Sleuth Home - Message Boards - Sleuth Talk

Jun-20-2006 10:44

Over the past six months, we've been struggling to maintain a decent level of Sleuth server performance, despite increasing numbers of simultaneous players.

This is a great problem to have! It means there are lots of new people trying out Sleuth, but it's a bit of a losing battle logistically. There has been some success making software changes to improve things, but those gains are quickly eclipsed as traffic continues to increase. There is only so much the current hardware can handle.

New server machines will be purchased in the next couple of months. This will help, but if Sleuth continues to grow, it won't be long before capacity is reached on the new machines as well, and things will slow down again.

This situation is unfair for paying subscribers, who cannot enjoy the game at peak hours due to the lag of the servers. So, in the interest of fairness there will be a rule change that will limit when unsubscribed players will be able to access the game.

Starting later this week, detectives who are unsubscribed and older than 7 days, will not be allowed to login if there are already 60 or more detectives online.

You will not be allowed to login to the game if all three of the following conditions are true:

1) There are already 60 or more detectives logged in
2) Your detective is not currently subscribed
3) Your detective is older than 7 days

Sleuth has always been as welcoming as possible to non-subscribed players. We also recognize that in some countries, the monthly subscription price is not affordable to everyone, but this rule change is necessary for the well-being of the game. Paying subscribers deserve to have access to a game that is playable, accessible and fun.

Thanks,
The Sleuth Team

Jul-9-2006 20:22

I think a combination of accumulating your cases and still maintain limited storage space in the agencies should be possible. How would this disturb the balance of things?

Does another language necessarily mean a disadvantage in debate?

Could we stop playing this debate at a childish level by petting eachother on the shoulder and giving high fives?

Jul-9-2006 21:02

I'm not in the debate, so I feel I can high five all I want. :)

Jul-9-2006 21:25

me neither :) *pets badass on the back* "there, there" :)

Jul-10-2006 09:39

I must be the only person who is not happy about this.

I am saving up my money to join. I don't have any money because I am in college and a very broke college student.

I feel as if I am being forced to choose between food for a two week period and subscribing to my favorite website.

A human has to eat at least every four days. There is nothing I can do about that.

I understand the reasons 100%. But I wanted to voice that: I am dedicated to the site. I love the game. I am trying to learn the game and become a master. However, I feel as if I'm being punished for not loving the game enough to choose it above food.

Thank you,

Ariel
Boston, MA

Jul-10-2006 09:43

I like the 10 cases a day limit. Having cases build up, would just be too overwhelming for people who are very busy! Keep it howit is please hehe :) Besides, if you join an agency, you can do over 10 cases a day if there are free cases in the files :)

Jul-10-2006 10:25

Ariel,

Don't ever put anything before your well-being. That's where serious addiction starts.

Although I understand your point, those who are already paying subscribers deserve to play just as much, if not more.

Here's an idea! Maybe you could have a family member or friend subscribe you as a gift? *points to City Hall -> Service Center -> Buy a Gift Subscription*


Good luck and Happy Sleuthing!