What? More?

Yes. More development. Don't take it so badly! It means we're pulling our brains out finding ways to improve dotapod!

So today, we'll be talking about Lan Emulation technologies.
For browsers, we've got 3 types. So here's the 3.

1. Pure PHP Proxying


2. Pure PHP Packet Spoofing


3. Java

So let me just cut the chase and get to the pros and cons of each techonology.

Pros

1. Pure PHP Proxying
   
   
   
   • Privacy of your IP address
   
   
   • We can get game statistics and info
   
   
   
   


2. Pure PHP Packet Spoofing
   
   
   
   • No lag at all
   
   
   • Low cost, Server is only needed as a mediator between the 2 players
   
   
   • Low technical requirements and is very stable and programmers love it
   
   
   
   


3. Java

All the above. :)

Cons

1. Pure PHP Proxying
   
   
   
   • Much more bandwidth required
   
   
   • Increased lag
   
   
   • No games when server is down
   
   
   • Very unstable
   
   
   
   


2. Pure PHP Packet Spoofing
   
   
   
   • Unable to collect game statistics
   
   
   • Troublesome, Users must be at Warcraft's LAN area to connect
   
   
   
   


3. Java

You'll just have to have Java

So, velvet, what's your take on this?

Right, you want my opinion. If I'm to choose from the 3, I'll take Java. I'm looking at it in a technical view.
The pros definitely outweighs the only con. With the 2 options of Pure PHP, we excel in one area but totally neglect the other areas while Java does well for all areas.
The only con would be the Java requirement, but, hey! Don't all computers usually have Java? Another one up! :)

But as of now, Java really needs a lot of research and it'll probably take some time for it to be finalized.
It's been discussed and we've come to the conclusion that during the closed beta and probably open beta, where we'll use the Packet Spoofing method so that you guys can have a quick game. During this period of time, we'll be researching and fine tuning Java.
Once finalized and tried within the admins, we'll release it in the open beta stage.
After all bugs have been debugged, here comes the final installation! The stable release!

That's probably the schedule for the technology we'll be using for the LAN emulation for dotapod!
And don't worry. I'll be siding Java all the way. And sprion knows it! :)

The gaming scene has certainly changed!