Packages always shown as outdated

Every once in a while there would be packages on the Asset Store that get stuck in some sort of an out-of-date update loop. In the Unity Editor, when you view the Asset Store window with the Group By Status option, even though the latest version of the package is downloaded locally, it would still show up in the Update group as if the package is outdated (instead of just in the Import group like all other up-to-date packages). Two packages that currently have this issue is Max Texture Size by Tag of Joy (version 1.2.1) and Fluky - Random Framework by Emphatic Fist Games (version 1.0.4.1).

Whenever you click on the Update button, the package would download and move to the Import group, but only until you restart Unity when it again moves to the Update group. The package then remains stuck in this loop, and the problem usually keeps happening until the asset publisher again releases another version, which can sometimes be for a very long time between releases. Deleting the asset from the "AppData\Roaming\Unity\Asset Store" folders doesn't resolve the problem either.

I noticed that for Max Texture Size the Asset Store page shows version 1.2.1, dated 6 February 2015, but the JSON metadata embedded in the unitypackage file that keeps re-downloading says version 1.2, dated 7 March 2014. For Fluky the store page shows version 1.0.4.1, dated 12 January 2015, while the download file's metadata keeps saying version 1.0.4, dated 30 October 2014.

I would like to know...

• Do others also get this problem, or is it only me?
  
• Does this happen when a publisher bumps the version number without actually modifying anything in the package file content?
  
• Is there a way to force the Unity Editor to recognize that the latest version of the package is indeed already downloaded?

 

I've got the same problem with 2 assets one of which is Fluky you mention. I find this issue frustrating so after countless attempts trying to re-download etc. I now just ignore these 2 assets which means if they ever did get a genuine update I wouldn't download it. As assets can disappear from the Asset Store I normally like to make sure I have the latest version downloaded.

The other asset in my case is Japanese Otaku City by ZENRIN CO., LTD. The asset store lists v1.0 but the download version is draft. Both versions though are dated 27th August 2014.

 

I'm glad to hear I am not the only one having the issue -- it can be rather frustrating at times.

The two problematic packages that I mentioned earlier appear to be fixed now:

• Fluky by Emphatic Fist Games: A new enhanced version of the package was released, and both the package file and the Asset Store page now indicate version 1.0.4.2, dated 10 February 2015.
• Max Texture Size by Tag of Joy: The version number on the Asset Store page was reverted to 1.2, dated 9 February 2015, and it now again matches the previous package file version 1.2 (though dated 7 March 2014).

I was hoping that the new Asset Store online upload tools may fix the issue. However, other updated packages now also started showing this problematic behavior:

• Level Menu 2D by Wajahat Karim: package file contains version 1.4, dated 5 December 2014, while the Asset Store page claims version 1.4.1, dated 9 February 2015
• FX Alpha Textures by UETools: package file contains version 1.0, dated 10 October 2014, while the Asset Store page claims version 1.1, dated 10 February 2015.
• UET Particles Kit Mini by UETools: package file contains version 1.0, dated 15 August 2014, while the Asset Store page claims version 1.1, dated 11 February 2015.

These latest package versions just newer download and they keep showing up as outdated.

 

Hey guys. We are working on a fix. The problem is that we've just added Unity 5 support and uploaded only the package from Unity 5 (Asset store now supports versioning for packages and our older Unity 4 package remains the same).

UETools

 

Hey guys, I am from Level Menu 2D. I am also updating with a minor change in the package and resubmit the package.
I am just curious that this would again take 3-5 days atleast for asset store review, so there won't be sales in these days or this problem is only with the users who already purchased Level Menu 2D?

 

@WajahatKarim: The problem doesn't prevent sales. However, both new and old users will get the older version when they download your package. Also, the package will keep showing up as outdated whenever someone opens up the Asset Store window after restarting the Unity Editor.

 

The problem seems to be getting worse with more and more packages not being able to update, and even some of Unity Technologies' own packages are now failing. Furthermore, in some cases the download problem seems to affect only certain geographic locations, where some users can download the latest package but others cannot. So it looks like Unity's file servers may no longer always be synchronizing/propagating Asset Store packages properly.

In addition to the packages mentioned before, at least the following ones are currently also failing.

• Motion Controller by ootii: Version 1.25 (19 Oct 2014) keeps downloading instead of version 1.3.4 (Feb 14, 2015), nor did any of the updates in between those versions want to download.
• Build Once by ZenithCode: Version 1.05 (3 Feb 2015) instead of version 1.06 (Feb 13, 2015).
• Google Play Application License Verification by Unity Technologies: Version 1.1 (31 Jul 2012) instead of version 1.2 (Feb 14, 2015).
• Google Play OBB Downloader by Unity Technologies: Version 2.0 (28 May 2012) instead of version 3.0 (Feb 14, 2015).

 

Having the same problem with the Shader Calibration Scene [5.0 beta] in U5 beta.

 

It looks like there can be several different causes for getting these download problems with any specific package. Your version of the Unity Editor apparently also plays a role, probably due to the Asset Store preparation work that is in progress for Unity 5 where a package publisher can make different versions available for Unity 4 or 5. It looks like the selection mechanism of a package version for a specific Unity version is still buggy and that is another cause for some of these download issues.

For example, although the current package page on the Asset Store for "Google Play Application License Verification" (version 1.2, dated 14 Feb 2015) states that it "requires Unity 3.5.5 or higher", not all of these so-called higher Unity Editor versions will give you access to the latest version 1.2 package. If you're using Unity 4.6.1 you'll get version 1.1 when downloading that package, but only if you're using Unity 4.6.2 will it download the latest version 1.2 of that package.

Similarly, although the current package page on the Asset Store for "Google Play OBB Downloader" (version 3.0, dated 14 Feb 2015) states that it merely "requires Unity 3.5.2 or higher", you'll get version 2.0 of the package when downloading it with Unity 4.6.1, but you'll get the latest version 3.0 of the package only when downloading it with Unity 4.6.2!

Unfortunately, even when using the latest Unity 4.6.2 that is supposedly compatible with some of these other problematic packages, you may still not be able to download their latest package versions. Hopefully Unity Technologies will fix these issues on the Asset Store before it really gets out of hand.

 

What happens is unity doesnt differentiate between version changes and price changes (IE if you as a dev want to simulate a "virtual sale" -- its still going to count as an update -- possibly 2 if you have change the price back). Then the customers actually get mad because of this.

 

Ah, I see -- so a publisher sale could potentially be yet another cause of such download issues. However, in all the examples above, I think only about one asset actually had a price change around the time that their download problems started.

 

I've been getting this problem for almost exactly a year now, I think. I'm skeptical that it relates at all to price changes or Unity versions.

Currently assets that are having update issues for me are ones mentioned above, such as Motion Controller, Otaku City, and two kits from UET. I'm running Unity 4.6.2.

 

Well I guess its possible there are multiple problems in the asset store.

 

I would like to inform you the update of Level Menu 2D v1.5 has been pushed on asset store. It contains now another new example demo scene of multiple sizes or multiple shapes in same level menu.

Please let me know if it still shows any problem while updating or purchasing. Thanks

 

The problem where one cannot download the latest versions of packages even when using the latest Unity 4.6.3 is becoming more common still.

Could it be that many asset publishers just don't realize they're supposed to upload their packages from the earliest version of Unity it works with, as recommended in the Unity Asset Store Submission Guidelines, and are they perhaps now using a Unity 5 Release Candidate to upload new packages? But in that case, wouldn't the asset's page in the store show that Unity 5 or higher is required for that package?

Below are some additional packages that are now stuck in this outdated loop when trying to update with Unity 4.6.3.

• AxSU3D Unity Android Plugin by AxSU3D: Verson 0.9.4 (1 Dec 2014) downloads instead of the latest version 0.9.5 (4 Feb 2015)
• Cartoon Lowpoly Water Well by Antonio Neves: Original version dated 17 Feb 2015 downloads instead of the latest version 1.0 (19 Feb 2015)
• HipFilters by Well Fired Development: Version 1.0.2 (18 Feb 2015) downloads instead of the latest version 1.0.3 (19 Feb 2015)
• KY FX(+Cartoon) Free Pack by Kakky: Version 1.2.1 (11 Feb 2015) downloads instead of the latest version 1.2.2 (18 Feb 2015)
• Teleporter by Inane Game: Version 1.1 (31 Jan 2015) downloads instead of the latest version 1.5 (17 Feb 2015)
• Zones, Fields, and Shields by Sidekick Applications: Version 1.2.2 (16 Jan 2015) downloads instead of the latest version 1.3.0 (18 Feb 2015)

@WajahatKarim: At least the problem with Level Menu 2D seems to be fixed now.

 

^^ Yeah, I have some of those you mention stuck, plus a few others.

 

@RedGreenBlue

Thanks for pointing this out. The earliest version our plugin is compatible with is 4.0.0, which is what we upload with as well. We just received an email from another developer who's having the same problem, and we're going to investigate this immediately.

We should have a new version on the store right after the madness sale ends on Feb-27. However, in the meantime anyone who purchases Unity Android Plugin by AxSU3D, and is having the same issue, please get in touch with us at feedback@axsu3d.com

AxSU3D

 

This is not only a problem with Unity 4.6.3, but some packages have the same infinite-update-loop issue when using Unity 5.0.0. For example, on Unity 5 at least the following two packages currently want to update forever:

• Amplify Color by Amplify Creations, version 1.4.3 (Mar 11, 2015)
• Amplify Motion by Amplify Creations, version 1.3.2 (Mar 11, 2015)

 

Thanks for the info, we will look into this asap. Any official word on this problem?

 

Endless update loop (always updating) Inane Mini Golf "https://www.assetstore.unity3d.com/en/#!/content/3237"
not shure if I bought it or download it when was free but it updates every day ..
download ok but after I exit editor and again go to Asset Store it says it needs update again ...

always downloads 2.4 from 19 Nov 2015
and assetstore is 2.4 from Dec 18, 2015

using Unity3d 5.3

 

This one too:
https://www.assetstore.unity3d.com/en/#!/content/46206

 

Same thing here too mang... with various assets. Not a really huge deal but the issue is more than slightly annoying to say the least. Using the latest non-beta build of Unity. Let me know if you folks need more details.

 

Yeah, the bug has been around for more than a year already and it can be quite annoying, especially when you use the Update All button and the Unity Editor keeps downloading gigabyte packages over and over. I feel sorry for people using metered bandwidth.