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1315: Discrepancy Between R7e and Q&A 1296


904U
30-Nov-2022

Hello,

Recently, rule R7e has been changed to place further constraints on string diameter such that:

An unlimited amount of rope / string, with a thickness / diameter between 1/8” (3.175mm) and 1/4” (6.35mm).

A recent Q&A answer (1296) seems to contradict this new rule, with the GDC making the statement:

String must measure at least 1/8"/3mm (at its narrowest point) while on the Robot

(Emphasis mine)

We recall that the Q&A is intended to be an extension of the game manual, meaning the answers given here will always take precedence along with the contents of the game manual.

This question may feel a bit unnecessary, even pushing the borders of rule G3... but we were curious if with that answer, the GDC intends to officially lower the legal string diameter to 3mm instead of the specified 3.175mm, or if the usage of "3mm" in that answer was a mistake/shorthanded way to say 3.175mm.

Thank you for your time.

Answered by committee

Thank you for your question. As described near the end of the response to Q&A 1275, this was an intentional change made to reflect the standard string diameter in regions that use metric measurements. Rule <R7e> will be revised in the scheduled 12/6 game manual update to reflect that Robots may use an unlimited amount of non-elastic rope / string, with a thickness / diameter between 1/8” (imperial standard) / 3mm (metric standard) and 1/4” (6.35mm), and that string must measure at least 1/8” / 3mm in diameter at its narrowest point while on the Robot under no load.