WIP and RC (of which there can be quite a few at any one time!) don't affect the project and that it all still works as expected. These differences can include such things as a newer version of the game engine with extra features, or different versions of our tools used to produce the above files. While this is going on, there's a lot of other teams preparing for the update as well... * The Game Engine team may be building a new version of the server and/or client to support any new features the content might use (which was quite a lot for Mobilising Armies!). * The graphics artists and developers of the project are busy fixing any issues that are found in RC. * Our Web Content department are busy updating the Knowledge Base with the changes as a result of the update, e.g. new items or additions to skills, as well as any accompanying images. * The Web Systems team might be preparing to launch a new module or changes to existing ones such as Game Notes or Hiscores, which is in turn tested by their own QA team. * Translation are busy localising any phrases from the game into their respective languages and then checking the game to make sure text doesn't spill out or get cut off. All of the above usually takes us to the end of the working week, and may creep into the early part of the following week if it's a particularly large update or there have been delays to any part of the process. Having updates most weeks means that if time-lines slip it can have fairly large consequences. If a Monday update slips to Tuesday, the next one probably moves a day too, and so on until we would be updating on a Thursday or Friday (which we try to avoid for obvious reasons, but are sometimes unavoidable). Update day! Usually a Tuesday, but as early in the week as possible is preferred. In the morning, I'll run through a huge checklist of things that need to be done by the various teams in the office. The content that's been tested in RC is then moved to the Live environment and copied out to all the game worlds around the globe. This requires a huge amount of coordination, but, when everything's ready, we press the 'red button' of updating. When I say 'red button', I'm exaggerating slightly - it's actually me running around the office, timing everything to perfection, so you see the "System update in x minutes" message, the news and forum posts, and Knowledge Base updates all at the same time. Ten minutes later, the game worlds kick everyone off, load the new version of the game and everyone downloads any updates necessary to play again. Several staff have commented that my running speed correlates to how hectic things are. I vary from a brisk stroll to full out sprinting if there's something urgent. I've not had to hurdle over desks...yet! QA, the content developers and myself then keep several eyes on the live version of the game to ensure there aren't any further problems or hiccups. Once we're satisfied there aren't any major problems and any feedback has been taken on board, the whole process starts again for the next update. I hope you've enjoyed reading this and have a bit more of an insight into my role as the Upload Manager, and how the game updates actually happen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beloved Posted July 23, 2009 Share Posted July 23, 2009 good read, theres so much going on back stage that people just arent aware off. Its good that they give an insight into that aswell :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bauke Posted July 23, 2009 Share Posted July 23, 2009 Well, nice to read. A few fun facts. That's all there is to it though. Twitter ||| Google+ ||| Facebook ||| LinkedIn ||| My very interesting weblog about science Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mil Posted July 23, 2009 Author Share Posted July 23, 2009 Mod Nexus on RSOF "Question about the "copy process" - How did you manage everything for the Runescape HD launch?" I went through the entirety of our code base and copied the appropriate changes across. A fair amount of bits and pieces can be copied in advance just disabled in the game engine until it's ready. We also had 3 weeks off before the launch which helps a lot with testing! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zaaps1 Posted July 23, 2009 Share Posted July 23, 2009 I vary from a brisk stroll to full out sprinting if there's something urgent. I've not had to hurdle over desks...yet! Jagex Olympics? ~It's Super Effective! (The Zaaps Blog)~My YouTube Channel, where you get to watch me go around and make a fool out of myself and all comp capersGuides:~Yeah I wrote them once~Suggestions:~Yeah I made those once~ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emmentail Posted July 23, 2009 Share Posted July 23, 2009 ^ [yt]b0emMAY5LVI[/yt] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lunar_Drifter Posted July 23, 2009 Share Posted July 23, 2009 They should really look into a big red update button to synchronize all the stuff. Just have the news post, forum post, and update ready to go in one spot, and hit a button to throw it all in. :) Retired Tip.It Mod || Admin and Founder of Caesar 3 Mod Squad! All are welcome! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
why2060 Posted July 23, 2009 Share Posted July 23, 2009 Nice read :) My RuneScape Blog. Click here! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Will H Posted July 23, 2009 Share Posted July 23, 2009 They should really look into a big red update button to synchronize all the stuff. Just have the news post, forum post, and update ready to go in one spot, and hit a button to throw it all in. :) Knowing Jagex, they're working on one. It'll probably look like one of those doomsday buttons requiring three keys to open the button cover. ~ W ~ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lunar_Drifter Posted July 23, 2009 Share Posted July 23, 2009 *Accidentally bumps big red update button* "DANG IT MMG!@!! You just released the new adamant dragon... in Lumbridge!" Yea, maybe the 3 keys would be a good idea. ;) Retired Tip.It Mod || Admin and Founder of Caesar 3 Mod Squad! All are welcome! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danqazmlp Posted July 23, 2009 Share Posted July 23, 2009 I just love the idea of him running around the office synchronising the updates. Want to be my friend? Look under my name to the left<<< and click the 'Add as friend' button!Big thanks to Stevepole for the signature!^ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Racheya Posted July 23, 2009 Share Posted July 23, 2009 Hehe! Quite an interesting blog. I TOTALLY want them to make a red button for updates. I agree with the whole keys thing, the Gower brothers should have a key each then put it in shouting THE GOWER BROTHERS UNITE! I edit for the [Tip.It Times]. I rarely write in [My Blog]. I am an [Ex-Moderator]. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Golvellius Posted July 23, 2009 Share Posted July 23, 2009 So this is how Jagex's updates things... Just as I imagined, hectic and unorderly with one guy running around all over the place trying to get it done. I think at Blizzard they learned to move the computers closer together or work as a team from the get go. Perhaps, Jagex could catch up one day. Exclusive Legacy Mode Player He just successfully trolled you with "courtesy" and managed to get a reaction out of you. Lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danqazmlp Posted July 23, 2009 Share Posted July 23, 2009 One thing i did notice, is that it looks as if the QA people only get the one week to test the update. Correct me if i'm wrong though. Want to be my friend? Look under my name to the left<<< and click the 'Add as friend' button!Big thanks to Stevepole for the signature!^ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unjustblood Posted July 23, 2009 Share Posted July 23, 2009 Shows a lot of people what actually goes on. Everyone goes "why do updates take so long...their pro blah blah blah" "how much testing do we need". I think this should silence them a little. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Master_Smither Posted July 23, 2009 Share Posted July 23, 2009 One thing i did notice, is that it looks as if the QA people only get the one week to test the update. Correct me if i'm wrong though. I noticed this too so that explains why some bugs get through but they did fine before this year so.... :? It was some nice background info with a bit of humor in it. Overall it was a nice read but I want some DD's too. Click for My Blog670th to 99 Smithing July 21st, 07 |743rd to 99 Mining November 29th, 07 | 649th to 99 Runecrafting May 18th, 08 | 29,050th to 99 Defence October 20th, 08 | 20,700th to 99 Magic November 8, 08 | 47,938th to 99 Attack December 19, 08 | 37,829th to 99 Hitpoints December 24, 08 | 68,604th to 99 Strength February 4, 09 | 27,983rd to 99 Range February 9, 09 | 9,725th to 99 Prayer June 8, 09 | 6,620th to 99 Slayer December, 12 09 | 4,075th to 99 Summoning December, 28 09 | 3,551th to 99 Herblore February 24, 10 | 3,192th to 99 Dungeoneering November 11, 10 | 146,600th to 99 Cooking December 29th, 10 | 11,333rd to 99 Construction June 7th, 11 | 16,648th to 99 Farming August 1st, 11 | 19,993th to 99 Crafting August 2nd, 11 | 89,739th to 99 Woodcutting Janurary 1st, 12 | 55,424th to 99 Fishing May 9th, 12| 60,648th to 99 Firemaking May 12th, 12 | 16666th to 99 Agility May 17th, 2012 | 24476th to 99 Hunter June 1st, 2012 | 57,881st to 99 Fletching June 1st, 2012 | All 99s June 1st, 2012 | 3183th to 120 Dungeoneering July 24th, 2012 | 2341st to 2496 Total level July 24th, 2012 | Completionist Cape July 24th, 2012 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danqazmlp Posted July 23, 2009 Share Posted July 23, 2009 One thing i did notice, is that it looks as if the QA people only get the one week to test the update. Correct me if i'm wrong though. I noticed this too so that explains why some bugs get through but they did fine before this year so.... :? It was some nice background info with a bit of humor in it. Overall it was a nice read but I want some DD's too. Who knows, maybe they have only recently adopted this system of only testing in the last week to save some wasted time testing before it is finished being developed. But personally, i wouldn't mind if they doubled the time between updates to iron out the bugs and niggles a bit more. Want to be my friend? Look under my name to the left<<< and click the 'Add as friend' button!Big thanks to Stevepole for the signature!^ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toad Posted July 23, 2009 Share Posted July 23, 2009 this new key thing reminds me; Determined to help the boys slay the evil griefer, the executives decide to give the boys the Sword of a Thousand Truths, a weapon so powerful that it was removed from the game and stored on a 1 GB USB flash drive. What if you plugged it in and instead of bankspace you got the sword of a thousand truths? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
demby123 Posted July 23, 2009 Share Posted July 23, 2009 this new key thing reminds me; Determined to help the boys slay the evil griefer, the executives decide to give the boys the Sword of a Thousand Truths, a weapon so powerful that it was removed from the game and stored on a 1 GB USB flash drive. What if you plugged it in and instead of bankspace you got the sword of a thousand truths? You'd get clawed on bh worlds and loose it. :ohnoes: :lol: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Me_Hate_Libs Posted July 23, 2009 Share Posted July 23, 2009 Judging by his work ethic and the work he does around the office, he isn't your typical computer programming fatty. This website and its contents are copyright © 1999 - 2010 Jagex Ltd. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gandorf61 Posted July 23, 2009 Share Posted July 23, 2009 One thing i did notice, is that it looks as if the QA people only get the one week to test the update. Correct me if i'm wrong though. I noticed this too so that explains why some bugs get through but they did fine before this year so.... :? After a project has been developed, it gets tested in our Work in Progress (WIP) environment by the QA team. Any bugs found here are fixed and, when that's all okay, it stays here until we're ready to release it. I'm guessing that they spend more than a week on initially testing it for bugs. When it is moved to the Release Candidate environment then it gets tested for the week up to when it's released. So there is a lot more testing than just one week. It was an interesting diary and really shows how hectic releasing updates can be. I now understand why they needed 3 weeks of no updates to release Runescape HD. : Pyramid Plunder Guide Tip.it Forum Rules Adventurer's LogThanks to Cowboy14 for the awesome sig! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toad Posted July 23, 2009 Share Posted July 23, 2009 I see mod nexus at the end of a huge update throwing up over the amount of running he's done.. "ww..w..whyy mobilising armies why did i have to have a burger for lunch and the milkshake just fueled the flames." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Me_Hate_Libs Posted July 23, 2009 Share Posted July 23, 2009 I see mod nexus at the end of a huge update throwing up over the amount of running he's done.. "ww..w..whyy mobilising armies why did i have to have a burger for lunch and the milkshake just fueled the flames." Better that it's coming out violently at that end instead of the other one. This website and its contents are copyright © 1999 - 2010 Jagex Ltd. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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