Shard Merge and Interface Lag

augestflex

Question:
How is Interface Lag being addressed with a Shard merge in the future?

Background:
Even with a fast computer (quad core i7-965EE, 24GB DDR3, EVGA Nvidia GTX Titan, and Win7 on one SSD with Neverwinter and other games on a separate SSD) I receive interface lag during busy and peak times. Now admittedly some times changing to a less busy instance helps, but not always. The interface lag is non-existent during non-busy/non-peak times. Additionally I have 50Mbps broadband internet connection.

tinukeda

FYI: The lag in this case is not on your end, so your hardware/pipe doesn't matter.

augestflex

tinukeda: I work in IT and I completely agree with your statement, that is why I was pointing it out in the first place to make it painfully obvious the lag is on their end. Hence I mentioned both my specs/connection AND that it happens during busy/peak times. I want to drive discussion around addressing the interface lag on their end, not end up with threads of a discussion on my bandwidth and hardware which is unrelated to the issue. I'm somewhat concerned the impact a server merge would have since there is already interface lag during busy times even with the split environment. And don't get me wrong, I am not opposed to the merge, just hope there is a process in place to address the interface lag.

bioshrike

A few QoL options are needed:

1. The ability to choose to be placed into the lowest population instance of a zone, (PE in particular).

2. Perhaps the population cap in PE, per instance, needs to be reduced.

3. Add another location, somewhere far away from the current one, where players can access the in-game AH interface.

4. They've taken the initial step of placing mailboxes around PE - take the next step and add one to the starting area for each zone.

5. Unless an event is running that requires it, disable companions in PE, (or provide an option to hide other people's companions, while in PE).

6. Place a limit on players' ability to spam untargeted powers and/or the noise mounts make when you tap the spacebar.

reiwulf

Those are great ideas bioshrike, I hope they implement some of them.

augestflex

I agree with some of the options you suggest above and think they are good suggestions.

I also wanted to note that interface doesn't necessarily correspond to the number of objects/graphics that have to be rendered. Often I can run around in a super busy PE without any graphics lag, yet due to the greater number of players the interface lags (such as opening windows, mail box, AH, professions window, vendor windows, etc.

ordensmarschall

Great suggestions bioshrike, I would add disable the mounts as well. It doesn't take that long to get anywhere in PE. My own observation has been that whenever I have had crashes, lag, or rubberbanding; someone is spawning their mount right next to me.

bioshrike

One additional note, for people who may not be aware: The Cryptic engine has an odd issue with text/GUI elements severely cutting into your framerate. Go into your options and DISABLE the display of other player names, (I only show player names on my team, or when I target/mouse over them).

inthefade462

I have a similiar machine as the OP and I have 0 interface lag.

The only thing that ever lags is occasionally when attempting to remote access the AH via auction broker it will time out. It's not actually lag it just never opens. I suspect it's another issue entirely.