Default Settings Rework

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tainn
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Default Settings Rework

Post by tainn »

The idea is to update the defaults in multiple areas of the game. Granted, many defaults all around could be perfected, but some are in a much more dire need than others. I had already created a thread on the need of the Steamroller and Machine Gun default server variables being reworked.

This time, it is about the in-game settings. They are important because many new players do not change them from the get-go, and first impressions are important.

Radar
Possibly the most powerful utility in the game, its default size on the HUD is by far too small. I would increase it. The radar type should probably be Fast Sorted on default as well, considering it is usually the most suitable radar type.

Key mappings
These are just all over the place on default. This can be especially problematic for keyboard players, as they do not use a mouse for moving, aiming, firing and respawning. Rather, they have to rely on button inputs which, as of right now, are set all over the keyboard, instead of being in reach of a single palm.

My suggested remappings, based around Tab staying the jump key:
  • Q - Fire shot
  • W - Identify/Lock On, as well as Restart
Others could be remapped as well, but these are the most crucial in my eyes for solid gameplay.
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blast
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Re: Default Settings Rework

Post by blast »

BZFlag 2.4.20 will have some different configuration setting default, including a larger radar and defaulting to Enhanced radar style (because this mode shows death physics drivers).

https://github.com/BZFlag-Dev/bzflag/pull/193/commits

I'm holding off on input mapping changes until 2.6 as I plan for a more invasive revamp.
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tainn
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Re: Default Settings Rework

Post by tainn »

Ahh, death phydrvs didn't come to mind -- good point.

Thank you for the input, I'm positively impressed with that PR.
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Zehra
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Re: Default Settings Rework

Post by Zehra »

Would the possibility of primary mouse and keyboard user configurations be considered for 2.6?
In other words, default mouse and keyboard user configurations.
(Thus the configurations are not in the sense of simply being set towards an "average", but rather already preset to a good extent for either playing style.)

Or would multiple "template" configurations be considered?

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blast
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Re: Default Settings Rework

Post by blast »

My idea for 2.6 input refactoring would be to have both modern and classic keybind defaults, and I want to improve how you bind for multiple devices. Currently our UI limits each action to two bindings, which doesn't work well considering we also support gamepads/joysticks. SDL2 and GLFW also have a game controller API that targets xbox-like controllers that I want to look into. I think it might allow for better identification of buttons (say, the X, instead of just "button 2") with supported gamepads.

https://wiki.libsdl.org/CategoryGameController
https://www.glfw.org/docs/latest/input_ ... ml#gamepad
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