» Frequently asked questions

Q: What are the basic requirements for using OpenSpace?

OpenSpace is written in ActionScript 3, so it requires the Flash Player 9 or 10 and any authoring tool supporting such language. For example: Adobe Flash CS3/CS4, Flex Builder 2/3, Flash Develop, etc.

On the server side OpenSpace is fully integrated with SmartFoxServer, which is also required for developing and testing with the engine. No server side code is needed to use OpenSpace.

If you don't have SmartFoxServer installed locally you can immediately get started by downloading it from here.

Q: Is Flash 8 supported?

No, OpenSpace targets the Flash Player 9 (or higher), which is not supported by Flash 8.

Q: How many avatars can be displayed on each map?

It depends on various factors such as the tile size, the avatar size and its "rendering complexity". For example, an avatar made of many animated vector-graphics elements, would probably require more Flash Player resources than a simpler avatar made up of a few bitmap parts.
For this reason you should run a few preliminary tests to make sure that many avatars on screen (say 20-30) don't hog the client CPU.

Additionally there are considerations to be done for the server side part. If you plan to use public messages you should be aware that each message sent by a user is broadcasted to all other users in the same room. This can generate quite a lot of network traffic in large rooms (100+ users). An optimal room size value is between 2 to 50 players when using public messages.

Q: Is it possible to detect collisions between avatars in OpenSpace?

No, collision detection between avatars is not supported for a number of reasons.

• In order to optimize performance, the pathfinding nodes are pre-calculated during the runtime creation of the each map. Keeping track of each avatar movement would involve realtime path calculation on every avatar step. This could take up too much client resources, especially with very large maps and with many avatars.
  
  
• There could be cases in which an avatar could not be able to move at all. Imagine a tiny room with a lot of people in it. This would render the application unusable or at least very annoying to interact with.
  
  
• Detecting collision could block interactive tiles (exit points, triggers, etc.) that anyone should be able to use. Imagine an avatar standing on a trigger tile. The other players won't be able to use it until the avatar moves away.
  

Q: Is it better to use vector-based graphics or bitmaps for avatars?

It is quite difficult to answer this question. Both ways have pro and cons.
Using bitmap graphics has less impact on the overall application performance, but the swf size can increase dramatically, especially if you have a lot of avatar customizations and animations.

Vector graphics are the opposite: smaller file size, but heavier impact on performance, especially when you have a lot of avatars in the viewport.
A good compromise could be a mix of the two: use vector graphics, but when the avatar is rendered for the first time, convert each animation frame in a bitmap image.

Check the following link for further details.

Q: Is it possible to edit the OpenSpace maps at runtime?

Not yet. It will be possible to edit maps at runtime starting from the next major release of OpenSpace. This will allow to provide users with a powerful systems for customizing their own environments. For example they will be able to add and remove furniture and decorations from their apartment, customize their place from a catalogue of available items etc.

Q: Is there a demo version that can be evaluated?

Yes, simply follow this link.

Q: Are there any real-world examples of OpenSpace?

Yes, OpenSpace is already successfully used in various big-sized projects all over the world. Check our showcase for more details.

Q: How is OpenSpace licensed?

OpenSpace is licensed on a "per-seat" basis. Check the Try | Buy page for additional informations.

Q: What is the price of an OpenSpace license?

Check the SmartFoxServer online shop, where OpenSpace can be purchased.

Q: Can I use OpenSpace with another socket server?

No, OpenSpace was specifically designed and integrated with SmartFoxServer.

Q: I have more questions about OpenSpace. Where can I learn more?

Feel free to contact us for any other questions. You may also check our support forum.