We're delighted to release v1.107 of our game client for the 34-year old BatMUD - an Internet legend in multiplayer hack'n slash style free world roaming text-based gaming. It's right now available for Windows and Linux (in 64-bit and 32-bit versions for both). A codesigned MacOS version will follow shortly.

Changelog (v1.107)

• Fixed the extemely evasive game client start-up issue(s) with new loadImage routine changes
• Saved CommandHistory.xml no longer grows massive and hangs at start-up (limited to 11000 commands)
• Removed the extra newline from each line when copypasting text to e.g. outside the game client
• Added sentry ability for tracing errors/error context aware monitoring for catching issues faster
• Console! You can now open /console to see game client internal debug msgs and other similar output
• Updated certain game client internal libraries with newer versions of the said libraries
• Game client now signed with an Extended Validation SSL Code Signing certificate (for compliancy)
• Multiple smaller console output related fixes (e.g. retina display detection, ..)
• Added a couple of new background images just for the fun of it (e.g. Las Islas de Tormentas)
• Honours to Sierra On-Line's Leisure Suit Larry in the Land of the Lounge Lizards for /bosskey

We truly hope you enjoy our Game. We'll be here for you. Yours, BatMUD administration

[ 2024-08-11 15:40:39 CET ] [ Original post ]

Balanced Alternative Techniques ry ("B.A.T. ry") just released a hotfix to the version 1.106 of our game client for BatMUD on Steam for all of our currently supported platforms (Windows 64-bit and 32-bit, Linux 64-bit and 32-bit and MacOS).

Mini-FAQ:

What are the changes included in this hotfix version? The changes done are as follows:

• Changing a character's saved password to another in login screen should now update and save properly
• Your command history is now limited 10k lines due to size issues with CommandHistory.xml savefile

Why was this hotfix needed / implemented? Hey, thank you for asking! We found out that there was an issue with the new v1.106 feature that allow players to quit & restart the game client and still retain their last issued commands (and conveniently access them, e.g. by arrow-up or searching otherwise). The player issued commands are stored locally in the \batclient\config\CommandHistory.xml -file. Due to an issue in the code, this file could for users become bloated (e.g. 1GB in size). In addition to taking the diskspace, it would slow down client start-up and closure; especially when users had Steam Cloud options enabled, where this file would be stored (also) in Steam Cloud. How can I see that I have have / I am running the hotfix version? Look at ESC->Help->Changelog, if it has the above two (2) items added on the bottom of v1.106 changes listing, then you are running the version with the hotfix included. How can I get this hotfix? Running Steam's own client should prompt you for the update, if it doesn't auto-update by itself. You usually need to "open Steam" for the game client updates to become available / get queued. My current CommandHistory.xml file is still huge, what can I do about this? While we took steps that this would be corrected, you can also delete the file manually from your batclient -directory, e.g. on Windows this can reside under C:\Users\user\batclient\config\CommandHistory.xml. Remember to also delete the Steam Cloud equivalent, as it will otherwise repopulate it (transfer a copy) from Steam Cloud. Depending on Steam client (and the changes they implement), you may be able to access the settings/possibly also files from Steam -> Library -> BatMUD -> Properties -> Steam Cloud. On behalf of the devs, Amarth Shadowstring

[ 2023-08-30 10:46:01 CET ] [ Original post ]

We're very proud to release yet another version of our beloved game client for BatMUD! It's available as both 64-bit and 32-bit builds on the Steam store for Windows and Linux. A codesigned MacOS version is also available.

Changelog (v1.106):

• Trigger groups! You can now enable/disable multiple triggers at once for enhanced gameplay (ALT-G)
• Repeat timers! You can now have the game client do /repeat 00:00:30 5 smile (note: help robot)
• Command-line history now saves. When you restart the game client, you have your command history
• Log files are now automatically split into 50 MB chunks 'for performance reasons'
• Font selection is now available also for the Map, Party and Buff frames + Health bar
• Very small enhancements to the look and feel here and there (for more intuitivity)
• Turning volume to '0' in Sound control now uses the actual sound volume value instead
• Fixed split-screen scrollback buffer viewing issue(s) when new output is xferred to client
• Corrected the window scrollbar settings which were not saving per your selection
• Fixed News window default viewing size to better suit the larger default font
• Resolved issue w/ Mac selected default (monospaced) font not being available
• Skill/spell monitor width was fixed (there's no longer a long transparent area to its right)
• CTRL-K for setting keybindings is now slightly less sensitive in auto-selecting CTRL for you
• Setting action buttons should now again work as intended

We wish you great moments with our game. People have enjoyed BatMUD since 1990 and it is one of the few text-based MUDs (Multi-User Dungeon) still actively in development. Yours, BatMUD administration

[ 2023-07-10 20:19:41 CET ] [ Original post ]

Finally! BatMUD game client v1.105 is out for Windows 64-bit and 32-bit, Linux 64-bit and 32-bit and of course Mac OS as well.

Changelog (v1.105):

• Global font control! Change font size globally w/ a slider that adjusts (almost) all views
• Notepad! Create your own notes and have them usable & stored within the game client (ALT-N)
• Realm map user experience improved through enhancements via an upgrade of its internal library
• Screen tearing fixed: finally got rid of screen tearing issues that have plagued many new setups
• Improvement to screen speed due to being able to remove a ton of repaint(); (related to above)
• Writing files: move configuration file(s) (instead of copy) to ensure an almost atomic operation
• Error control: check during startup whether configuration files are valid XML
• Failure tolerance: re-create broken (0 bytes long) configuration files during game client startup
• Fixed mouse click responsiveness issues where e.g. right-click menus wouldn't always appear
• Steam: Corrected an incorrect Steam default local folder configuration for the game client
• Fixed an issue where the resizing pointers for e.g. Generic-window were no longer available
• Buff frame should not keep automagically popping back (after having disabled it from Features)
• Multiple miniscule improvements here and there (e.g. marking of external links in menus)

Large resolution enhancements

In addition to these, the game client now (finally) has separate default "desktop" for screens with resolutions larger than 1920x1200, with fonts size 16. If you're running a 4K monitor or otherwise a smaller width screen with high resolution, try the ESC->Settings->Global Font Control (slider). Other than that, almost all window fonts (and sizes) can be set and saved separately. We hope you enjoy the latest release to the fullest! Since this was mainly a "bugfix" release, our next version will have more (new) features included!

[ 2023-05-24 21:25:04 CET ] [ Original post ]

We have extended the Steam Cloud storage from previous 943.45 MB to 93.12 GB for every BatMUD Steam game client player. Steam Cloud is best utilized for saving your game configuration/setup (and such as scripts & triggers) in the Cloud in addition to your local computer/desktop. Its most prominent feature for BatMUD is the ability to use the same configurations and look-and-feel on all of the machines you are playing BatMUD on. We are also painfully aware of some users facing Steam Cloud issues otherwise where our game client is unable to start (in some certain scenarios). These obviously affect our game's rating very negatively (refunds are available). We have published a solution on the Steam community forum for BatMUD, which is available behind the following link: https://steamcommunity.com/app/616920/discussions/0/3496509339514297446/ Please report to support@bat.org in case you are facing start-up issues with our beloved game client.

[ 2022-11-23 20:11:59 CET ] [ Original post ]

The lands around Shadowkeep are thriving, our villages growing into towns and towns into cities. Timber is in high demand, and although woodcutting trade is an arduous way to make a living, the profits are lucrative enough to attract plenty of work force. This was to be yet another woodcutting enterprise to bring in much-needed fuel for the growth of the land, and so our caravan of woodcutters made the journey to the untouched woods and set a camp in an old aspen forest. Little did we know that sharp eyes were watching our every move from above. The woodcutting operation progressed, and we ventured ever deeper into the forest. Alas, we went too far. When the attack came, it was swift and brutal. Many lost their lives. Us survivors are setting up defences in a destitute attempt to hold back the inevitable. But while we may soon be dead, we'll take as many of the fiends with us as we can! For Shadowkeep! -- They thought we were mere creatures of fables. Campfire stories to scare the children with. But sometimes the stories turn out to be real. Secluded in the high mountains we slowly grew in number. Hunting in the vast forests we grew in strength. Soaring high in the open skies we see anyone unfortunate enough to wander into our territory and we make sure the intruder never lives to tell the tale of us. But this time they were too many. The invasion called for a bloody retaliation, and we showed no mercy on the human dregs. Our attack managed to push the enemy back, but the cost to our flight was dear. The humans are not surrendering, and reinforcements have surely been sent for. Us harpies have kept our nesting grounds safe this far, but destruction has come to our lands. And now our demise looks unavoidable. But so long as blood runs in our veins and the wind guides our flight, we shall give them hell! -- Introducing a new playable race - The Harpy - and a new area in southwestern Rothikgen. The area features two factions locked in combat - the Langdale woodcutters and the Windshriek flight of harpies. Even in the bitterest of conflicts there is rarely a singular faction at fault, and thus players can provide aid to either side, earning the praise of one and the animosity of the other. [hr][/hr] Furthermore; we're proud to release v1.103 of the BatMUD game client, made available for Windows, Linux and SteamOS platforms on Steam (64-bit and 32-bit versions). All players that have acquired the Steam-version will get the new update automatically. Changes in v1.103:

• Profiles! You can now have multiple, customized setups for playing; see Profile Manager for more
• The new Profile Manager can be used to refresh (reload) your settings from the saved configuration
• Added ALT-Q as hotkey/keybinding (new installations) for opening Profile Manager
• Multiple related /slash commands were added, e.g. /loadprofile (see commandline /help)
• Steam (and other) overlay-related screen tearing issues: further (repaint) fixes were implemented
• Effects/buff window can now be resized to sizes larger than 100%, selectable up to 250%
• Your command history now stores all commands with 2 (or more) characters, was previously min. 3 chars
• Default font was changed to 'Consolas' (Monospaced family) for new installations (has a tighter fit)
• Changing commandline font/font size no longer removes ability to cycle (arrow-up) the command history
• Fixed missing ALT-H and ALT-V functionality for opening and closing horizontal/vertical action buttons

Note: An updated Mac version will follow after we finish our new enrollment with Apple Developer Support.

[ 2021-10-17 22:21:54 CET ] [ Original post ]

On the 14th of April in 1990, the Realm of our text-based fantasy game was born. Today, the harbinger of online gaming from Finland; BatMUD, has been online on the Internet for 30 years, keeping people at home. BatMUD turns 30 years old Today!! In celebration of this Jubilee on this special day: there is Cake, amplified experience gain rate, events and special auctions, etc. Let us take a moment to appreciate our colossal, decades spanning journey and the gargantuan feat it represents-- Thank You for everyone who has been a part of the Community during all these years. Let us see the Game and Community continue strong well into the future. Here's for BatMUD, cheers! Come join celebrate with us in-game.

[ 2020-04-14 12:58:17 CET ] [ Original post ]

After a massively long wait for the fans, BatMUD has now been made available on Steam store! This first release includes Windows, SteamOS and Linux versions. MacOS to follow later. Mudders and new players alike can now grab and purchase a copy from: https://store.steampowered.com/app/616920/BatMUD/ Forge artifacts of power. Sail to faraway lands. Build a city in your name. Establish your legacy. Perish, and be born anew. See guilds fall, races become extinct - or be one to nurture them. Explore the realm and roam free. Hone your craft, by forge or by arcane arts, and empower yourself - or others, for a price. -- BatMUD is a text-based medieval fantasy game with an extremely rich set of features. We offer a significant player to player commerce system; and experienced players can build their own items, including seafaring vessels and even cities. Play anything you wish; build your character, reincarnate. Find locked races and establish secret societies. Enjoy the massive open realm, roam free. Create, trade, quest, amass wealth and equipment. Make friends within the vibrant and colourful player community. A detailed combat system, familiars, mounts and hundreds of custom zones built over 25 years. Constantly evolving, always under further development. BatMUD is the predecessor of MMOs and a hidden jewel of the Internet. Come, become a newbie once again. Your publishers, Balanced Alternative Techniques ry ("B.A.T. ry") Helsinki, Finland

[ 2019-11-21 16:29:46 CET ] [ Original post ]