Possible multiplayer cheat

Ok..I didn't think this thread got posted and created another thread with this issue and a follow on problem which I think may be even a bigger issue. Hopefully it will post.

Sabre21

I don't see my other thread now, so here is a copy of both issues. I think it's too important not to post this. So if my other post appears the devs can either delete this or the other one. I deleted the first half since it is repeated above..the second issue is below.


The second issue occured as a result of reloading the save game time and time again. When I first start a scenario that I might want to play again I always save it. So for the record, the starting savegame I am using required 5,616 kb.

As a reference, I have everything set to abundant, on a gigantic scattered galaxy with all 9 AI players on a very hard setting using a P4 3.4 with 2 gigs of ram and a X800 256 all with current drivers.

After playing to where I have around 15 or so colonies I notice the savegame file grew to 10,929 kb. This is the point that I started to reload to reland my colony ship. After the first landing and reloading (without going to a new turn), the save file grew to 16,043 kb.

The second landing and reloading caused it to go to 21,152 kb and after the third reloading the file grew to 26,274. This last one took over 5 minutes to save so I could check the file.

It's not the saving that is causing the problem but the reloading, since this problem started with just reloading the savegame file over and over without advancing a turn. I will try and eliminate some other variables, but I typically use the escape key to access the option screen rather than the menu tab. I'm not sure if this matters, but I kinda doubt it.

The game file appears to be growing with each reloading by just about the size of the original save game file. Again I don't know if this is coincidence or not. I'll try a different size game and see if it happens. Eventually though the game locks up or crashes to desktop because the file is too huge.

Hopefully all this helps.

Sabre21

I must be living in some form of alternate universe. I now see my other thread covering these issues just got posted. So ignore this or the other.

So far I can't repeat this in a medium universe with 5 AI opponents. The files are barely changing in size. Not sure what the deal is now. I'll try again tomorrow probably on another gigantic game.

Sabre21

Well thanks for clearing up the multiplayer issue anyways. I just assumed (wrongly) that the metaverse was some form of online multiplayer capability.

Sabre21

hat I think he meant was Metaverse "multiplayer" i.e. points scamming as higher bonuses can impact albeth indirectly the score of a game and I think he's right.

(double post on both topics, I know)

I have done some further testing on the issue of the growing save game file, and there is definitly a memory leak somewhere in that process.

I started a new game today using the same starting scenario I had used yesterday. After the first 30 or so turns the files only grew at a small rate. By turn 34 the file was at 6934 kb. I then did the same thing as I did yesterday, saved the game, landed a colony ship, then reloaded the save game and the file grew to 8047 kb. Not as much as yesterdays 5000+ kb per reload, but still a significant 1100+ kb. The next reload it grew to 9178 kb and the next it went to 10305 kb.

Now I tried changing the variables, I advanced a turn after I reloaded it before landing my colony ship and the files grew exactly the same size per reload.

Then I started a fresh save ( I even rebooted my comp) and reloaded the turn 34 savegame onto itself without moving any pieces at all and the files grew exactly as before. So now I ruled out that landing on a planet had nothing to do with this nor advancing to a new turn.

The next little test took the same original turn 34 save game file, loaded it up and just saved it. I then closed out the game completely, restarted it using the desktop icon, loaded the game and the file remained the same. I then took this same save file and reloaded it onto itself and it grew to 8047 kb same as before.

I tried the original scenario I created at start and reloaded it onto itself 10 times and the file didn't grow but 13kb. That wasn't a significant amount of change to suspect anything at that point. I have seen the same starting files vary by over 30kb when saved.

So far then what I have determined is that at some point after starting a scenario and the game is saved, reloading the savegame file onto itself, regardless whether you advance a turn or move any counters, the savegame file dramatically increases. As long as you quit the game after saving, then reloading where you left off, the file does not grow.

Looks like tomorrow I will do a very precise test on this turn by turn to try and determine if there is a pattern to when this might occur. It may have been so gradual at first I never realized it so instead of cheaking it out around turn 30, I'll start the process sooner. I will also try a brand new game and play it because it is possible that it might just be this particular scenario that is corrupted.

I'll continue to post what I determine.

Sabre21

sounds like the game is just saving certain aspects twice, such as ship location and destination, or colony improvement and build list.

i bet all you really need to do is submit one of the original savegames and one of the bloated savegames and they'll be able to pinpoint what's going wrong very quickly.

Yep..I think you're right. I kept all these various savegames so when they get back from their weekend vacation (them slackers:) I'll send them what I have if they like.

Sabre21