Suggestion about Server Browser

[epsy]

Using numbers makes mods impossible, textual is the way to go.

Of course AAAAAPeople will have to be dealt with, but don't let that limit creativity

Here is my proposal:
Have some configuration variables that are set to be sent on pings, like gametype, global_id and more, so that a client can see all that line of stuff before entering the server. The server browser has to remain simple enough, so I'd let the task of custom filtering to third-party software.

[Lucifer]

I have an alternative of my own. Make server type a resource. The server includes the resource and it contains the settings that define the type. The server tells the master server, which in turn tells the client, and the client downloads whichever ones it doesn't have. Then the client uses a particular field in the resource definition that gives the string displayed.

We would, of course, provide and maintain the really common server type resources.

It's extensible, answers z-man's problem of what makes a game high rubber/low rubber, and creates new opportunities for people to engage in flame wars over what defines a particular game type. How can it go wrong?

[Z-Man]

Hmm, that may work. We need background fetching of resources then, though. Otherwise, people can put up 10 servers pointing to game type resources that time out and totally block the server browser. And the master server is out, server to server browsing client communication happens over pings.

The game type resource itself could put constraints on settings. Like 'it's not moronically high rubber unless CYCLE_RUBBER is at least 10'. The server would prevent deviations from the constraint, and the client would call the server a cheater on violations and quit.

There's still the AAAA problem. We could sort game types by their resource path, though, and hardcode true AATeam owned ones to always come first. Or just kick anyone daring to use a more AA name from the resource repository.

Name collisions could be a problem. If the game type name is part of the resource, nothing stops anyone from creating a different resource with different settings, but the same game type. I'm not sure whether we should care.

[sinewav]

1. Number of people on the server. 0 players gives -100 points, 1 player gives 0 points, 2 players +100 points,... the maximum is at 4 or 5 players with +300 points, then the score gets decreased. 8 or more players give +100 points again. (Back when this was designed, with last man standing the default game and score mode, crowded servers were no fun.).
2. Ping. Anything above 100 costs .3 points per ms.
3. Compatibility. For every network version difference, 10 points are deduced. Incompatible servers get -400 points.
Then there is your personal score bias, of course.

I'm posting in an old thread!

I was thinking about the server browser. I like it and I don't want to add game modes or anything. But I have few questions about it.

Since "score" is the default sort, and it was written a long time ago, I was just wondering if it should be updated. Do you think the formula reflects today's ideals? I might be inclined to set my personal bias higher for some server, but I need to continually adjust it (which is kind of a pain). And what about a new person that isn't familiar with the servers at all? Where are we sending them? I actually don't have any suggestions right now; I was just looking for a discussion.

And, is there a command that makes another field the default sort? I use all the fields, but "users" most of the time. You know, something like BROWSER_SORT 2 # 0 for name, 1 for ping, 2 for users...

Oh, one last thing regarding "mates." can you have FRIEND_11 or higher?

Thanks.

[Lucifer]

And what about a new person that isn't familiar with the servers at all? Where are we sending them?

Isn't it obvious that we're sending them to high rubber servers with all the other noobs?

[ZURD101]

There's still the AAAA problem.

preset categories. any server can be classified under
rubber
sumo
fort
wild
and servers i classify as exotic(soccer/hockey, race, etc.)

[sinewav]

I'm bumping my questions about the server browser. Sunday is bump day!

...And, is there a command that makes another field the default sort? I use all the fields, but "users" most of the time. You know, something like BROWSER_SORT 2 # 0 for name, 1 for ping, 2 for users...

Oh, one last thing regarding "mates." can you have FRIEND_11 or higher?