[Slashem-devel] Re: Slashem with GTK viewpoint

[J. A. H. <al...@av...>]

On Mon, 24 Sep 2001, you wrote:
> > > I am using version ef5 of Slashem on a Sun Sparc, with x11 and gtk support.
> > > Is there any way to stop the gtk interface fron re-centering every time you make
> > > a move?  I find the constant motion annoying.  The x11 interface doesn't have
> > > this feature.
> > 
> > I'm afraid not. The new gtk interface (only supplied with the development
> > branch, and requires GTK 1.3.x to work) improves on the current model (it gets
> > rid of the annoying flicker as you move) but still keeps the same basic concept.
> 
> Is there a technical reason for this recentering, or is it a feature?

There's a technical necessity to recenter at some point to prevent the player
moving off-screen and to avoid problems with range attacks from just off-screen
from killing the player without adequate warning. The X11 interface does this
when the player is more than a certain distance from the nominal center of the
window (I forget the actual value used). The GTK interface does this every
move. It's a matter of taste as to which is preferable. Personally, I'm happy
with the flicker-free motion of the new GTK interface (it looks as it the map
is moving under you rather than you moving under the map), but I can understand
that others may not agree.

> > You are welcome to submit a feature request to add the facility for a new
> > option if you like:
> > 
> > http://sourceforge.net/tracker/?atid=359746&group_id=9746
> 
> I'd like to do that.  Do you see any downsides to such a modification of the
> game? 

Not if it was implemented as an option. If we went to the effort of doing this
we might as well enter the maximum deviation allowed from the nominal center of
the window before recentering. This value would then default to zero for
existing behaviour.

The real question is: is it the best use of our time? I can't answer that so
all I can suggest is that you log it and it may or may not get implemented in
due course (think months, possibly years, I'm afraid).

Cheers,

-- 
Ali Harlow                              Email: al...@av...
Research programmer                     Tel:   (020) 7040 4348
Applied Vision Research Centre          Intl: +44 20 7040 4348
City University                         Fax:   (020) 7040 5515
London                                  Intl: +44 20 7040 5515