Changelog for tXtFL 3 (archive)

Re-download the tXtFL 4 installer for our latest release.

Changes for tXtFL 3.8.2 (released 2015-03-30)

Finds substitute players from within roster more aggressively
Command-line/text-only package improvements
Better feedback on league import errors
Option to turn off homefield advantage

Changes for tXtFL 3.8.1 (released 2014-06-18)

Updated graphics, database, and build libraries
Backs up database more aggressively

Changes for tXtFL 3.8.0 (released 2014-02-25)

Home field advantage with configurable setting for each team's crowd
View past game summaries (double-click on game in season schedule)
Memory improvements
Proportionately caps player/coaching skill points
Fixed multiplayer coin toss under certain conditions
Fixed playoffs for leagues with more than two conferences and conferences of different sizes
Fixed continuing onto next game with current team after restored game
Fixed season week import column order independence
Fixed incorrect database location (should be back in .txtfl3)

Changes for tXtFL 3.7.1 (released 2013-12-19)

Bye/off week improvements
Improved post-Bowl game state
Fixed display of newly imported league in seasons tab
Fixed playoffs setup for conferences with only one division fixes

Changes for tXtFL 3.7 (released 2013-10-30)

Interface:

Season schedule viewer
Smoother continuation from one week to the next during seasons
Timeouts easier to access
Prevents display of other team's play choices over the network
Small fixes to option and error descriptions
Fixed to show newly imported leagues in seasons viewer when importing from a spreadsheet
Fixed multiplayer connection cancellation
Fixed to allow client to go back and correct a selection

Football Model:

Improved 4th down and field goal decision-making
Timeouts automatically applied at game ending for both teams if applicable
League version numbers to support updates
Difficulty settings no longer applied to automated or multiplayer games
Fixed negative yardlines displayed after some returns
Fixed timeouts sometimes applied to incorrect team
Fixed field position after missed field goal

Changes for tXtFL 3.6 (released 2013-08-05)

Multiplayer!

Host games or connect to other players
Play head-to-head
View stats across a network
Fixed player turns in two-player mode

Other Improvements:

Can run in Mac full screen mode (requires Java 7u40+)
Database improvements
Can run beta releases from alternative installer
Fixed crash when saving games

Changes for tXtFL 3.5.2 (released 2013-03-14)

Fixed drive headers
Fixed reporting stats from many automated games
Fixed crash during particular punt scenarios
Fixed penalties during 2-point conversions

Changes for tXtFL 3.5.1 (released 2013-01-28)

Penalty fixes
Season standing fixes

Changes for tXtFL 3.5 (released 2013-01-22)

tXtFL Engine:

Penalties!
Difficulty levels
Box scores now include team stats and scoring plays
Much more detailed season standings
Player stats better weighted for current season
Improved models for rushing plays and kickoff/punt returns
Full box scores written to file
Team leaders displayed at end of game
Bug fixes

tXtFL Desktop:

Game stats/controls now split across both side panes
Season standings tab
Improved column format of stats
Fixed league downloads on Mac platforms

Summary of changes for 3.4.1 (released 2012-12-23)

Bug fixes:

Fixed player assignment when position does not specify side of field
Fixed to prevent duplicating subs
Fixed to apply time per quarter at start of each launch
Fixed importing spreadsheets on Mac systems
Uses default Mac system font
Fixed alternate installer reinstalling files on 2nd launch

Summary of changes for 3.4.0 (released 2012-12-09)

Mac compatibility and interface updates:

Mac display refinements
Alternate installer/launcher (Win/Mac/Linux) that does not require Java Web Start, now that JWS is being disabled on many Macs, and tXtFL does not work on the current release of Mac Java 7 (1.7.0_09 as of writing)
Streamlined selectors for play choices

Stats and database updates:

Added preliminary defensive stats
Player import fixes
Fixed database re-upgrade when going back to newer release
Database backs up only its own directory

Summary of changes for 3.3.1 (released 2012-09-20)

For all the new features in tXtFL 3.3, see below.

Team and players (partial) update for 2012 season
Automatic adjustment of player/coaching points that exceed max allowed
Additional stats columns
Better fumble feedback
Fixed prompt cue during 2-player games

Summary of changes for 3.3.0 (released 2012-07-29)

New stats/configurability (see the tXtFL Import spreadsheet for more details):

PosExt and DepthExt: assign multiple extra positions/depths to each player (in addition to assigments in the Pos/Depth columns)
SeasonName: assign multiple seasons on a single seasons sheet
League Skill: weight the league's overall skill level
ConfSkill: weight each conference's skill for inter-conference play
MinVer: specifies the minimum tXtFL version that supports the current spreadsheet's features (if MinVer < tXtFLVer, the newer columns will simply be ignored)

User interface:

Single rather than double-click to navigate through menus
Updated graphics library from SWT 3.7 to 4.2 (browser fixes, etc.)
Fixed "&" symbol in scoreboard
Better output for depth chart conflicts

Under the hood:

Greater use of depth charts to assign alternate players
Updated database library from Derby 10.8 to 10.9 (bug fixes)

Summary of changes for 3.2.1 (released 2012-04-14)

Fixed crash when auto-selecting from saved games or seasons lists
Fixed small portions of commentary and other text
Fixed crash under certain conditions when choosing quickly from the answer tables
Small performance fixes

Summary of changes for 3.2.0 (released 2012-03-08)

User interface:

Manager tab for viewing your team's player stats and making player substitutions during the game, as well as viewing other teams' players
Player game stats are now organized in a more compact, readable table format
Completely new scoreboard layout
All columns are now completely resizable

Database:

Backs up database prior to upgrades
Better feedback when resetting database
Fixed potential mis-assignment of players to teams in different leagues with the same team name
Fixed missing FGLG and FGBlk stats during stats import
Fixed missing punt inside-20 stats records

Under the hood:

Seasons can now be automated over multiple successive weeks
Small performance/stability fixes

Summary of changes for 3.1.0 (released 2012-02-18)

User interface:

Reorganized stats and drives into tabbed area
Stores user preferences through new options pane
Allows multiple connections to the database for running multiple instances of the app or connecting from a database editor
Reset database button
Icon refresh

Engine:

Supports new rule settings: goal post width and position; end zone length; kickoff, touchback, and missed field goal yardlines; clock stoppage periods
Improved clock management
Supports missed field goal returns and singles
Place kick accuracy and pass vs. run model updates
Better handling of extreme coaching points
Finds more player substitutions for missing positions
Performance optimizations for automated games (up to 25% faster)

Stats:

Records player game stats from automated games and writes totals to file
Option to turn off writing game stats to file
Improved play-by-play summaries

3.0.1 (released 2012-01-29)

Game Guide updated for tXtFL 3
Fixed recording of PAT stats
Fixed recording of defensive INT/INT TD stats
Fixed receiver target stats on INTs
Fixed unnecessary addition of stock players
Fixed crash when space precedes player name
Fixed position of kickoff at start of 2nd half
Fixed crash when issuing empty command via URL bar

Summary of changes for 3.0.0 (released 2011-12-25)

Engine:

Dramatic performance improvements for automated simulations
Modularized to allow for greater flexibility and long-term improvements
Many, many game model enhancements and fixes for improved realism
Completely revamped stats engine to track many more stats for each player (eg sacks, INTs, fumbles, and returns)
Many new teams included by default, including the complete Canadian lineup
Run multiple automations for each game in a season
Call timeouts
Play onside kicks

User interface:

Slightly streamlined, more "comfortable" interface
3-column play selection for more intuitive play-calling
Download and import entire leagues from the web
Import custom files through the built-in browser
View season match-ups and scores
Fixed window layout for smaller screens

Installation:

Launches via Java Web Start, which also updates automatically
Compatible with 32- and 64-bit Windows, Linux, and Mac (new for 64-bit Linux)
Runs on Java 1.4+ (fixed compatibility for Java 1.4, tested on Java 7)

2.99.11 (released 2011-12-09)

Interface:

Download and import new leagues from the web
Import custom spreadsheets from the built-in browser
Fixes to down and yardage format

Game Model and Stats:

Complete overhaul of how stats are recorded internally
New recorded stats, including sacks, INTs, fumbles, and returns
Better player assignments during each play

2.99.10 (released 2011-10-05)

Interface:

Drive selector summaries more concise
Reorganized plays based on distance

Game Model and Stats:

Play onside kicks
Call timeouts
Many game model improvements, including:

More realistic auto-selection of plays
More sophisticated player ratings
Improved weighting of player strengths to each play
More realistic clock and numbers of plays per game
Better distribution of receiver targets
Fixed auto-play selection during automated games

Updated QB stats
Fixed recording of defensive stats for tackles
Fixed recording of fumble stats

Under the hood:

Started support for importing spreadsheets from the browser
Fixed duplicate game entries when automating the rest of a game

2.99.9 (released 2011-08-28)

Interface:

3-column play selection layout
Abbreviates player names in stats listing for cleaner layout

Game Model and Stats:

Complete Canadian lineup
Game model improvements
Automates the rest of the game when ended early
Imports season schedules
Run multiple automations for each game in a season
Displays summary of automated games
Fixed sacks recorded in pass attempts

Under the hood:

Import spreadsheets and run automated games from command-line
Fixed 18-week season selection
Stability improvements and many other bug fixes
Changes not yet fully implemented here:

Option to set the length of each quarter
Allows for running multiple instances

2.99.8 (released 2011-06-25)

Interface and Installation:

Upgraded SWT 3.6 -> 3.7, bringing improved in-game browser support, including browser support on 64-bit Linux platforms
Upgraded Derby 10.7.1.1 -> 10.8.2 and improved feedback during browser initialization
Updated Game Box layout
Fixed window layout when resizing window and for smaller screen sizes

Game Model and Stats:

Player skill values have more sophisticated impact on ability
Further reduced chance of safety after INT/fumble and negative run yardage
Fixed incorporation of reception stats
Fixed some play type assignments
Fixed errors on duplicate team insertions
Fixed field goal distances to include long-snap yardage
Fixed PAT/field-goal distances based on field length

Seasons:

Added 8 new teams (2 tXtFL, 2 Collegiate tXtFL, 4 Arena tXtFL)
Playoffs can now handle odd/unequal numbers of teams
Fixed playoffs and display of standings for leagues with conferences only (ie Canadian)
Fixed automated season games after loading saved game
Fixed wild card team selection

2.99.7 (released 2011-05-05)

Interface:

Text styling and colors to highlight key parts of plays
Larger fonts and slightly more compact interface
Informs user of opponent's special teams formations
Clarifies whether user is on offense of defense
Game score summary after automated games
Improved feedback while loading desktop interface
Fixed crash when choosing random selection in options menu

Game model:

Incorporates opponent's special teams into automated decision-making
Incorporates yardage remaining into auto-play selection
Improved 4th-down punt-or-play automated decision-making
Improved kickoff/punt/return model and fair-catch decision
Improved rushing yardage
Updated play formations
Fixed additional play after time expires
Fixed to allow extra points as 1st half expires
Fixed safeties on INT and kickoffs
Fixed defensive right-left targeting

Seasons:

Shows weekly match-ups before and score summary after games
Shows only the seasons and teams available for the league
Prompt prior to automating remaining games during a season week
Fixed crash on playoffs
Fixed incorrect win assignment in some season games
Fixed Arena tXtFL division assignments
Fixed game reset prior to first automated season game
Fixed game save/restore for season games

Stats

Updated QB stats and added fullback players
Added QB sneaks
Improved stats column spacing
Added team city abbreviation field chosen league
Writes game stats to file after each game
Writes games summary after each automation series
Turns off "retro" plays by default (eg kickoff-dropkicks)
Fixed tackle stats for determining player blocking ability
Fixed recording of player stats after each game
Fixed punter names in safety punts
Fixed delayed quarter score updating
Fixed tackler assignment
Fixed player substitution assignments
Fixed punter stats listing prior to punt plays

Installation

Upgraded SWT 3.6 -> 3.7M6 on Linux platforms
Upgraded Derby 10.5.3.0 -> 10.7.1.1
Fixed JNLP launch from 64-bit Linux platforms
Fixed compatibility for as far back as Java 1.4

2011-05-05 (updates through 2.99.7 final)

Improved database loading
Clarified team selection
Fixed compatibility for as far back as Java 1.4
Fixed game save/restore for season games

2011-04-13 (updates through 2.99.7pre)

Improved stats column spacing
Updated play formations
Upgraded SWT 3.6 -> 3.7M36 on Linux platforms
Upgraded Derby 10.5.3.0 -> 10.7.1.1
Fixed defensive right-left targeting
Fixed safeties on kickoffs
Fixed JNLP launch from 64-bit Linux platforms
Fixed delayed quarter score updating
Fixed tackler assignment
Fixed player substitution assignments
Fixed punter stats listing prior to punt plays

2010-12-04 (all updates through tXtFL 2.99.2 since tXtFL 2)

Modularized game engine and database for significantly improved performance of automated simulations
New players/teams and updated plays
Fixed loading web links on the Mac
Note: does not currently load Draft for downloading teams/players

tXtFL 2 released

2010-08-28

Playoffs and tXtFL Bowl now complete
Font size adjustments for key text
New default teams (player name updates pending)
Fixed crash when selected team has no more games in season

2010-08-26

League conferences and divisions
Playoffs (first round only so far)
Customizable leagues and rule-sets (user-defined via spreadsheet)
Customizable season length
Arena tXtFL and fixes to collegiate tXtFL league
Fixed networking mode regression

2010-06-25

Updated to alpha4 release
Customizable rules sets for each league
Canadian rules applied when running Canadian football league, including expanded field and changes to max players and downs
Collegiate rules applied when running college football
Improved shortcuts for non-graphical ("-ng") mode
Database version checking and backup
SWT libraries updated from 3.6M6 -> 3.6 (final)

2010-04-21

Updated to alpha3 release
Fixes crash on season continuation when no season has been been generated
Fixes recording of season automated games
Safe database shutdown
Reorganized controls in the input area

2010-04-15

Season standings are displayed
Points scored during overtime are properly recorded

2010-04-08

Now working on the Mac!

2010-04-05

Season games are saved to the database
Following a season game, the rest of the games for that week can be automated

2010-03-31

The txtfl.jnlp file can now be launched directly from the browser, rather than having to save to file first

2010-03-28b

Workaround for running on Ubuntu 8.04 (64-bit Java): disables browser if it cannot be loaded
Update on MacOS: apparently a bug in the SWT GUI code prevents Java Web Start or applet launches on MacOS (see http://bugs.eclipse.org/bugs/show_bug.cgi?id=303869)

2010-03-28

Initial release, including basic seasons implementation
Note that the txtfl.jnlp file should be saved to disk and run from a directory that has permissions for saving the database files. Future releases will focus on saving the database in a standard location.
Tested successfully on Windows 7 (32- and 64-bit Java), Vista (32-bit Java), Ubuntu 9.10 (32-bit Java)
Tested unsuccessfully on MacOS X 10.6.1 (32- and 64-bit Java), Ubuntu 8.04 (64-bit Java)