~ News Archive ~

"RCbot" for Half-life 1

http://rcbot.bots-united.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=1011

"RCbot2" for Half-Life 2

http://filebase.bots-united.com/index.php?action=file&id=260

source code: http://filebase.bots-united.com/index.php?action=file&id=259

some nostalgia

rocket crowbar (old HL1 mod):
http://www.lglan.net/rocketcrowbar/files/rockcrowbarv19.zip

rcbot old bot:
http://rcbot.bots-united.com/downloads/bot_for_rcb/rcbot_rcb150.zip

updated old bot dll:
http://filebase.bots-united.com/index.php?action=file&id=441

comment on forum

added: bot profiles (key value pairs) in ini files in rcbot2/profiles folder
added: force bots to select a specific weapon/team/model/name/pathticks/visionticks in bot profiles
fixed: waypoint types message
fixed: replaced bug prone RANDOM_INT with engine's RandomInt (caused bots to run round the same waypoints and other unwanted stuff)
fixed: min_bots cannot be equal to or more than max_bots
fixed: bad copy & paste job causing bots mod not to be picked up therefore bots stand still and do nothing on client listen server
added: support for HL2DM Teamplay

feb16 update:
fixed: crash when players leave server



Preview Release 15th feb 32-bit windows only:

http://filebase.bots-united.com/index.php?...file&id=260

Source Release 15th feb:

http://filebase.bots-united.com/index.php?...file&id=259

v.07 rcbot_ver v2.05

support for HL2 dedicated server
added: new command 'config max_bots' and 'config min_bots'
added: new command 'users show'
added: new command 'kickbot'
added: new command 'rcbotd' for dedicated servers
fixed: GPL license message
improved bots aiming

included waypoints with preview (waypoints by MarD)

downloads:

binaries with readme & waypoints (preview)

source (with release and debug builds)

If you don't receive validation emails, read this forum post for details and how to register on the forums properly:


http://rcbot.bots-united.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=956

added: GA learning of combat upgrades for both teams
fixed: aliens not upgrading in ns combat
fixed: some GA data resetting after map change when it shouldn't
also fixed some metamod problems with bots joining the server (clientconnect and clientputinserver)


download link at the filebase - click here

I've (hopefully) improved some MvM and AvA (marine vs marine/alien vs alien) stuff in the bot for Natural Selection. Also added some variables to the config command for forcing bots onto a team in the specialists mod.

For more info go here:

http://rcbot.bots-united.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=882

I have updated the source and binaries ("preview") which you can download from the usual location at http://filebase.bots-united.com for the following changes..


fixed bug with random integer generator
bots don't chose physcannon in HL2DM
bots chose a random male/female model
bots face their attacker when shot from behind
visibles now use PVS to increase speed

rememebr the bots still can't chose their weapon they use only the current weapon they are holding, when they pick up a weapon they might use that weapon for a while until the ammo runs out.

the latest beta of the bot support NS 3.1 which is downloadable from the usual place (filebase at bots-united) links are on the files page or the filesbase at http://filebase.bots-united.com

the database has also suffered some damage, the forums should be working again now, some other pages are not working though such as the waypoints page (if you want to submit any waypoints)

I have a temporary bot fix DLL for metamod only that fixes bots not shooting in NS 3.1 here

http://rcbot.bots-united.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=796

I've since updated it to work with marines orders now.

The latest beta version of rcbot will work with NS 3.0 final, the latest 3.03 of NS release does not require any changes to the bot code.



The latest version of the bot files are at


http://filebase.bots-united.com/index.php?action=category&id=19

ok I finally fixed the waypoint page that you can go to on the left side of the screen... You can finally add your own waypoints and remove them. I've still to do waypoint comments and ratings that would be cool, I think.

Oh yeah, here's a little IRC interview http://cartmaneq.w.interia.pl/interview.txt

Yay , bots-united seems to be back up for the most-part. Some downloads are still broken (example the source download). I have a mirror link, I'll update it soon.


Forums are now back up too.

I've uploaded the latest beta files to the file server (link to the files on the files page). I now have uploaded a "full beta" version including windows rcbot files plus doucmentation and configuration files, waypoints etc.

enjoy.

Hey hey.... I am building new beta Rcbot DLL files for windows. If you haven't been checking out the forum I have a thread here for the latest files: here

I've got the bots to work with NS combat and upgrade most of the stuff (not everything yet) but enough to win games.

Some new user-friendly stuff too, like tooltips and console messages when there are errors for those who don't know how to add a bot!

Also some stuff for Svencoop, there is basic support for pushing pushable objects using pushable waypoints and grenade throwing waypoints for those tough situations in Svencoop when you need to chuck a grenade somewhere on the map.

The site has been moved to bots-united and the URL is now http://rcbot.bots-united.com

Hey hey.. I finally compiled the RCBot source into a zip with some documentation etc, basically adapted from Botman's readme! But it should help. I've also made the put the source with the vehicle plugin I had, and a new plugin which I never released called "ping kick" which kicks players with certain pings!

I've also made another release of my Winamp visualization if you are interested.
I've been real busy lately so won't be able to work on the bot for a while, and I guess I thought I should put everything together now and upload everything I've done just about hehe
I'll still be working on the bot though when I get the time!

Alright, I have released a version 1.3 this does not fully support NS 3 combat maps but it will work with Ns 3 now! Also the bot supports battlegrounds and half life deathmatch mod.

I will release another version soon with additions to the bot to work with ns combat maps with a little help from flayra!

for the megaHAL stuff I've added a pre-training file with messages I took from svencoop's irc channel when I joined once following an interesting conversation so thanks for that stuff ! You can add what you want in the pretraining file (comman_hal.trn file) so you can make the bots say stuff without needing to learn stuff first.

changes :

V 1.3
=---------=

added: support for Battlegrounds mod.
added: support for half-life deathmatch.
added: megaHAL bot chatting [thanks pierre at racc bot (racc.bots-united.com)].
added: new command "rcbot config chat_percent" and "rcbot config chat_reply_percent" (See commands text file)
added: new command "rcbot config marine_auto_build". If set to 1, an infantry portal
will automatically be built nearby the command console when a bot joins the server.
added: program does not allow clients to join if min bots has not been reached (if bots still need to join).
added: new config command reserve_bot_slots (to configure above addition).
added: ability to kick bots from certain team in natural selection in bot menu.
added: ability to make a squad through squad menu.
added: ability to return bots in squad back to formation in squad menu.
added: more lift/elevator functionality.
added: bots in svencoop search for weapons they need if they dont have weapon to kill gargantuas etc.
added: improved Aliens in NS (they check out buildings under attack etc)
added: new commands "config balance_teams" "config
fixed: fixed NS Gorges not building much.
fixed: bots using all weapons in DMC/all known bugs in DMC fixed.
fixed: crash bug in natural selection attack code.
fixed: bots now treat "func_train" entities like doors/lifts.
fixed: bots killing themselves when waiting for commander orders in NS.
fixed: bots join team in NS one at a time incase of crashing.
fixed: wait_for_orders command not working in NS.

I have done a lot of work on the Natural - Selection part of the bot for once in a while. The aliens have been improved so far. I have also fixed issues which caused Marines not to respond to orders, bots not shooting anymore and Menu's not working.
The next version will have megaHAL chat which is a chat system that learns as you talked to it, it's homepage is http://megahal.sourceforge.net and I got a cleaner version of the source kindly from PM of RACC Bot http://racc.bots-united.com.

More features are that the bot should support the Battlegrounds mod. But it is totally blind coding as I don't have the MOD anymore, the current bot also supports battleground but there is a bug which affects bots which cause them not to move, I have added code that may fix it in the next release but I will need to have confirmation from people who actually have the mod!


Another thing is that I will probably release the source fot the bot too. As I am having less time to work on it, I work on it mostly during holidays (yeah that's my life) Not much time for it other times. Also since its partly a metamod plugin it really should be open source but during that time It's not been ready for source release and there is still some stuff to do on it. ( because of the arrival of steam and new hl engine changes etc )

As sevncoop 3 is released, the new bot is to support the 3.0 release of svencoop, new maps & features. Also there are fixes and additions for other mods. Here is the list.


V 1.2
=---------=

All Mods
--------
fixed: bots going out of water better.
fixed: bots 'hearing' dead players (spectators)
fixed: bots not moving sometimes when they cant find an objective waypoint.
fixed: bot menus interfering with other metamod plugin menus
fixed: bots know what buttons to press (hopefully) for doors that use 'masters'
fixed: bots know if doors can be opened if there is an opens later waypoint through it.
fixed: bots know buttons that can open doors that use masters.
fixed: bug when bots re-joining server after map change if kicked.
fixed: bug when bots not returning to server with max bots set after clients leave game.
fixed: Waypoint visibility files reduced in size

changed: some ladder stuff

added: more performance commands (max_update_vision_revs, update_vision_time) see commands text file
added: some stuck in water code
added: bots kill self if they can't move for a while (can configure with 'bot_stuck_speed' command)
added: update_ladder_time command for configuring bots ladder behaviour
added: bots look for/attack enemies that killed team mates that they see die.
added: Squad code, player can make bots join their squad, bots can create their own squads, ability to alter formation, leave squad (as leader), remove squad, remove all squads (in case of problems)
added: classic +force_grip command from old rcbot

Sven Coop
---------
fixed: bots not using teleports very often

Natural Selection
-----------------
added: aliens won't melee attack electrified structures
added: marines don't waste ammo when attacking defense chambers and resource towers (use knife or welder)

Bumper Cars
-----------
added: bots using bombs in bumpercars
added: bots choosing random model in bumpercars
added: some better movement in bumpercars
added: bots attack grunts in hunt the grunt maps

I've made this new release (fixes below). My e-mail here wont be working for a day or two so I won't get any or be able to send anything with it.


V 1.1
=---------=
fixed : killbot command not working in metamod
fixed : bot menu kick bot option not working
fixed : crash bugs in task code
fixed : weapon selection problems (when having to reload)
fixed : problems when marines are out of ammo in NS (didnt attempt to change weapon?).
fixed : some DMC weapon problems.
fixed : aliens getting stuck trying to evolve in places where they cant.
fixed : problem with some config files not loading in linux
fixed : bots trying to use buttons too high up.
fixed : bots shooting all enemies in svencoop and not shooting all allies.
fixed : crashes in metamod when using other plugins. ("no meta return in args()" bug)
fixed : crash bugs with bot chat & bot events
fixed : bots go closer to hev/health chargers, they sometimes got stuck.
fixed : when bots visit all enemy positions they will continue to objective.
fixed : bots will only try to use armor chargers/pick up armor when they have less than 50 armor.
fixed : couldn't delete waypoints that wern't visible (e.g. through walls)
fixed : bots listening to sounds better.
fixed : gorge behaviour, should build hives & resource towers more often
fixed : bots staying in team their were added to after map change
fixed : marines properly avoiding infantry portals in NS to avoid telefrag kills.
fixed : bots shoot 'explosive only' breakables / gargantuas with RPGs or grenades,
and dont shoot them if they dont have any explosive weapons (in Svencoop)
fixed : bots should be able to shoot barnacles in svencoop
added : alien gorges & marines build objects as they see them.
added : bots take cover when reloading (in svencoop)
added : map specific configs
added : 'unreachable' waypoint types (helps bots find cover areas)

Sorry for all of these updates but I have noticed quite crucial problems in the bot, which cause heavy CPU and bots won't do anything. This is the main reason I've released this new version, there are more fixes and additions including human towering in Svencoop!

Changes:


fixed: Altered weapons config (you can also edit it) to make bots not to use
the sniper rifle too close to the enemy in SvenCoop beta 3.0.
fixed: Small bug with bot menu (couldn't exit menu)
fixed: Small bug where NS alien bots might try to drop their leap
weapon before attacking (which they cant do) causing them
not to shoot.
fixed: Bug with alien bots not when they dont have any long range weapons
fixed: fixed bot profile layout (removed [bot] from each one, not needed in this version)
and fixed repetitions of names in some profiles.
fixed: Bug in pathfinding algorithm, causing long loops.
fixed: error in linux_install text file.

added: Significant reduce in CPU Usage
added: New command "rcbot config max_path_revs" the lower the value, better CPU
performance, but takes bots slightly longer in time to find a path.
added: Human tower waypoint, bots will crouch for a player to jump on them or jump
on a player thats already crouching nearby it. (I have added this waypoint into
the map "extension" to test it)
added: ability to add bots to certain teams in Natural-selection using the bot menu.


The new download is on the files page, and the linux DLL is also in the same download. There is no linux DLL for metamod though because it wasn't working for some reason, I will need to look into it soon ...

EDIT 21:54 : Alright another bug I had to fix in this linux release, after you add bots, when the map changes the bots will lose their profiles and strange things happen! You'll need to download the linux files again if you did earlier to fix it.

The files needed to run the bot on linux are now on the Files page.

You will need to download the windows files first as it has all the waypoints/profiles/documentation in it.

Then download the linux dlls and extract them to the rcbot dlls folder and follow the instructions on the linux_install.txt in the downloaded zip file.

EDIT: I've updated the dll files because I noticed a dumb typo in my code which caused an annoying bug, where bots tried to avoid themselves! Download the latest to fix.

I thought I'd take tonight to finally release this version of my bot, I've been working on it for ages and its nearing the time I will be heading back for another academic year so I'd like to get the bot out before then So it was a bit of a rush to finish it, there may be some unfinished documentation, still a few bugs remaining of course, but all bugs from previous versions should be gone since it was a total re-write.

Here are the changes:


V. 1.0

General:

-: Supports Mods: NS 2.0+, SvenCoop 2.1/3.0, DMC, HL Bumpercars 1.3.
-: Seperate profile for each bot, means each bot is unique
-: New task system.
-: New bot chat system.
-: New movement code, bots can target onto enemies while moving along their path.
-: Bot reputation system allows bots to like/dislike players.
-: Hopefully a reduce in CPU usage.
-: Metamod version and normal version for windows available.
-: Seperate weapon configuration file can be edited by the user.

AI:

-: Bots remember positions of enemies and return to them if they die.
-: Bots now always jump & crouch to jump higher.
-: Bots can use lifts/doors better
-: Bots can try to run for cover if they get damaged.

Svencoop:

They CAN:

-: Do long jumps (using crouch-jump waypoint)
-: Shoot monsters
-: Use chaingun's and other new weapons in Svencoop 3
-: Don't shoot scientis/barneys
-: Use approriate door buttons
-: Use "use only" doors
-: Heal players
-: Attempts to heal players that shout "medic!" (If the bot sees the player)
-: Take cover when they get damaged
-: Take cover when they see a grenade
-: Take cover when someone yells "take cover!" (If the bot sees the player)
-: Use health / armor rechargers
-: Swim like champions :p have a bit of trouble getting out of water though :(

They CAN'T

-: Do human towers.
-: Carry out complicated objectives.

NS:

-: Gorges should be improved.
-: Gorges ask for help if under attack

New waypoint types:

-: Fly waypoint (For NS at the moment for Lerk, Jetpack etc).
-: End Level/Objective waypoint.
-: Crouch-Jump waypoint.
-: Lift button waypoint.
-: Wait for lift waypoint works now.
-: Teleport waypoint (Similar to teleport waypoint in RCBot 1.5 for RC)
-: Weapon,ammo,health,armor waypoints.
-: Stay close to waypoint (Bot slows down and stays close to the waypoint)
-: Opens Later Waypoint (Useful for svencoop, denotes the waypoint is in an
-- area that opens up later, example: a teleport).

PROBLEMS Still occuring in this version:

-: Ladder climbing isn't very good :(
-: Skulks can't wall-stick very well :(

LIMITATIONS of the version of the bot

-: Bots depend on more waypoints in more areas
-- i.e. if they can't find a waypoint nearby they won't move
-- and waypoints in more areas give bots better cover places

COMMANDS

See rcbot_commands.txt for details


I still recommend having which bot too on the alien side, you can do this easier now by using metamod, If you think the RCBot alien side isn't up to much. Linux support is still to be added, I will get round to it soon.

Check out the forums for more updates.

New forums are up, Just set-up a new account, I don't think it's wise to copy the members from the current set-up of users on this site in-case I mess something up, and some may not have registered here with valid e-mail addresses where the forum requires a valid one.


Anyway, the link is on the left frame on "Forums". I'll create a better theme for the forum sooner or later, more boards, whatever since I can do that now

The site that hosts this site is closing and that means a lot of things need to be moved, by saturday the new domain will be http://www.rcbot.net (whoo a domain) And new forums (jeez gotta sign up again? I dunno about that), new email address... the list goes on.

Anyway by then I hope to get bots to work at lifts finally too . And maybe a release for marines only If i get them to work better at attacking enemies and a bit more tactically this time.

so by friday, this site will move to http://www.rcbot.net so update bookmarks whatever then.

I've finally made a release of the old bot compatible for NS 2.0, There are no new features or anything, the bots are still as dumb as they used to be . This is so you can have an RCBot for NS 2.0 basically until I release the new one which should hopefully be a lot better

I've also came up with a metamod plugin for Counter-strike for vehicle maps, which allows weapon restricting, racing modes etc which might be fun !

I've also replaced the german translation of the bot with the text files that are changed, until anyone wants to translate any more stuff and put them all on an EXE installer file.

All downloads are on the files page.

I have now added a dedicated "waypoints" page, since I got my uploads to work correctly.

The waypoints page has been added to the left frame (the menu of links on the left hand side of the screen) on the site.

You can now view and submit waypoints using the form on the page.

The page is still a little sketchy, some things still need to be done, but the basics are up for waypoint creators to upload their waypoints. Note: You have to be registered and logged in with this site to submit any waypoints.

I have started re-wrting a lot of the RCBot for Natural-Selection from scratch, it should turn out to be pretty slick These are just some things I have got lined up for the new re-written bot once it is ready for your information!

• Will support metamod as a plugin!


• AI totally re-written, hopefully bots will be able to perform many tasks at once


• More tactical AI


• Each bot (identified by its own unique bot id) will have its own profile.


• May support other MODs in the future!


• Source code may be released when a good version is complete

Website News

I now have a new website thanks to houstondod community. The news page is now done in PHP and a database will hold the news. You can also register/login to enter comments on news if you want!

Bot News

The next release of the bot for Natural-Selection may be a long way off, as I am trying to re-write most parts of it from scratch. The next version of the bot on the old code will probably be a linux version, whenever I get my linux machine networked and ready to transfer files!

I am also still having a look at my old bot for Rocketcrowbar, I've been getting it to work with Svencoop, maybe I'll bring out a release when I know it doesn't crash!