Frustra Development Blog

Reddit Traffic is Insane

02 Jun 2012 -0400

This week we recieved an amazingly large amount of traffic on Portal 2 Sounds due to reddit. On May 28, a total of 80,000 people browsed through the soundboard because a link to it reached the front page of reddit. So far this has been the biggest spike in traffic we've had, and it was particularly exciting for us because our server was actually able to handle the increased traffic without dying on us. This contrasts with several other occasions when we crashed / got kicked off the server due to excessive traffic (these both happened when the site was brand new). If you want to take a look at the stats we collected during the spike, here is a link to what the statistics graph looked like:

MyCraft+ hasn't had too much work done on it recently because we've both been busy with school and other projects. There were a couple small updates to the beta that should fix some mods. Hopefully we'll have more time for development than we've been having recently.

We've made many promises about when our Minecraft server will be made public to some people, but things haven't been going so well with it. Every time we look at it either there are plugins to update or something isn't working as it should. The server has been set aside for when we have more time or can find someone who can manage it for us. If you know anyone with experience setting up a bukkit server (maybe yourself), you can PM xthexder about helping out.

Our Giant To-Do List

19 May 2012 -0400

We've been frantically working on trying to clear up the to-do list. The more we work on a project, the more things it seems we have to do.

Most recently we've completed the new Portal 2 Sounds player and uploaded all the Portal 2 in-game music. The Core Swap music is a good set of songs to listen to with the playlist feature if you want to check it out. Added to the player were the playback mode selection, pausing, and volume. Still to come on the site are some "obnoxious filters" so you don't have to listen to the annoying songs if you don't want to. This will be a while before it's added though, because of the other projects going on right now.

We were planning on finishing the Minecraft server and releasing it this week, but that hasn't happened due to some bugs with plugins that we're still trying to fix. The creative world is completely set up, but the survival world is somehow being ignored by some plugins, and the general permissions for the server are a bit screwed up. Hopefully we'll be able to fix up these problems over the weekend and make the server public early next week.

Development on MyCraft+ has finally resumed after all the work done to Portal 2 Sounds. Like the Minecraft server, an update for the beta will be released next week that will update the name, fix all the mod bugs we've recieved, and hopefully add some new features for portability.

As mentioned in the previous blog post, the current wiki page contains a list of tested mods that work with MyCraft+. If you find any mods that do not work with MyCraft+, you can contact us on our support IRC or on our forums and we'll fix them for the next release.

The plan is to post a new blog entry once a week summarizing what has happened during the week.

Minecraft Server and MyCraft Plus

11 May 2012 -0400

A whole lot of stuff has been happening recently, and we've still got tons of plans for Frustra. There's a couple features for the website that we're still adding/updating, like an rss feed for the blog, and the wiki pages. The RSS feed should be added soon, but the wiki will take some time to complete. We're continuing to work on our other websites as well. We've just added the new quotes from Portal 2's Perpetual Testing Initiative to portal2sounds.com, and we're almost done indexing the Portal 2 Music page with all the in-game background music.

Our minecraft server has been neglected previously, and required a large amount of work to update. It is nearing completion now, and should be public within a week. All that is left now is configuring a couple plugins and testing permissions.

MyCraft+ has been slowing down in development because of all the other projects we have going on, but development will resume soon after the minecraft server is released. As a result of the beta, we've been able to identify several bugs with certain mods which will be fixed soon. The current wiki page contains a list of tested mods that work with MyCraft+, which will be updated as often as possible. As before, if you find any mods that do not work with MyCraft+, you can contact us on our support IRC or on our forums.

New Website

05 May 2012 -0400

You might have already noticed that we've completely redone the website. The new site is coded from scratch and runs a fancy new tech stack that includes Node.js with Express, HTML5 with Jade, and CSS3.

We are currently running a beta of MyCraft Pro's drag-and-drop mod installation feature. We're working hard on finish up the rest of the features and preparing for the big release of the full version!

We haven't been posting on this blog very much until now, but we'll try and keep it updated as much as possible with our current projects.

A couple small updates

29 Dec 2011 -0400

Just a small update on what has happened since the last post:

Portal2Sounds.com has become quite popular, and it's quite amazing to see how some tiny idea grows into something interesting.

There have been very few MyCraft updates recently because we've been having so much other work to do, some updates are coming, but it's going slow.

The game servers (Specifically the minecraft server) have progressed some since they first started. The tf2 server hasn't changed, and hasn't been updating when it should for some reason, but we've got big plans for minecraft. As soon as the plugins we need update, we'll be opening up the role playing world to everyone. Until then, there are the survival and creative worlds.

Team Fortress 2 Server: tf.frustra.org Minecraft Server: smp.frustra.org

MyCraft Usage Graph

29 Sep 2011 -0400

Although you might have seen this already, we track concurrent usage of MyCraft, and make this information public. The image below is updated real-time and shows usage trends of MyCraft over the last few days.

TetrUs update!

25 Sep 2011 -0400

I've recently picked up TetrUs as a side project once again to finish it off in some of the places it's missing features.
The biggest thing that you'll notice is that you can now invite specific people in the lobby.
There is also a scoring system with levels.
The highest level is 11 not 10 because of This Comic
I've also removed the password for the login, since the website no longer has accounts.

Link to TetrUs Page: http://www.frustra.org/tetrus Link to TetrUs Gameplay Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrNaEEzLTgM

Dev Log Started!

25 Aug 2011 -0400

Some of you might have noticed the new link at the top; we have a new forum! Due to this, we have disabled user registration on the main site, and made all downloads available without any registration whatsoever.

Also, because of high demand we have started our own game server(s). We run one Minecraft server ("MyCraft Extreme SMP"), and one Team Fortress 2 server at the moment.

Once we finish getting everything ready on the servers, they will become public.

Hope to see you there soon!

New Demo Videos + Updates

02 Apr 2011 -0400

Recently I've been working hard on many things. I've updated some of the physics in UberSand, and made many bug fixes for MyCraft as well as updates.
The big thing is that I've bought a new computer, so I've gone and made some youtube videos to show off my projects on it.

Youtube video links:

MyCraft: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrAC62YefYo TetrUs: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrNaEEzLTgM UberSand: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrNaEEzLTgM

Link to MyCraft Page: http://www.frustra.org/mycraft
Link to MyCraft Forum Topic: http://www.minecraftforum.net/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=153315
Link to MyCraft Support IRC: #mycraft on irc.strictfp.com

Link to TetrUs Page: http://www.frustra.org/tetrus

Link to UberSand Page: http://www.frustra.org/ubersand

MyCraft Auto Updater

05 Mar 2011 -0400

A new update for MyCraft has been release including and Auto Updating system. This way you will not have to redownload MyCraft every time we update.
MyCraft also automatically downloads the Minecraft launcher, so there won't be any more confusion about how to get it installed.
The TestMod has been removed from the download, so if you want to use it still, you will need to download it and extract it to the mods folder from the MyCraft page.
File logging has also be added so that it is easier for us to help fix problems. All you need to do now is copy the contents of the MyCraft Log file and post them on the forum or send them to us on the IRC.

Link to MyCraft Page: http://www.frustra.org/mycraft
Link to MyCraft Forum Topic: http://www.minecraftforum.net/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=153315
Link to MyCraft Support IRC: #mycraft on irc.strictfp.com

MyCraft bug fix: Black screen with new launcher

01 Mar 2011 -0400

A bug caused by the new launcher has been fixed in this version. This will only fix black screens before the login screen. If you get them during the loading screen, get the output by running with console and we can help you on irc.

Link to MyCraft Page: http://www.frustra.org/mycraft
Link to MyCraft Forum Topic: http://www.minecraftforum.net/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=153315
Link to MyCraft Support IRC: #mycraft on irc.strictfp.com

Another MyCraft bug fix!

16 Feb 2011 -0400

This bug fix is slightly bigger than the last.
It includes a fix for the weird triangles with the Optimine mod, and the particle effects option has been fixed as well.
I've also moved the TestMod into it's own folder to demonstrate how the mods folder can be organized. It is also simpler to remove now.

Link to MyCraft Page: http://www.frustra.org/mycraft
Link to MyCraft Forum Topic: http://www.minecraftforum.net/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=153315
Link to MyCraft Support IRC: #mycraft on irc.strictfp.com

MyCraft Bug Fix

14 Feb 2011 -0400

I've made a quick bug fix to MyCraft.
The problem was that in SMP, when you type v in chat, flying would turn on.
This is now fixed.

Link to MyCraft Page: http://www.frustra.org/mycraft
Link to MyCraft Forum Topic: http://www.minecraftforum.net/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=153315
Link to MyCraft Support IRC: #mycraft on irc.strictfp.com

TetrUs multiplayer is back!

01 Feb 2011 -0400

After a so much work on MyCraft, I decided I'd better finish up TetrUs, so I went ahead and threw together a quick multiplayer fix for the lobby.
You can try it out for yourself here.
You will need to login with your frustra username and password to play multiplayer
This is still not the final release of TetrUs, so you can check back later for more!

MyCraft support IRC is up!

30 Jan 2011 -0400

Since a bunch of people have been having problems with MyCraft, I've decided to post the IRC channel so people can get support. Thanks to Tekk for letting us use his server!

IRC Channel: #mycraft on irc.strictfp.com Link to MyCraft page is here. The link to the forum topic is here: http://www.minecraftforum.net/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=153315

MyCraft is now ModLoader compatible

29 Jan 2011 -0400

Some people were having issues with MyCraft and ModLoader together, so I've uploaded a new version that fixes these issues. I've also fixed a bug where smooth lighting would not be on until the menu was opened.

You can check out the new release here.
The link to the forum topic is here: http://www.minecraftforum.net/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=153315

MyCraft Update - Smooth lighting!

29 Jan 2011 -0400

MyCraft has once again been updated with new features and bug fixes!
Smooth lighting has been added, and can be toggled in the mods menu.

You can check out the new release here.
The link to the forum topic is here: http://www.minecraftforum.net/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=153315

MyCraft released on Minecraft Forums!

24 Jan 2011 -0400

MyCraft has just been released on the minecraft forums along with some new features.

Flying mod has been added, along with a ton of documentation that has been written up for the API.
You can check out the new release here.
The link to the forum topic is here: http://www.minecraftforum.net/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=153315

MyCraft Tool Mods and Render Options

22 Jan 2011 -0400

After a lot more work, basic tool items have been implemented. In the next release, which will likely come tomorrow, the test mod will contain the "Blood Pickaxe", which can break any block instantly, and kill any mob instantly. This is just an example to show the capabilities of the API, and will be changed later to a more realistic item.

Also part of this next release will be some rendering options for super-low detail (no particle effects) and super-high detail (fancy lighting), possibly even more.

The first full release of this is coming soon!

Progress update on MyCraft (Previously Minecraft Proxy)

19 Jan 2011 -0400

This has been a somewhat delayed development log entry for this project, but you'll be glad to know a ton of things have happened.

To start, we have renamed the Minecraft proxy to MyCraft. Under this new name we have decided to turn the proxy tool into a full plugin/mod utility for Minecraft.
It will be be very easy to install plugins, and they will not be affected by most Minecraft updates.
From a modder's perspective, it will be much easier to create mods because of the extensive API, with which even non-programmers will be able to create mods.

MyCraft is a very big project, and is only about 25% complete, so it will not be available for download for a while. We are currently working on building up the API. I have uploaded some screenshots of the modified menu, although this will probably be changed.

Menu update for MyCraft!

19 Jan 2011 -0400

We have just pulled together a release for MyCraft!
The new version still includes the same minecraft proxy, but it now has some added functionality.

The biggest thing is the new menu in which all the mods will be shown, and options can be changed. This menu has scrolling, unlike the texture packs menu!

To download the new version visit the MyCraft page.
There are instructions on how to enable the proxy, as well as a link to the old version.

TetrUs Android Port Started!

27 Dec 2010 -0400

I've started working on an Android version of TetrUs, which is still in early alpha (got my new phone!). Its coming along faster than expected, and in a few days it'll be at the same state as the desktop version.

This will mean that you can play TetrUs from your phone with computer players as well as other players on their phones! Great success!

Thats all for now.

TetrUs Lobby Progress!

20 Dec 2010 -0400

A ton of progress has been made on TetrUs.
Our server has been redone and there is now a multiplayer lobby.
The lobby currently includes a fully working chat with color coded ranks and a player list.
The currently uploaded version is down, so you will need to wait until the lobby is finished to play.

Minecraft Proxy - Now with Multiplayer!

18 Dec 2010 -0400

An update to the minecraft proxy has been uploaded which allows users to play on multiplayer servers. As long as the server itself isn't blocked, you will be able to play. Proxying of player skins is also one of the features added.

Check out the page here to download it and find out more.

TetrUs Update

17 Dec 2010 -0400

A brand new logo for TetrUs has been created and uploaded.
Game mode selection is now possible, with fully working single-player, and multi-player which will soon cause you to join the multi-player lobby, where you can select which multi-player mode you want to use.

An update will be uploaded soon.

New Content Added

15 Dec 2010 -0400

A couple new things have been uploaded.

Our Minecraft Alpha/Beta proxy is now up for download. On the projects page, a screenshot utility and C Pong, which is a full screen pong game, are also up.

A new project that will be started after TetrUs is finished is a virtual whiteboard program that enables multiple users to share their ideas and development notes over the web (No longer happening).

Dev Log Started!

14 Dec 2010 -0400

Soon we will be filling this log with progress reports of programs we make.

A simple beta of TetrUs has been posted, and Uber Sand has been released.
Some more old completed projects will be posted along with Uber Sand such as C Pong.

Progress on TetrUs is going well and scoring and a lobby should be done soon.

TetrUs Server Progress

14 Dec 2010 -0400

The TetrUs server is almost complete, it supports multiple games happening at the same time, but if there are more than 2 users connecting right now, it will fail. This should be fixed soon.

The TetrUs client now shows a "Waiting for players..." message instead of just "Connecting..." and has the socket connection has been improved.