[Soniee]

Hi,

this subject isn't new, but since we have a few new players now, maybe some would like this sort of thing as well. Actually, I would like to have a built-in Vsync option and also a Frameratelimiter/cap, that we can set to the fps we want to have (for example; 30). Lotro and WoW both do this with a simple slider ingame (in their options -> graphics settings).

I know the command used to be in AoC, when one had access to the console:

/capfps - Gm Command.

So, if it's actually there, why not at least enable it again? I mean, it would be enough for now, to just have access to that sweet option. Why? Because many (and I do fricking mean many) can not maintain a stable framerate and are going from 15, to 20 and up to 60 and then it goes down to 20-25 in Khitai - depending on the location, ...and so on. An unstable framerate makes me feel very, very uncomfortable.

So, here it goes. Another (new) vote for this kind of thing.

Sonieé

[Galadh]

Hmm... not really see point to limit FPS. Its not important how high the FPS can raise. FPS can be like 300 and it only makes game and graphics run smoother.

WAY more important is to tweak your settings/upgrade your PC so that in every situation game should run at least 20FPS so you not see any slow downs while playing. It not matter at all if your FPS is 10 - 600 or 10 - 30. When things go to 10... its annoying. When FPS is 30 or 600... it not matter at all, game runs smoothly.



PS. Good setting relates to this is to put V-Sync enabled from Graphic card settings. This syncs your FPS to Screen refresh rate and eliminates most "flickering".

[Soniee]

Hi,

I disagree.

#1 A frameratelimit does have a very good reason and point, that is why most console (game) titles do this (often capped at 30fps). The framerates in Age of Conan change and jump around very often - especially in Khitai.

When FPS is 30 or 600... it not matter at all, game runs smoothly.

#2 It's not enough just to stay above 30fps, because once you look somewhere else and suddenly the fps jump to 60fps, then back to 20fps, then to 40fps - this is the moment when some ppl might get headaches. It just feels really, really bad and is not an ideal, fluid picture. Everything above 60+ I agree, no need there, but everthing jumping around below that = annoying.

In order to understand what I mean, if you are not aware about the difference between 20/30fps vs. 60+fps is: http://www.boallen.com/fps-compare.html

Now imagine the framerate in AoC jumping (thus unstable) around like that, which it can often do (there are a lot of threads and posts about this online).

#3 It's difficult to achieve a stable 30+fps in AoC with weaker hardware. You have to take into consideration, especially now, since the game has gone f2p and therefor reaches out to many new players, that ppl will be coming from other (less graphics intensive) games and thus could have much weaker hardware. In Khitai, for example (especially stuff like Chosain), unless you have a good system, the framerate can jump around very much.

There is a reason for a frameratecap and a lot of games use this method (even GTA 4 on PC has a way to enable this) to limit the fps to let's say (for example) 30fps. This way, if your PC CAN go up to 40, 50, 60fps BUT -- IF -- it can't maintain that fps at all times, no matter how much you tweaked the game, then the fps-cap can actually make the entire gameplay experience much smoother, because even weaker systems should be able to achieve 20-30fps in AoC now (by todays standards).


So, in the end, there should be absolutly no problem, in adding this as an ---- optional --- feature, which can be turned on or off by the user and adjusted to meet the wanted fpscap.

#4 Vsync can eliminate tearing, but depending on if it's using a no buffer, double or triple buffer, can also hurt performance and cut framerates in half (nevermind the extra VRAM it uses). Vsync does not guarantee a good and stable framerate. It can, but doesn't have to. Systems struggeling to keep up can be negativly affected by Vsync. Meaning; the framerate can be "smoother" but still jump to highs, mids and lows.

PS: Personally, I do not have that much framerate issues, but my system is over casual standards or above the norm for normal players. But I am thinking of the small guy here - or girl - like my gf. She used this method (fpscap) in WoW in order to maintain a more fluid gameplay and experience.

Soniée

[Galadh]

I agree on you that it not harming anyone to have optional feature to limit fps for freedom of choice. On rest reasoning I disagree.


1) Most likely reason for console games to cap FPS to 30 is because there is no way to switch "Vsync" on what can cause lots of tearing. Its especially bad as console is plugged to TV which are not always build for high refresh rates.


2) I do not mind if FPS is 30 - 300, because game runs then smooth or very smooth. I really don't see any difference in my game play. Because for eye everything above 30 fps is pretty smooth, there is difference in smoothness when FPS raises, but it is smooth still like:

30FPS = Smooth
40FPS = Smooth
50FPS = Smooth
60FPS or above = Very Smooth


However its very annoying when FPS drops below that point when game is not anymore smooth and THAT is where should be focused to tweak it so that it won't drop on point where it is not smooth anymore. This starts from most people from 20 fps and below. If I would cap my FPS to 30, but FPS would still drop down to 10 FPS in heavy action it does not make any difference to cap it as above 30 is smooth anyway what you not really can notice and below it is not so smooth which varies from slide show, horrible, unplayable to sluggish.


3) I have personally forced Vsync on which makes FPS cap for me to 60, never goes above that which is not necessary. Vsync just removes the tearing effect.