[April Fools] Keeping module size down

[Snoteye]

As you can well imagine the EfU:A module has grown rather big over time (more than 150MB!). This isn't currently causing us any trouble but I would like that we could keep down the size nevertheless -- it makes it easier to update the module, faster to reset, and generally increases performance. I've been asking around a little and I've discovered that many people often play without music, or while listening to external music. It struck me that a way to keep down the size is to remove all placeable sounds (we can't remove music, that's hardcoded). Of course we wouldn't just do this so I'm asking here to see if anybody has strong objections to this.

Likewise, we're very open to other suggestions for keeping down module size.

[Edit]
Placeable sounds are usually ambience, like rat squeaks, grunts, far off moaning, etc. They are meant to set a mood. They are very prevalent in QAs and very NPC active areas.

Also, constructive arguments either way, plz.

[AntoninD'Erlon]

I would rather they stay as they add a lot of flavor.

[Semli]

I don't believe the sounds are really adding much to my immersion anyhow (same old NwN noise I've heard for hours and hours). Maybe I'd think differently after they're gone, but I don't really think I will.

Might be more worthwhile to keep and expand if there was a sound override or something, but the music one I downloaded doesn't seem to work anyhow so I'm not pressing the issue.

[9lives]

I listen to my own music when I play, so it makes no diff to me.

[Paha]

Does this mean like losing the casting sounds, chanting what not?

Or just the ambient groans and moans like in the docks?

I would be fine with losing the latter, as long as the music that Mort made the pack for stays.

[Caddies]

Awful idea.

[Snoteye]

Does this mean like losing the casting sounds, chanting what not?

AFAIK, these are all mostly hardcoded. It's primarily things like zombie moaning.

Awful idea.

Please see "constructive."

[Paha]

Well, I believe we could go with the "try" first. It might not be bad idea to see what people think about trying it for a reset or two and see how it seems?

[Snoteye]

We're talking about a lot of work, though. We are not going to spend that much time on it without a better sense of whether players would (dis)like it.

[Divine Intervention]

If it means more cool new areas instead of a zombie moaning occasionally it's well worth it.

[Paha]

We're talking about a lot of work, though. We are not going to spend that much time on it without a better sense of whether players would (dis)like it.

Sorry. I naturally had some silly idea of just removing some file from here or there, but it wouldn't of course be that easy.

In the end, I am still favoring the more improved mod, rather than zombies and such moaning once in a while or monsters groaning.

[AntoninD'Erlon]

I'm pretty sure the extra 5-10 seconds after a reset doesn't really matter. Correct me if I'm wrong but I'm guessing the main reason here is to slightly increase the speed at which the module is uploaded as each builder exchanges and works on it? Also, how much of a decrease in size would this even amount to?

As for other ideas - I suppose trimming the amount of resources  (placeables, NPCs, items) would help a lot. I believe there is even a 'cap' on the amount you can have in a module and as you near it / pass it you'll start having problems.

Complete removal of old redesigned areas that likely still sit in module would be another option.

The last thing I can think of would be to totally remove the Underdark from this module and move it to a second that can be hosted independently. The areas are so seldom used and it's almost certain that you'll have / need a DM to go there anyway.

[DangerousDan]

If you were trying to downsize the module, I'd put some effort into sorting out Underdark bugs/making the areas less PW-y and more campaign friendly.

I will still play with placable music.

[Disco]

Is this some sort of aprils fool? Worst idea EVER.

[TheImpossibleDream]

I really like ambient sound. Key thing to factor in is your own words: "This isn't currently causing us any trouble"