RuneScape Forum Archive | AFK Timer Improvement.

Nov

2022

Hektik_Devil

Posts: 4 Bronze Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

Petition to increase AFK auto-kick timer from 5 minutes to 10 minutes.

So I've been playing Runescape off and on for many years, and it's always great to step foot into the lands of Gielinor. I am currently working on a skillcape for 99 woodcutting and as you could imagine, chopping ivy on the walls of Varrock palace typically doesn't require much input via mouse or keyboard.

As a University student, I enjoy playing RuneScape in the background while I do my coursework, and often times, I will be in the middle of the coursework and notice that I have been removed from the servers due to inactivity, even though I am still gaining experience points.

I would like to suggest a higher limit and I believe 10 minutes would prove to be more beneficial to others who tend to multitask!

Kind Regards,

Hektik_Devil

14-Jan-2023 08:24:16

Nov

2020

SlR

Posts: 4,378 Adamant Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

I personally don't think we need more than 5 minutes, but what about: add 1 minute for every 500 total level? that way Jagex get something out of this (incentivise engagement). I feel like the log-out timer would help bots / throw-away accounts. This could counter that? Bob says:

A bank PIN will keep your items secure.

Always check the second trade screen.

Never trade in the Wilderness!

Keep your computer keylogger-free and virus scanned.

Never give your password out to anyone.

14-Jan-2023 12:03:33 - Last edited on 14-Jan-2023 12:04:40 by SlR

Jan

2011

Roddy Piper

Posts: 13,751 Opal Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

As far as I know, Jagex has acknowledged this, said they don't oppose it and are looking into how it would effect the content. They also said we can expect better servers to account for any increased strain from the change.

Does that mean we will get it?

Strangely, I have no idea. Words don't always turn into actions.

14-Jan-2023 13:50:25

Nov

2003

A Cole

Posts: 14,682 Opal Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

If it's possible to extend the timer without affecting costs, then sure.

However, all activities should be limited to 5 minutes max. You should not be able to tell your character to do something, then come back 10 minutes later and it's still doing that activity.

This is a game to be played, not ignored.

~A~

14-Jan-2023 15:10:54

Nov

2022

Hektik_Devil

Posts: 4 Bronze Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

I am unsure how this would affect "costs" at all. I am not even entirely sure you're grasping the point. To be sure, the purpose of a game is indeed to be played, but when one is skilling a resource that will "run out" how can you make a claim that after 10 minutes, they'd still be performing that activity without being bothered to as you say, "Play the game"?

For example, if I'm doing woodcutting and my objective is to cut ivy, it is a finite source of exp, and I will need to interact with another branch of ivy in order to continue once the current one is all used up, which is fine; That is certainly not the point I am arguing.

The point I am arguing is that if I don't click on another branch of ivy (Or anywhere else for that matter,) I will be AFK-Kicked despite still very much being at my keyboard, but also focusing on another task that more intensive and demanding of my attention than woodcutting. Perhaps taking some time to re-read my initial post might prove valuable for your own comprehension of it.

Kind Regards,

Hektik_Devil

15-Jan-2023 09:32:02 - Last edited on 15-Jan-2023 09:32:25 by Hektik_Devil

Nov

2022

Hektik_Devil

Posts: 4 Bronze Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

Revisiting this, I understand how you might assume that what you wrote is what I meant.

When I speak of "Still getting exp," I mean to say that the time should officially begin once you stop obtaining exp, thereby entering a state of "AFK."

However, if you are still gradually obtaining experience for a finite resource (Ivy for woodcutting), then the time should not start until you have depleted the resource of which you currently are working.

That being said, I would still love to see a 10-minute timer implemented from the time in which your character stops amassing exp for the task they are performing.

For those that multi-task, and as previously mentioned, I am a student, it would be nice to be able to focus on other things without needing to constantly check in on your game, as if it were a child in constant need! Lol.

Certainly, I could just elect to not play while I work, but I enjoy the small comforts of RuneScape, and indeed have since 2007. I would very much like to find a way to integrate game time with coursework and I believe that an adjustment to the timer could help immensely.

Kind Regards,

Hektik_Devil

15-Jan-2023 09:48:04

Nov

2003

A Cole

Posts: 14,682 Opal Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

The cost element is that for every second you are logged into the game, you are putting load onto the server. In turn, this drives up the energy required at the server location, which then turns into added cost. If every player is doing this, then you can see where the costs will add up.

Extending the timer will also make it harder to get into those sought after busy servers. Let us say that 100 players go AFK on W84 during DXP Live and don't return. If the timer is 10 minutes, it will mean the queue to get into W84 will take longer to decrease.

I understand you have other commitments, I have been there before myself. However, there comes a point where you will have to decide which is more important.

I still believe AFKing should not be rewarded too much on RS.

~A~

15-Jan-2023 11:05:53

Nov

2022

Hektik_Devil

Posts: 4 Bronze Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

I understand what you mean now. Thank you for clarifying. You do bring up a good point though about costs and the server space, as well. I'll be honest, as much as I would love to see an extended timer, now that I understand what you mean by costs, I am unsure of a way for this to happen without potentially disrupting everything else. To your credit, sir.

I may have to revisit this again in the future when I can offer another alternative.

Happy 'Scaping,

Hektik_Devil

16-Jan-2023 00:50:39

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AFK Timer Improvement.