Ok this one seems a bit strange but... I need to ask...

Our site runs three seperate servers: 1 web server, 1 for TWGS, and the third is our second TWGS.

I received two messages today. One from a returning player asking why he had to wait 5 days when he was running a ZTM and it timed out on him. He felt that if this was a rule, he would file a complaint. I was shocked to hear this, and responded to him it was not a rule and to just relog in. A second player posted a message on the forum that he logged in, was told the game had not seen him for 5 days, then noticed his 2 planets were at 13 days instead of 8 days until complete. So I looked into it, and discovered in my TWGS log:

The date and time jumped 5 days forward at approx 0200 PST. Our 3 servers use a time synch program and for some reason the machines suddenly synchronized to this new time. Then it was synchronized back when they failed to connect to the time server #1.

The two player accounts also said not allowed on for 5 days. So, I fixed that, fixed the other player's planet cit times, and now I am wondering: Is this how the TWGS handles a jump in time like that? Two players were online and suddenly timed out on their end. Thought I'd share that to other sysops in case they do a similar thing.

Yes, that is part of the issue, if the date/time of an active TWGS is forwarded and then set backward, the games data will advance and the players will be instantly timed out and will not be able to log in until that forwarded date/time has been reached, though you can manually fix this via the editors. As far as why this occurred on it’s own though, I have no idea. Either a program glitch of some type, or somebody accessed the date/time calendar on you're OS and then fast-forwarded it by accident and then changed it back correctly afterward, or possibily even the IT's on your website's server were messing with the mainframe settings, I would imagine.

quote:Originally posted by RexxCrow

Yes, that is part of the issue, if the date/time of an active TWGS is forwarded and then set backward, the games data will advance and the players will be instantly timed out and will not be able to log in until that forwarded date/time has been reached, though you can manually fix this via the editors. As far as why this occurred on it’s own though, I have no idea. Either a program glitch of some type, or somebody accessed the date/time calendar on you're OS and then fast-forwarded it by accident and then changed it back correctly afterward, or possibily even the IT's on your website's server were messing with the mainframe settings, I would imagine.


Well it seems that all three of my servers were synched to the same time server, and that time server had the issue. But in any event it's all fixed now. I was more curious as to why game accounts were affected, but you have provided an answer for me.

Thank you kindly.

I run World Time , and it can reset time to the system , and best to turn TWGS off when sync'n or before turning it on.

The system time is critical for game sync , causing currupt data at times.

Also you will notice players may not see others because of someone
in another time sync .. to avoid this stop TWGS and you should be fine with that issue.

Next would be correctable with Tedit
(server running when daylite savings kicks in)
the fix is Tedit option B - change game time.

Was something added to TWGS a few releases back.

Hope this helps

quote:Originally posted by Vid Kid


I run World Time , and it can reset time to the system , and best to turn TWGS off when sync'n or before turning it on.

The system time is critical for game sync , causing currupt data at times.

Also you will notice players may not see others because of someone
in another time sync .. to avoid this stop TWGS and you should be fine with that issue.

Next would be correctable with Tedit
(server running when daylite savings kicks in)
the fix is Tedit option B - change game time.

Was something added to TWGS a few releases back.

Hope this helps



Yes, thanks Vid. A lesson learned. I was using the sync because of the website/TWGS/TWGS ScoreKeeper transferring info back and forth. But I'll turn it off now and avoid this for future. Thanks for the insight. Appreciate the input.

fyi - 5 hours = 5 timezones from GMT to EST

EDIT : LOL 5 hours, 5 days, potatoe, potato