Poll: Do you play AC in software mode?

[Ibn]

For purposes of future planning -- and we're not necessarily talking about the expansion pack here -- we're curious as to how many of you are still playing the game using software mode. Please answer yes or no to the question below.

If you only play in software mode some of the time, please go ahead and answer yes. If you play the game on multiple PCs and on one of them you play in software mode, please answer yes.

[Logan Conrad]

I guess I'm confused, what do you mean by "software mode"?

[Astral_Dominae]

Originally posted by Logan Conrad
I guess I'm confused, what do you mean by "software mode"?

by playing without 3D accel


heh, I think I did that last in beta with a 166mhz + matrox millenium :D




most laptops rely on it tho as their producers usually put really bad 3D-chips on that arent supported (like S3)

[Deathspawner]

Nope, never.

[Logan Conrad]

Thanks!

[Nicholette]

Never. :)

[Gafoon]

Until Dell updated the Radeon drivers for my laptop last month, yes.

My wife still plays in software mode on her P2-120 machine when she's muling, but that's rare, and if software mode were to disappear we'd be ok with it.

[Heideggar]

No

[Alex deChaz]

No.

[SegZavier]

Had to check my settings, 3D accel is enabled, but I think I played in software mode while playing on the laptop, and I think my wifes laptop also plays in software mode. Though she also has a desktop.

[Swad]

No

[Delight]

3 differant computers all of them a big fat NO :D

[Drakelatecomer]

No, I no longer run in software mode.

[Spacelord]

Software mode should be removed or go unsupported in the future..less work for devs. There shouldnt be any time wasted for the 1-5% of players using stone age computers/video cards.

[Shadow Mouse]

No.

[Merubin]

Yes, rarely.

Old computer next to me & a laptop I hook up when I want to play multiple accounts without dual logging. Wouldn't mind not being able to do that though as I have access to a newer laptop most of the time if I need it.

[EshuunDara]

no... on 4 computers.

[lnpete]

also 3 computers and NO for all.

[Cuttler]

I have 3d acceleration enabled, what ever the heck that means.

[Admon Faye]

2 Computers, both with 3D Acceleration

[Eric the Grey]

If I'm not mistaking, running in windowed mode (like for dual-logging) you're running in software mode.


:cool: Eric the Grey

[Shadowed Ending]

Last time I used windowed mode (When it worked last) I had 3d accel. working..

[Digero]

You are mistaken Eric. Windowed mode can't use double buffering, but it still uses hardware acceleration. Software mode looks significantly worse than hardware mode =)

[el_slacko]

Nope, I use 3d accel, software mode looks so bad =/

[Blackhawk]

Nope, no Software mode here. All 3 comps use hardware

[Sprawl]

Two of the Three computers in my home run AC in software mode. It is great for muling and great for logging in on my laptop when I am on the road. So double YES

Sprawl

[GKusnick]

Not since I dumped my old laptop and got a new one with hardware 3D built in.

[Grey Dragon]

No, never have...

Grey Dragon

[Jarella]

No software mode since i got this comp which was almost 2 years ago.

[Elder]

Never use software mode, can see why people would though.

Unless it causes the devs significant consternation each month, i'd say keep it for those who play AC because it can run on an old machine.

[Baelar]

When I'm not at home for a while I use my laptop so Yes I do occasionally use software mode

[Nyxus]

nope, always use Video rendering and schtuff (i think that's the correct answer...lol)

[DarthMord]

Given the system requirements for AC are 333 Mhz or faster (as per ACDM), any sort of support for low end machines like that really needs to end. Make it unsupported to run that slow.

For the record, all of our computers run AC in 3D, even our laptop and my network server (the server being the weakest machine).

[Netmage]

Most older laptops are not hardware mode compatable, this would include most processors lessor then P2-333. Even the Rage Pro supports Hardware mode, textures may not load in 4mb of memory in any higher res then 640x480 correctly tho, but can be corrected.

Hmm that Tech is about 5 years or better old isn't it. Not saying its worthless but I can't even imagine any GAME software company marketing to that computer in this day and age.. After all its mostly only good for work related issues like word excel.... However I can relate, I've been stuck in a hotel before and had access to a dial up. I used it but really the game was not as robust.

As for Desktop systems. They do sell Geforce 2 Vid cards for like 40 bux now. Most ppl would go with a Geforce 4 or better still only 60-70 bux or more depending how new. Even if your system doesn't have a AGP slot, PCI would be fine for this game. Texture memory over 8mb and Ram over 64.

Back to the point of what I think your question really is.

How would it affect the users if you dropped software mode?

I think I would live thru it. I rarely use that old laptop anymore even for word... lol

On the other side of the coin What Advantages does Turbine gain by making this change. For that fact do the users get a bone for the loss? Better grafix? Less time supporting that mode, which you can then direct that time spent on more important issues such as Existing bugs, trade window fixes, and more content?


No I rarely use it

[Bivitar]

There is a careful balance between backward compatibility and future expansion.

For AC to compete with current games and more importantly, attract new players, there should be an update to the system requirements.

The majority of players update their computer hardware when the games they play no longer run on them. If people are still playing AC on the same box they had in beta, they need to splurge a little on themselves and upgrade. :)

Since we’re on the subject of 3D, many laptops have problems displaying graphics with serious problems with items from the Gaerlan quest (robes, reward swords, etc). They show as a black square, robes are contorted when worn, and they are invisible when hooked. This is most probably a driver issue, but many laptop manufactures don’t update their drivers as frequently as desktop cards and since the graphics chip is different, one can’t upgrade with the reference drivers from the chip makers site (one can, but has to use a hacked file that doesn’t always work right).

With the price of laptops in the last year, most have adequate 3D chipsets to run AC in 3D mode, and many college students and mobile people are now going laptop only so it might be turbines interest to ensure their software works with the laptop chipsets (without using 3dtweak, single buffers, and/or hacked windowed mode).

Thanks for asking for our views on the subject.

[Kasar]

2 comps never used software mode

[SolZer]

No Way! I also refrain from starting fires by rubbing two sticks together. :P

[TPMN]

No on 4 different computers.

[CVeRiTy]

NO!

I tried it once, and after rubbing my eyes for 5 minutes, I vowed to never, ever, ever do that again.

[Mildly amused]

Software mode. Got sticky mouse cursor with gforce drivers 40.xx and higher.

[me swat]

Every patch I run software mode for about 5 minutes.

I run software mode so I can see and edit the firewall alert boxes that pop up telling me the clients have changed.

Without this I have to reconfigure my firewall manually every patch (both the ms zone and asheron's call clients).

[Mageling]

The only time I've ever played in software mode was when AC and the drivers I was using didn't get along.
I'll never willingly use software mode.

Darthmord where does the line get drawn on what's 'low-end'? In many way the system I am using atm could be called lowend.

[Televangelist]

No. The fact that you run a game that does not require a 3D card is quaint, but it's time for it to change.

[MimsterofMT]

No

Mimster

[faefrost]

I still use software mode when playing using my Laptop. Mostly when traveling. Sadly not many laptops offer true 3d yet. (or at least not the ones that most businesses use).

That said, I don't think I would lament the loss of software mode too much. These days all I really do while using it is chat and socialize with friends. Any actual hunting is too laggy and incomprehensible on the screen.

[vellus]

yes I use software mode. I have to find some XP drivers for my Voodoo 2 card, creative labs graphics blaster, if anybody knows where I can get a copy. Asked Creative labs and they said they no longer make the card so they have no official drivers for XP...

[Beast]

No, Never even used it Not even in Beta.

[screamin echo]

nope

[Mark-Wheen]

I used to before I got a new computer.

[Gouru]

I don't, my wife doesn't, my two daughters don't, my brother doesn't, different machines for all of them. Does that count as 5 votes? None of them ever visit the boards.

[Reeve Sparticus]

I sometimes log in with an older laptop that can only use software mode. I don't consider software mode very playable BTW. I just use it to mule stuff, organize my chests, chat with people, hang out waiting to complete a trade, etc.

[Myschyf]

My "no" was for two computers :p

Mys ;)

[Romen]

No.

I did use Software mode in beta for a bit because my old Voodoo Banshee (Diamond Monster Fussion) didn't agree with AC in Hardware mode, just after they changed the textures and sizes. Though, i did find some 3DFX drivers which made AC work in hardware mode again (THANK GOODNESS) and have never returned to Software mode :) Shortly after beta's end, i got a GeForce 2 anyways, which was more than enough to play AC :)

[Lordnosfer]

I used to the few times that I needed to run on my laptop if my desktop was having problems, but with 2 desktops now I dont need to anymore. Maybe make dual logging/windowed mode supported in the expansion, this would reduce the need of using a second computer to mule for those who are uncomfortable with using a third party program.

[Puddy Tat]

Nope

[sharpy-sc]

yes

[Qlus]

Haven't used software mode since my graphics card died a few years back and I plugged in a s3 virge DX in desperation.


For the guy with the voodoo 2 card, creative usually stuck to the reference design for the voodoo2s so the following driver
should work.



http://members.driverguide.com/driver/detail.php?driverid=76410

and err don't try playing in 32bit graphics, and err dont use in SLI mode or any resolution higher than 800/600.

[armed2010]

If I even attempted to do so, my Radeon 9800 Pro would strangle me to death. If you guys are considering upping the graphics, BY ALL MEANS PLEASE DO!!!!

[TheKnight]

Never used Software mode in over 3+years of playing and I never will. I used it a few times when I had video card problems/driver issues and I can say that it look horrid and can't imagine anyone actually playing like that. *shudder* :eek:

Regards

[Jet-eye-nite]

3 machines/accounts = no way software mode :eek:

[Darklord_Famine]

PC 1 - No
PC 2 - No
PC 3 - No
PC 4 - No
Laptop 1 - No

Software = BAD!
Hardware = GOOD!

Besides software = no Decal = VERY BAD

[MaxV_FF]

I think the only time I use software mode is when I can't get my graphics drivers to work. At this point, 3D video cards that are just powerful enough to run AC are so cheap, that I don't see why everyone cannot run acceleration. I think most video cards you can buy now (even just the VGA ones) support some form of 3D accel or another.

So on my 5... yes 5... computers I have, all of them have 3D accel.

-MaxV

[Dendin]

Nope

[Cysco_TD]

No

[blademage]

No, I play in Hardware too. For a desktop system a graphics card capable of 3d acceleration isn'T more expensive than a month of playing AC, and if the loss of softwaremode maybe comes with better graphics, it would be really a great deal!

[Daez]

3d on all four for me ;)

[Tivvum]

That would be a no for me

[Flandango]

On my 3 P4 machines = Hardware only
On my Commodore 64 = Software

[Norbert Beaver]

2 computers both

No!

[otto mo beale]

Yep.

[Drixx]

Originally posted by Drakelatecomer
No, I no longer run in software mode.

looks like it's up at 13% with the sample size being well larger than the required minimum to run stastistical analysis.

[necroswine]

I do not run software mode.

P4 2.66ghz
1 gig DDR RAM
RADEON 9700 Pro

[AvatarCoda]

Not for about 3 years now. I remember the first time I turned on 3d accel, I stood in front of a waterfall somewhere just watching for about 5 mins. My condolances to anyone in software mode.

[Seng]

After prices went up, I dropped my mule account. I >used< to run it on an old IBM Thinkpad in software mode, but no need to now.

[ForbinKid]

No. Been software free for 3 years and will never go back.

[immortalbob]

no

[baybear57]

On my desktop computer, no.

On my laptop, yes. But I only use my laptop for my mule account, so it's not a big issue for me.

[Mistikal]

Nope!

[Snow Angel]

No, not any more.

(Yes up until over a year ago. And I still use it to debug when I crash. But I can live without it for sure, if you are planning to remove it at some point.)

[gaandar]

The only time I run software mode is when I need to use my laptop. It suffers from the BLACK 3d area bug and the only way to see anything is using software mode.

I rarely use this and would not mind loosing it.

[Bob Down]

Originally posted by Spacelord
There shouldnt be any time wasted for the 1-5% of players using stone age computers/video cards.

Just goes to prove that those who frequently flood the boards with their erroneous opinions aren't right more often than not. Now if we can just convince the devs that not everyone is in need of more lvl 100+ quests that require an army.... sorry but it's another common misconception about the average player's abilities.

FWIW I frequently use software mode ti run up all sorts of things. Sometimes a friend needs to login on an older laptop via my wireless AP, sometimes I need to run a buffbot for a friendly monarchy. Point is, the game supports it and there's no decent reason to remove that. Build on it yes, but that's different.

[Talauren]

No.

For the six computers in my household.

[Skarfac]

Nope software mode sucks, cheap graphic and stuff. We are in an age of GFOrce FX now not GFORce 2.

[Nort]

Never play in software mode. ever.

[Turumbar]

The only time I've been in software mode was because I swithced video cards and it somehow defaulted to that until I reselected 3d mode.

[Woodlock]

No on 2 computers.

[Amuk]

I have 2 computers...an AMD K6-2 400 and Pent2 400, and 1 laptop, Pent2 400 as well.

All run 3d mode.

[Zenaph]

There must be some people here with REALLY old computers considering as of this minute, 27 have voted "yes". My goodness.

[Karem Darsun]

think the only time i ever used this was when my old motherboard was dying.

So now, big No

[cstanleytech]

I never played in software mode except once when AC kept crashing which I fixed by reinstalling AC.

[Falconoffury]

yes, on an old comp

[Markus]

Never used software mode, and still play AC.

[Dushman]

I run AC on a P-100 with 32 megs of ram.

The buff bot runs close to 24/7 as possible free of charge to my allegiance.

It would be a shame if I had to discontinue him as a bot because you decided to no longer support software mode.

I don't think I'll go purchase a 500 dollar machine to run a free bot ;)



My other machine handles AC just fine in 3D mode :)

[Spiritoak]

No software mode

[yakisoba_noodle]

Nope. Used to, on older machines, but no more. Good video cards for newer games eliminated the need to run AC in SW mode.
--Yak

[UA Klutz]

Not anymore. I had to run in that mode when I upgraded to Direct X 6.0 AC would not run in 3D acel, some sort of conflict with my graphics card(Nvidia), Direct X and AC. Several upgrades of drivers, newer version of Direct X later I am uop and running again.

[Rick9719]

I don't play in software mode. BUT if you could just come out with a version of AC for my pocket pc....hmmm.

Hey if Everquest can have a pocket pc version, AC can.

-Rick

[Sun Wu]

I have done it a handful of times in four years. Never on my main computer. Always temporarily, for muling between accounts.

I must say it looks kindof neato, but I never endured it for long.

[alanoth]

no

[belgareth]

nope

[Savil_WE]

3 computers --> NO

[therkyn]

None of my laptops have 3d accelleration. So, when I'm on the road, I'm on 2d. When I play my two accounts so I can pass stuff off, I'm playing 1 3d, 1 2d.

In general, I would still like to play 2D, although I would certainly accept not being able to access NEW content in 2D (e.g. a new island).

-t

[Naltibus]

Like most respondents I have an older laptop without 3D capabilities. It would not be the end of the world if software mode were no longer supported. I like the idea of a PocketPC version though, I carry mine around with me a lot more than my laptop these days.

[Nightstarr SC]

No

[mjayg]

I used to play in software mode but upgraded video cards (not expensive to do so) and I don't any more. Only time I ever use it is if playing on my laptop when I travel which is rare and its 5 years old. I don't care if we have a software mode in the graphics upgrade, in fact, I'd rather have more of an improvement to graphics than a software mode.

[Enubis_hg]

Edit: No i don't.

[stag]

yes

[MIdnightFire7]

No i dont, but is good for those with older computers and some laptops.

[javagurl]

No

[emu]

As of 2 weeks ago.......no.

[Rhinehold_LC]

no

[TSK-AoW]

No

[Aeroflinn]

:D 2 Computers ----> NO

[Janusz]

ya

[TRuthSeer]

No, but not never....... A couple of times since beta patches have come out that 'tweaked' the 3d of the game and the only way to play was by playing in softwaremode until those patches were fixed..... but in the course of these past years that has been so infrequent (a couple of times in years) amounts to if software mode is gone it will not be missed.

[Zydorea]

imho software mode cant be beat for raw speed and combat. i play in 3d mode too, but i always wind up turning off 3d when some monster just happens to run a bit too fast for me.

;)

[Shadowed_Wolf]

No I think I don't anyway. I use the 3 d mode:D

[Aiko II]

Never

[particle_ac]

What bothers me, is a great many people, I'd argue most, who say they use software mode and feel it would be a shame if it were lost either don't understand what was meant by the question (never vote if you don't understand, on anything, please), or haven't researched their answer.

It won't cost you hundreds of dollars to actually support hardware mode. For a desktop, to get a graphics card capable of running AC, we're talking $25-40 new, $10-20 used, or better yet, dig through the neighbor kid's trash, you're bound to find one eventually; and its a snap to install, open the box, pop it in, close the box, tada. The point of the matter is, and I kid you not on this one, if you cannot afford to get a better graphics card, noting the numbers above, perhaps you shouldn't be playing AC. (kids, if mommy & daddy won't buy you one, get a paper route)

As for laptop users, if you had the money for a laptop, even used, it is safe to say you had the money for a desktop, now if gaming was of importance for you, perhaps you should have considered it beforehand. I mean seriously, if you've gone laptop-only, you've asked for it, laptops aren't intended for gaming. (Though I will note, the Presario 2100, which is a low-end laptop, we're talking $700, runs AC & Decal perfectly.)

This is the one "issue" which absolutely bothers the living daylights out of me every single time there is the slightest hint of it. Asheron's Call, the game and community, CANNOT be HELD BACK, because Cleetus and his buddy want to play AC on a desktop made a DECADE ago.

I'm sorry folks, perhaps you forgot this is a "massively multiplayer online role playing game", so there are quite a few more folks than you in this, and this is a game of constant change, you knew this before you played, did anyone really think that somehow this didn't mean the specs too? Was anyone that naive?

*sigh*

Sorry, I have a tendency to ramble a bit on this subject, and I hope I didn't offend anyone (I never mean to). I'm sure there is little doubt where I stand on this issue. And I'll admit, its an opinion, but at the very least, please, look at the facts presented.

Anywho, yeah, umm, the question itself, my answer is of course "no" / never again.

[Gossie]

How do I check to see what mode I'm running in?

[redjade]

LOL omg are we serious.... Software mode is like for people who are still in the stoneage using their little 8088 computers.

HELL NO!

Never have, never will....and if for some reason I was FORced too ( by knife and torture) I would just throw the computer out the window, burn it and then buy another one from dell on a "$50 a month plan".

[hobbittx]

Yes, I have 5 computers, 2 of which are 350's(one p-2 and one AMD K6-2), so 2 computers play in 2D, mostly for monitoring a 2nd account open, but 3D is just too much for my processor to keep up with.

And whenever there's an update, i revert to 2D on all machines, because my Zonealarm permission screen for Client.exe can't seem to break through the blue coils screen in 3D.

This has only been happening since the speed-hack implementation though, and I only have nVidia cards.

Disraeli on MT

[ApolloAce]

No.

I own 5 computers, 3 desktops and 2 laptops.

Even the oldest of my desktops (5 years old) does not need software mode.

Of course there are times, on that machine, when software mode is preferable. Of course, at the time of purchase I was a gamer and with that in mind it was bought with the idea of upgrading in the area of gaming.

The desktops and laptops I have bought since that time, were bought with the future in mind.

Of course, we do have to keep in mind that not everyone is capable of simply going out and purchasing upgradable parts.

There are some playing on borrowed machines or simply do not have the budget to upgrade.

There may be some that struggle just to pay the monthly subscription or in some cases or as I said use a borrowed machine (a child using his/hers parents machine to play).

[Ashikaga]

I only ever use software mode from my server.

But, I could easily live without, if it meant better play on my other machines.

[Hentaya]

5 machines here say YES to software mode. Whenever I can get along without the Decal GUI.

I'd love a text mode, too. Perhaps just a nice way to interface a MUSH server to an AC server...ah well, I'm still working on that.

I also run all my graphics in 1/8th mode and windowed, so I can multi up to 4 windows at a time with a 32 meg video card. Just upgraded recently to a PCI 256 meg card, but I haven't been able to activate enough accounts at the same time to see if I can run 8 or 12 windows at once. :) Soon though.

I dislike graphics. AC is the most 'advanced' graphical game that I play. Other games don't play well with my system (K6/2 550, 384 meg of ram, and the aforementioned PCI 256 Meg FX 5200 card) and I don't plan on upgrading it any more, any time soon. AC has moved the RAM up from 128 meg and the video card up from on-board to 32 meg Radeon 7200 to this new one.

If AC pushes beyond the limits of my system, then it's time to save my monthly fees and start programming in Aurora and get into NWN properly. Threat? No, just me, planning for the future. I'd LOVE to get the clients working with a text-based place, or get a server running that lets the client or a text-based client connect, but that's probably too much trouble to worry about.

[Hellbound]

No, never!

[Gorguss]

No, never have and never will.

[Nugatory]

please save your efforts to the 3d side of the house please..I'm curious..I saw all your fancy ads to say how well you guys did on the ac2 engine..how groundbreaking it was...i can't remember from beta..since i didn't purchase it...but was there an option for software mode? Going on 3 years with u guys...but the eye candy is out of sugar for ac1...HELP!!!!!!!!!

[Belgarath]

Nope...haven't used software mode since EARLY beta :cool:

[D X Mage]

I have it run in software mode on a really old laptop of mine so that I can run a bot off of it. Otherwise no.

[Hell_Maker_HG]

No. I havent since my 166mhz during the first year of AC. (Of which I killed the nexus on :p )

A family member of mine runs his on a 333mhz with 16 meg onboard and AC runs just fine. I hope were not planning content around those who refuse to update to a system that was current in at least 1998. Anything from that point out shouldent have much issues running in 3D Accel, unless they bought it from Bobs Bargain Refurbished Basement! :O

[Lionhart]

did play like when i first got my comp for 132$. then my sis gave me a good Nvidia card

[wookie270]

Yes, but only under 1 of 2 circumstances

Normally, never

1. When I run my bot on my laptop I run it in software mode

2. T1 connection sucks sometimes. When I hunt places with alot of mobs I run it in this mode, NO LAG whatsoever.

Other than that, or about 95% of the time I run it in full mode.

[Frieze]

Never! :)

[Merrilille]

no

[RobRoy]

nope nae never ever ever

[Gunhoe]

I like most people would agree with me that AC is long overdue for a graphics update.

-- I just quit playing lineage 2 after 2 months and I am back with AC. Proves graphics aren't everything! L2 has ZERO content and is a chore to play rather than fun.

[evolutionoccurs]

no

[Korrigan]

No. And I may add that I never played AC in software mode, always had a 3D accelerator card.

[Bloodbath]

No

[Uoe]

No.

[Acrqon]

No

[Protes]

Nope, I never play AC in software mode

[Dutton]

No, not using software mode.

[Master Chief]

big
fat
NO
people you need to get a new computer if you cannot run AC in hardware mode. its not that expenisve for ram and videocards nowadays (32megs of laptop ram was 50bux at best buy, 64meg graphix card 30 bux)

[Dom on TD]

no

[Bester]

No for main computer, Yes for g/f's laptop as 3d gets unstable after 30 mins

[smegit]

3 different machines no on all including the laptop.

[Rakulp]

Greetings,

Bought the Voodoo3 video card specifically for the 3D on AC...and, if necessary, will buy another video card for the future of AC if Voodoo3 is no longer supported.

Committed to following this game either to it's grave or mine! :)

[B. Blood]

never do

[SirSargo]

Originally posted by Ibn
Please answer yes or no to the question below.

If you only play in software mode some of the time, please go ahead and answer yes. If you play the game on multiple PCs and on one of them you play in software mode, please answer yes.

I have! an on 4 different types of computers & Video cards....

In the first months on my first computer I Played AC I turned off 3D because it helped handle the lag in game alot.

I have to turn off 3D almost ever Patch to seen ZoneAlarms request for access question to reply to it, if not the game crashes here till I do.

Range of Equipment:
266 slot 1 / Voodoo 16, 633
Celeron / AtiAllinWonder 16
Duron 1.0 /AtiAllinWonder32
Athlon 900 / Gforce 64 (purchase this one for AC2 beta)
Pentium 2.8 Hyper/Ati Pro9600 256
[I still have these units except for the AtiAllinWonder32 (Daughter) has it now.:rolleyes:

[stampy_jr]

Nope never have.

Even my old laptop a few years ago could run it in 3D mode. I don't think any laptop bought in the last couple years couldn't handle AC with 3D acceleration...

It doesn't really require a top-end card. Heck it barely requires any 3D acceleration at all to play this game in 3D.

If cutting software support will let you improve the game engine, then by all means, please do it. I know that AC was originally built for software rendering, and that 3D acceleration was added in around release. As I understand it that was to blame for all of the Z-order issues that the game has to this day.


When Dark Majesty was released, was it not said that 3D acceleration (of even the lowest level) was required?

[Zhen_Ebonfire]

Yes, I ran one of my bot's in software mode for quite awhile... until I upgraded the machine recently.

[Ryu_Masamune]

the only PC's that've been sold in the fast few years that would force a player to play AC in software mode would be those who bought PC's with an Intel on-board chipset graphics controller.

These chipsets were designed for office and production use, not for games - much to the displeasure of the people that bought them.

Otherwise, it's hard to even buy a 32MB 3D accel, which is far more than AC currently requires these days.

[Kayla_we]

no X 5

[ZarraVandorn_HG]

Yes on 1 computer and no on 2 other's

[Akawa]

Yes.

While I have the RAM & video card to support 3D mode, I sometimes chose to go in Software mode for really laggy places. There are some very busy areas where 3D mode makes me go slower then an overburdened mule with 10 STR.

[mergli]

Yes on my very old laptop

No on my 2 desktops

[Abdula]

No, that I know of not sure how to check, but the screen in the ac window settings has 3D accel checked and shows the drivers selected for the video card I have in my machine (its not the onboard card either). So I'm assuming that is hardware mode.

[Davidge]

No.


Hardware mode only. On all 5 computers. Always.

[scrumpy_mt]

no

[Fiction_LC]

nope. make ac have breath taking graphics for people with fast computers. It will make other people want to update their systems. ;)

[Krighton]

I have to post yes, just because of those times when the video driver doesn't work right and I have to update or I'm on somebody's machine and not my own. It happens man! :D

[Harbour Lights]

Never, love my graphics too much to do that.

[Palum]

Number of old laptops that support direct x 5 that don't have 3d capabilities: 2? lol.

A 3d card basic enough to play AC1 can be acquired for 10 bucks. Definately ditch support for software for new content, but keep it as a 'safe mode' because you do have 3d problems creaping up more regularly now.

[Ecnassianer]

No.

Even my bot computer has a TNT2.



(Although I'd hate to see software mode go, I think it's one of the prettiest software modes ever to grace gaming.)

[Oz of FF]

No, thats just ........ ugly.

[Hekla]

No

[Deiwos_WE]

4 computers here, all a big fat NO :)

[Ghetteran]

no, and none of the active players in my allegiance does, thats 10 or so accounts

[Ibn]

Thanks for all your feedback!