[Info] Hosting a game

[Echoman]

Hi everyone,

I am new to this forum but not to RO. I want to host a game, but I have no experience with servers. Would this be too difficult? Or do I just rent the server and then click on the "host a game" in the game menu and everything is there? I heard something about getting a FTP program and redirects. I am just not sure what those are, but I am willing to learn.

Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks in advance!!!

 

[aceto]

2 ways:

1) gameserver
-> not much trouble, you get a installed RO-gameserver

2) rootserver
-> much more work and higher price

try to start with the manual.
http://www.redorchestragame.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2948

you need to rent a server -> linux or windows = difference in price and installation.

ftp-program you will need to upload files to the server. redirect you need if you upload other files then the normal gamefiles that comes with intallation. (for example other maps) -> this will make the download for the players on your server much more faster. if you will not setup/use one they will drop while loooooooooooading.

 

[Echoman]

Thanks for the info. Is this something a novice can do? I was looking at this link you posted, http://thrillerknights.com/downloads/DedicatedServerSetupGuide.zip.
There is mention in the thread that it may need to be updated. Is this the updated version? Also, how long should I expect to set up the server before I can run a map. I am planning on only running one map to start.

Thanks

 

[Floyd]

If you rent the server, you won't control it through the RO that is on your home computer. You will use your computers RO to join the server. Assuming you rent from a gameserver company, they will instruct you about how you can control the starting/stopping, file uploads, etc. Once the server is up and running, you can use the Webadmin program to adjust a few things. This is done through your web browser.

I would suggest finding a gameserver company that rents servers close to your location and reading up on their operations on their website. Some have game control panels that allow you to start/stop the gameserver, edit the configuration files, supply you with ftp capabilities, edit command lines, etc. Others simply provide you with permissions, file locations and its up to you to edit the configuration files and ftp them to the server, etc.

Floyd

 

[Echoman]

Thanks Floyd. It sounds to me that I will not know what I am getting into until I actually rent the server and try to use it. Am I right?

Aceto, the link you posted is a dead link, but thanks anyway.

I am looking at Gameservers.com, they are close to me and they have RO listed as a game they support. I would think they have everything that is needed to run the game such as the voice support. Am I correct?

Is there any free FTP programs?

Does the redirect thing I need come with the server or is this an additional expense?

 

[Floyd]

Thanks Floyd. It sounds to me that I will not know what I am getting into until I actually rent the server and try to use it. Am I right?

Aceto, the link you posted is a dead link, but thanks anyway.

I am looking at Gameservers.com, they are close to me and they have RO listed as a game they support. I would think they have everything that is needed to run the game such as the voice support. Am I correct?

Is there any free FTP programs?

Does the redirect thing I need come with the server or is this an additional expense?

Rent a 10-20 man server for a month to get your feet wet. You can always upgrade. I am not familiar with gameservers so I can't answer definitively, but...

RO comes with VOIP built into the game, so, yeah, if they offer the game that part should be supported. If you are talking about TeamSpeak or Ventrilo, then it may or may not be included in the price. More than likely not.

More than likely re-direct does NOT come with the rental. But it may. You'll have to ask. But if you run stock maps, you don't need re-direct.

There are free ftp programs...Google for them. Coffeecup, SmartFtp, and others.

Floyd

 

[Shadrach]

Isn't it possible to host on your own machine, either dedicated or just through the RO menus?

I mean, if you are new to hosting (sounds like) this might be the best way to learn the basics before shelling out money for a dedicated 24/7 server just to learn.

You'd still need to read up stuff (dedicated especially), and what ports to open on your router/firewall if needed, and stuff like that, but if you just want to host for you and a couple of your mates I figure it would work.

But I have no experience with RO servers, last time I hosted an FPS on my own machine must've been HL deathmatch on LAN

 

[Floyd]

Sure. I guess it depends upon what you want to do. If you only want to host a periodic quick game with one or two friends, it might work (depending upon your internet connection characteristics. However, running the game through a dedicated server (or rented gameserver) is a good bit different. For one, you don't have the menu options to set up your server when done on a remote computer.

Floyd