Guide Navigation
Patch 10.2 Introduces Updates to Combat Logs - Measures Against Out of Game Overlays
Hey there, fellow gamers! Today, we're diving into the latest changes in Patch 10.2 of the popular game, World of Spells. In this update, Blizzard has made some significant adjustments to combat logging, specifically targeting the use of out-of-game overlays, like those employed by some players in the captivating realm of Aberrus.
In previous versions of the game, combat information was promptly updated in the combat log file on your system. However, in Patch 10.2, Blizzard has decided to store all combat log data in memory and only write it to the file once combat comes to an end. While this change disrupts how current out-of-game overlays function, as they rely on real-time data which is now only available once combat concludes, it has also brought about a few new challenges.
Lost Data in Crashes and Mid-Pulls
One significant issue that arises with this new approach is the potential loss of combat data in the event of a game crash or a reload mid-pull. Typically, this loss appears to be limited to the current combat session, so its impact is not widespread. Nonetheless, this setback can be frustrating, especially during intense raid encounters or high-stakes battles.
Storage and Performance Limitations
Another challenge stemming from this change is the increased restrictiveness of combat logging. Many computers may struggle to handle the immense amount of data generated during a combat session, only to dump it all to disk once the combat ends. This becomes particularly pertinent in raid content, where encounters can last anywhere from 10 to 15 minutes and involve up to 20 participants. With hundreds of megabytes of data stored in memory, the process of instantaneously writing it to disk after combat concludes can lead to screen freezes or even crashes, especially in extreme cases. To alleviate this issue, the implementation of compression technology could prove beneficial.
Table: Pros and Cons of Patch 10.2 Combat Logging Changes
| Pros | Cons |
| Prevents use of out-of-game overlays | Potential loss of combat data in crashes or mid-pulls |
| Reduces impact on overall game performance | Increased restrictions on combat logging |
| Possible screen freezes or crashes during combat data dump |
In the current PTR (Public Test Realm) implementation, there are a few minor bugs to be aware of. For instance, the final file written to disk may have events out of order. However, fear not, as all events still retain their time stamps. This means that no data is lost, but the information simply requires reordering during the processing stage.
Although this change eliminates the possibility of creating live overlays for the game, it seems to be a rather aggressive modification that could have been approached differently to mitigate its drawbacks. For example, Blizzard could have introduced a 30-second delay for writing logs to the file, achieving a similar outcome without some of the current challenges.
Final Thoughts
As Patch 10.2 of World of Spells continues to develop on the PTR, it's crucial for players and developers alike to provide valuable feedback regarding these combat logging changes. This will allow Blizzard to fine-tune the feature and ensure a seamless gameplay experience for all. While some may mourn the loss of out-of-game overlays, it's important to remember that these modifications are intended to enhance the overall performance and stability of the game.
That's it for now. Don't hesitate to get a helping hand to overcome difficulties of the upcoming patch!