Free spectator client

Henda

Often I like to spectate a few games, but when I join a server and start spectating, I sometimes feed bad about stealing a slot for another one who wants to play.

I remembered you were able to watch games via HLTV in NS1 and i am sure such a thing will also be up in NS2 one day.

Then I had the idea that there should be a client for watching those games, that renders the graphics on your computer and get the data from the server. This client should be free and not able to let you play NS, just for the people that are undecided to buy the game. They would be able to take a closer look and play around in spectator mode and watch some matches.

I guess it won't be too much work if you just use a version of a normal client that just won't let you play until you bought the game.

What do you think?

Davil

Well it would still be using server resources, possibly to a lesser extent but still using them.

RMJ

Tbh if possible and made correctly, the only thing it would take from the server is the bandwidt to show the players position.

But anyways, make it a free option, so that server can toggle it on / off.

It would actually benefit the game greatly to have a free spectator client, kinda like Dota 2. it could list all current matches (casual or Pro) that have enabled the ability to spectate.

If the developers want NS2 to become big or bigger or Esport, they have to do stuff like this, being able to watch matches like in Starcraft 2 and such, it draws in more people.
Definitely think they should do this, but they need to improve the spectator mode. Its okay, but needs some work.

WasabiOne

there have been some people that have tested reserved slots and solving issue like this, no good answers yet....