Bugdozer
<font color=royal blue>One day at a time.<br>Yeste
- Joined
- May 6, 2003
- Messages
- 2,509
3/12 This week - major news about changes coming to VMK! Faster game downloads! New menus and features! Plus St. Patrick's goodies and more! The news you need to stay in the know starts now!
So, did you set your clocks forward an hour? I don't know about you but I always like getting the hour back more than I do losing it! Speaking of time, it's time to look into what's on tap for VMK this week! How about some info on the new game updates??? (I thought that would get your attention!) Well, let's get going, I know you're eager to see what's coming up...
The Name Game
If you ask players something they'd like to see improved in VMK I'll bet many will tell you they wish it was easier to have a player name approved. Well, we've got good news in that department: Very soon new players will have the option to select from a pre-approved name list or use the current system to make their own name.
Here's how it will work: Players will be given a list of pre-approved names to choose from, once they find a name they like, they just select it from the list. If you don't find a name you like, players will have the option to ask for more choices. If they still don't like any of the names offered, players can then type in a name for approval later (like the current system). It's that simple! Now, just for a moment, imagine a world where no one is named Guest1234567!
Now With Faster Downloads!
OK, so this is a biggie! Our new update will also utilize a system that will make the initial download of the game much smaller - so it will load faster! Wha? That's right, the game will load faster!
How are we doing this? Easy, instead of loading all of the items when you log into the game, VMK loads only the items that are in the room you are in. (Once an item has been loaded it's placed into your computer's cache and will not need to be loaded again unless you clear your cache.) When you walk into a room with items that have not been downloaded you'll see a special placeholder image for the item.
The game will then begin downloading all the items that you did not have before and before you know it, the download (and all your items) will be loaded. In time you'll have most of the common items downloaded and only see placeholders when something new is released. Hopefully this will allow new players and players with slower connections to enjoy VMK even more.
Who Can Enter?
In the More Changes Department, we have also adjusted the way Guest Rooms handle who can enter them. The Room Information window will now have a new button called 'Change who can enter.'
This button will bring up menu of who is allowed into the room and instead of multiple check boxes there will be buttons that are more descriptive of who can enter. This 'Change who can enter' menu will also be where you can 'Create Tickets.' Once you've made your choices here, hit OK since the changes will only take affect after you hit the OK button.
Host Events
Last week I hinted about some news regarding improvements to the queue for Host Events as it turns out, we'll have to talk about that next week, what I can say is that HOST will be able to send messages to players (who have VMK Passes) in line for that HOST room. HOST's will also be able to close a queue at any time so expect the days of 200+ in line to be over very soon.
You've got 211 people ahead of you but don't worry, the line moves fast.
Yeti's Tips & Tricks
You know 'em, ya love him. Our fur-covered pal the Yeti has taken up a gig as a game counselor! What do you think of the Yeti's new job? Did you learn something from 'The King of Q&A' last week? Check future installments for even cooler inside info - and let the Yeti know if you have a burning question about the game no one else can answer. The inbox is open and the Yeti is standing by now!
St. Patty's Stuff
Don't forget to check out VMK on March 17th for our St. Patrick's Pin.
It will on sale Saturday March 17th - Sunday March 18th. Want more Irish fun? If you have a good eye and are feeling lucky why not try the VMK Clover Quest! If you find all of the wee clovers you might get a lucky leprechaun hat (ok, sure it looks like Santa hat but it was the closest thing I could find)!
More Makeovers
Before I wrap this installment of Yavn Speaks how about we check in with one of our VMK HOST for a Room Makeover update! Take it away HOST_Lily!
HOST_Lily
Thanks Yavn, well I just got in from SmilyEmily's Room Makeover and boy, was that fun! When I walked in, SmilyEmily was trying to decide what kind of room she wanted so she could invite over some new friends. We couldn't decide whether to have a game room or a hang out room so I made both! Using her favorite colors - purple and red - we got going on a grand new Guest Room. (My ears may be red but those weren't up for grabs!)
The Alice room before
and after the purple flowers grew.
Tah-dah! A room that is both fun and pretty. I have a feeling a lot of friends are going to like hanging out in SmilyEmily's new room! Woohoo! What a fun makeover! Congrats SmilyEmily! Enjoy your room!
HOST_Lily
Movin' On
Well, that's about it for this week, as you can tell we're busy putting on the finishing touches for what's up next in VMK and of course what you see here is just the tip of the iceberg. ;-) I'll have more info for you very soon, so keep checking the Newsletter, since you never know what pretty pics of new stuff and clothing might be on the way! In the meantime I'll let you contemplate this
Soon your Guest may decide where they want to sit.
See you in VMK!
Yavn
