ScardyBobScardyBobJoin Date: 2009-11-25Member: 69528Forum Admins, Forum Moderators, NS2 Playtester, Squad Five Blue, Reinforced - Shadow, WC 2013 - Shadow
<!--quoteo(post=1886407:date=Nov 23 2011, 04:30 PM:name=Argathor)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Argathor @ Nov 23 2011, 04:30 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1886407"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Thanks for the link, as your data shows there are two servers with over 14 slots in the EU. At the time of my reply, both were showing over 100ms (consistently, I refreshed a lot until I was sure I had got all the EU servers) so I discounted them.
Either way I think we both agree on several points:
1) It takes an i5/i7 with a monster OC to host an NS2 server, with an acceptable player count (13-14, so you can have a match + caster/spectator). 2) There are not enough servers capable of hosting the game to a standard that doesn't ruin gameplay.
When a patch hits, we usually have 3-4 servers full, the problem is that 2-3 of them are rubbish and put people off the game. These servers also have a high turnover rate (players quitting quickly) due to the performance issues. If all those people played on good servers instead, far more would realise that NS2 is actually very fun at the moment, despite the problems. Then we would need more than just 1 extra server in the EU.
It would be wonderful if another EU individual/clan setup server(s). But realistically can anyone expect that? Should they? Lets look at what they would have to do:
1) Buy at least £500 worth of CPU/Mobo/PSU/RAM/etc. 2) Build it and overclock it to an extreme level. 3) Vigorously test said overclock to ensure it is stable. 4) Install server software/configure the server properly. 5) Have it colocated to a datacenter (however much that costs, choosing the right host, etc. 6) Maintain the server properly, to ensure it continues working, troubleshoot any problems, etc. (If it doesn't have plesk on it, I dont even know where to start!)
Now I will admit, that is my best guess at what it would take, perhaps a current (good) server hoster like dePARA or endar could give more accurate details and their feedback on this thread?
The <b>time</b> and <b>money</b> required is quite frankly <b>ridiculous</b>. All I am really looking for is UWE to let us know they realise the current situation is unacceptable and that they plan on doing something about it in the not too distant future. That is not much to ask.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd--> Fair point, its not really reasonable, but UWE has never said that the desired server specs are that high. UWE has mentioned that they are constantly working on improving performance (both client and server), but the process isn't necessarily linear. Some patches bring big jump in improvements and others don't, and both client and server performance has greatly increased from the alpha/early beta builds. That being said, you're absolutely right that it is still far from acceptable according to current gaming standards.
To be fair, UWE only promised that we would have early access to their game, not that it would be in any playable state. Also, I don't think the current state of the beta will have that significant impact on the playerbase as I know of many NS2 players who are more or less taking a break from the game until v1.0 comes out. They'll most certainly come back when the full game is released.
Comments
Either way I think we both agree on several points:
1) It takes an i5/i7 with a monster OC to host an NS2 server, with an acceptable player count (13-14, so you can have a match + caster/spectator).
2) There are not enough servers capable of hosting the game to a standard that doesn't ruin gameplay.
When a patch hits, we usually have 3-4 servers full, the problem is that 2-3 of them are rubbish and put people off the game. These servers also have a high turnover rate (players quitting quickly) due to the performance issues. If all those people played on good servers instead, far more would realise that NS2 is actually very fun at the moment, despite the problems. Then we would need more than just 1 extra server in the EU.
It would be wonderful if another EU individual/clan setup server(s). But realistically can anyone expect that? Should they? Lets look at what they would have to do:
1) Buy at least £500 worth of CPU/Mobo/PSU/RAM/etc.
2) Build it and overclock it to an extreme level.
3) Vigorously test said overclock to ensure it is stable.
4) Install server software/configure the server properly.
5) Have it colocated to a datacenter (however much that costs, choosing the right host, etc.
6) Maintain the server properly, to ensure it continues working, troubleshoot any problems, etc. (If it doesn't have plesk on it, I dont even know where to start!)
Now I will admit, that is my best guess at what it would take, perhaps a current (good) server hoster like dePARA or endar could give more accurate details and their feedback on this thread?
The <b>time</b> and <b>money</b> required is quite frankly <b>ridiculous</b>. All I am really looking for is UWE to let us know they realise the current situation is unacceptable and that they plan on doing something about it in the not too distant future. That is not much to ask.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Fair point, its not really reasonable, but UWE has never said that the desired server specs are that high. UWE has mentioned that they are constantly working on improving performance (both client and server), but the process isn't necessarily linear. Some patches bring big jump in improvements and others don't, and both client and server performance has greatly increased from the alpha/early beta builds. That being said, you're absolutely right that it is still far from acceptable according to current gaming standards.
To be fair, UWE only promised that we would have early access to their game, not that it would be in any playable state. Also, I don't think the current state of the beta will have that significant impact on the playerbase as I know of many NS2 players who are more or less taking a break from the game until v1.0 comes out. They'll most certainly come back when the full game is released.