Interest in an RTCW server

[Iggy]

Given last night's stellar attendance, I was wondering if anyone would be interested in playing RTCW on a regular basis. I am willing to host a 32 player server if there is enough interest. I have a few different reasons for wanting to do this.

First, seeing all the old regs together again was a beautiful thing that, quite honestly, I never thought I would see again. Second, losing AK's DC server has brought us down to two affiliated servers and the Dome is more or less temporary. Third, I would like to see the community continue to thrive and, if possible, grow. I know that RTCW is a dying game but there are people who still play on a regular basis (other than our regs) that might be interested in being a part of VSF if given a place to play. There really aren't very many RTCW servers left out there and the ones that are left either have stagnant rotations or other annoying things like FF off, etc. And last but not least, I would like to give back to the community that has selflessly given so much to me.

So what do you think? Is this a worthwhile venture? Would the time and money be better spent hosting a different game? I really would like the community's input on this.

---------- EDIT ----------

FWIW - I want ALL opinions, good or bad. Don't feel like you are raining on someone's parade if you don't think it is a good idea. What I am really after is honesty, plain and simple. I have no qualms about the money or the time I would have to invest to get this up and running. I was thinking that it could be worth a one month trial to start. If people want to show up, play, and have a good time then so be it. If not, oh well, no big loss. I am adding a poll to get a sense of the interest shown in this proposition. I'll let it run for a week or so before I make a decision. Please vote and follow up with any comments you have.

Thanks.

[JTFazz]

:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

(Wolf yes!)

[GeneAutrey]

I hate to say this, and some may disagree, but I tend to like Wolf better than the other FPS out there. I'd be all over a good Wolf server running some of our old favorite maps ( Market Garden, Normandy Breakout, Depot, etc ).

Just stick Shrub on it, get a good rotation, and it will fill up.

I'll send you a check anytime to help cover costs.

GeneAutrey

[SpongeBob]

OK, call me the glass half empty guy, but here's my take.
Interest was huge last night, we've not had a nice Wolf match like that in .......I dunno, a long time. We were teased with the opportunity in the last days of CCM when Art mentioned a possible RtCW FOG, but it never came to be. But let's not forget, we had CCM1 available to us for quite some time, 50 slots, most empty for months on end.
Objectively, I cannot think of any reason why a Wolf server hosted by anyone we know would draw much interested, beyond some nostalgia, for much time. Sure, we'd all be on it for the first few nights, but then, for the same reasons many left CCM1 behind, we'll move on again. If someone through and Atari 2600 down in front of me, I'd be all over it for some time, remembering the good old days of River Raid and Combat!, but it wouldn't last. There are too many other games out there.
Iggy, if it's not going to cost you anything, or if there's no risk in it, please, by all means, host the server, I'm just clear the air of carry over euphoria from last night.

[GeneAutrey]

Sponge ... I hate to disagree, but I think there is enough interest to keep a 32 player Wolf server running in this community. I run into old regs all over the place playing other Wolf servers. Just the [CCM] tag I use on Jolt.UK gets me comments all the time from people who knew CCM and loved it.

It has some nice advantages.

1.) It gives most of us in this community a common game to fall back to and share. With some in this community playing CoD, BF1942/DC, etc we got really fragmented. Wolf gives us that game that a great majority of us all own and can play.

2.) A VAST majority of us already own it and have PCs capable of playing it well. That can't be said of many other games out there.

I don't think this is a case of simple nostalgia..

Lots of things came together at the wrong time that resulted in the old CCM wolf server dieing out. I don't think a lot of them were specifically related to Wolf alone.

Like I said ... I'm willing to put my money where my mouth is and send Iggy some fundage to get this going.

GeneAutrey

[cowboy]

I play wolf more than any game that I have i may not be the majority but it is the game i love the most i when life is not busy play as much as I can. ive for the past few months been on KONIJN server under my CYCOBEN name would love to see a new wolf server i believe there is enough of the old school crowd that plays and alot of new that wold love to play a good sever.

Gabe

[JTFazz]

There is no panacea. However, RtCW is the only common link this community has. I would be just as willing to jump on a play RtCW with the old crew as I would anything else we play. I think CCM1 got taken for granted and when it was taken down, its was as popular among the regs as the DC server has been. I want throw TDome into the equation because it runs three different versions of one game and not everyone in the community has all three. However, I do think that a Wolf server would draw as many regs as TDome or the DC server have.

There are some of the community that hang around the forums that we never see in any game. I think we would see a lot of them gaming there if there were such a thing. I am growing weary of BF myself and would like a change. CoD is not the answer. Last time I played CoD I could not wait to get out of there. The OLTL modes are just not any fun for someone who doesn't play everyday. And playing the DEM mod made me even more frustrated as I felt totally lost. Its a shame that the promise of the multi-player didn't pan out like many of us had hoped. I have moved squarely into the MASH camp on this one.

I am anxious to play BF Vietnam frankly... I would like to see a full blown DC game come out with the objective mode of SW. I would like a cure for cancer. I would like to have a 34 waist again... you get the point.

With the possible exception of CoD, I will go where the regs are. On a given night, I know that RtCW would be a full server here. Every night, probably not... but certainly it would have its moments.

Iggy, I will do whatever I can to help you pursue this if you so choose.

[SpongeBob]

Gene dude, I certainly do wish you to be correct, like I said, I'd be there myself. Perhaps you are rigth, it was just a whole bunch of poorly timed events that caused the abandonment of CCM. I know Jolt is full all the time, so you might be right. I do not wish to cause anyone to not play RtCW, I'm just trying to put forth both sides of the equation.
Open up your ammo shop down in the sewer, I'll take 2 sacks of bullets and a new helmet, please.

[LionRampant]

Weel, I have to admit that I now regard Wolf as good in small flashes of nostalgia. It deserves much respect - it was the game that brought all (the vast majority) of us together. Now, there are too many games out there, to keep the server full with the kind of regs we saw last night.

I feel that the whole Old Skool get-together night will be lost on those of us who have gradually moved on to other games. No doubt, those who still play in the RtCW/ET realms would love the thought of a 24/7 server they could call home again.

I'd rather keep the game as a fond memory with the odd hankering for a splash of nostalgia.

I hate to sound negative and not appreciative, but Iggy asked for opinions. Nor am I saying that I'd hardly ever play on the server if it was provided.

Edit: It wasn't Wolf that killed CCM, but the demise in attendance and lack of the game that did.

[Iron Sauron]

GO IGGY! GO IGGY! GO IGGY! ITS YA BIRTHDAY! ITS YA BIRTHDAY!

[ignus]

RtCW > ET

:roll:

:lol:

ya i'd definetly play a couple times a week or more, time permitting :)

[Chairman_Kaga]

Not sure about the masses but I'm not sure there would be sustained interest from this community. Yes, the nostalgia night gets a server packed. But I'm not sure a 24/7 server would be used a lot. Also keep in mind there is a new wave of games slated for release shortly. UT 2004, BF: Vietnam, Far Cry, Soldner, Doom III and others. These will only serve to lessen the crowd for RtCW.

I'm sure everyone would appreciate the server. I just don't know how much effort or money would be involved and if it would be worth that cost.

I personally would show up occasionally for old times sake but the newer games are much more interesting and entertaining to me.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not trying to dissuade anyone from putting up a server of ANY game. Any good gaming server, no matter the game, will only serve to help this community grow.

[Iron Sauron]

Not sure about the masses but I'm not sure there would be sustained interest from this community. Yes, the nostalgia night gets a server packed. But I'm not sure a 24/7 server would be used a lot. Also keep in mind there is a new wave of games slated for release shortly. UT 2004, BF: Vietnam, Far Cry, Soldner, Doom III and others. These will only serve to lessen the crowd for RtCW.

I'm sure everyone would appreciate the server. I just don't know how much effort or money would be involved and if it would be worth that cost.

I personally would show up occasionally for old times sake but the newer games are much more interesting and entertaining to me.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not trying to dissuade anyone from putting up a server of ANY game. Any good gaming server, no matter the game, will only serve to help this community grow.

Kaga brings up a good point. i for one am only going to be getting 3 out of the five you listed. and trading in some other games i have. and about Doom III, it will most certainly draw people away from RtCW...in about a year. :lol: i say the possible server is set up for a week to test the attendence.

[Lowrider]

I think a once every 2 weeks would be cool... I for one am not really interested in old Rtcw anymore... Its been played out, but I think it will help ccm keep its community together. This is a game that clearly we all have, and can still have fun playing.

[BoogerBomb]

I'd be all for it. I tried to do a 32 player rotating map shrub server for Konijn but it didnt work. People joined beach then left when it was over. It was empty for 2 months then it took 2 month of its current settings to get a somewhat steady following. Getting a server off the gorund aint easy for RTCW. For most people its their first online FPS and they are a little hesitant to do anything. Ask them to download a map and thats blasphemy!!

However, with the current base of players here if even just 10 or so play each day other players will join. It may take a few months, but with a properly admined server it could generate a following. I try to stress that with other admins who ask for my help but most don't have the patience to wait. They want packed 24/7 right off the bat and that will never happen.

I am all for it Iggy and will be willing to help with the settings that I know.

[Chalybos]

Iggy, how about a ball park figure? And what are you going to use for your connection? I'd be willing to send ya some dough, or parts, but JT's got a point about the games that'll be coming out soon. Me, I'm waiting for BF VietNam. And DC is what killed CCM1. I know, I helped. :roll: If you can host it from work, and just need to set up a server, that's one thing. I mean, if it doesn't work out, you can always run another game on the hardware. Me, I'd probably play once or twice a week. Which leaves one night with the wife, one night out with the guys for beer&games, 2 nights for DC, one night for EverQuest. One night as a floater.

[ignus]

doom 3 is multiplayer? isnt that what quake is for?

[GeneAutrey]

doom 3 is multiplayer? isnt that what quake is for?

Supposedly it will have a "co-op" mode.

GeneAutrey

[MASH]

doom 3 is multiplayer? isnt that what quake is for?

Supposedly it will have a "co-op" mode.

Doom III isn't the one to watch out for... It's BFV and HLII that are going to change the face of multi-player.

[ignus]

doom 3 is multiplayer? isnt that what quake is for?

Supposedly it will have a "co-op" mode.

Doom III isn't the one to watch out for... It's BFV and HLII that are going to change the face of multi-player.

:nod:

although q4 is on the horizon as well, which will bring another 400 q4 engine fps games :roll:

[Chairman_Kaga]

doom 3 is multiplayer? isnt that what quake is for?

Supposedly it will have a "co-op" mode.

Doom III isn't the one to watch out for... It's BFV and HLII that are going to change the face of multi-player.
In theory, HL2 will be the biggest one. (a LOT of assumptions in there though)

[megaman]

i'd say that the server for rtcw should be up friday-monday. you know, and the inbetween days.

i say this cause i also really enjoy ET, and while a LOT of people don't like it, it adds a lot of different aspects to the game.
i mean, stealing pants is a lot of fun, as so is stabbing people in the back,

but sometimes i miss the venom, and the solitary engie runs on mg... hell we won a lot of times of lone engies.

so, i say yes, put up a serv0r for rtcw!!

[batmanuel]

I think I would play on it when I could. I really love RTCW... but ET never quite replaced it for me, and it's a very different game than CoD. I think if there was a kick ass server with shrub and all the nice mods running, where we could get it going and keep it going, it may draw an ongoing crowd.

But Iggy, how much would this run you a month, or do you have a way of doing it cheap/free?

[Iggy]

I would be purchasing the service from a hosting company. I don't have the resources necessary to host it myself or I would have hosted something long ago. There are some good deals out there and again, I do not care about the money, especially in the short term.

Like I mentioned in my first post, it seems like a one month trial is the way to go. Even with the feedback here it will be difficult to tell whether people are going to play often enough to support a server. I also wasn't thinking about the fact that there are several new games coming out soon that may draw people in other directions.

Something worth mentioning in regard to the new games is that they will, of course, be expensive and not everyone is going to buy them, at least not right away. Doom3 multiplayer is small scale from what I have heard. I think it only supports up to 8 players. I am skeptical of Soldner's ability to provide a FPS level of enjoyment due to the third person only aspect. HL2 should support at least 32 players but you just know it will be pretty buggy to start. I have never like UT and I think that many here don't as well (at least those that I have discussed it with). The only real large scale MP game I see on the horizon is BF:V.

[ignus]

Something worth mentioning in regard to the new games is that they will, of course, be expensive and not everyone is going to buy them, at least not right away. Doom3 multiplayer is small scale from what I have heard. I think it only supports up to 8 players. I am skeptical of Soldner's ability to provide a FPS level of enjoyment due to the third person only aspect. HL2 should support at least 32 players but you just know it will be pretty buggy to start. I have never like UT and I think that many here don't as well (at least those that I have discussed it with). The only real large scale MP game I see on the horizon is BF:V.

totally agree with all of that. :nod:

[cowboy]

just on a note on the hopme page where it lists thegame severs that we have the only one that is constaly being used is the rtcw sever lik now for instance 27 there and 0 on all the others it is constantly this way just thought I would point that out.

[RuperT]

Well, I dare say there will be a Florida Death Swamp Vietnam server in the near future...
Iggy, the Florida Death Swamp DC server is on a serverbeach.com Win2003 server (the $129 version); they also offer Linux servers. They had a fast setup, it's month-to-month, and we haven't had any real problems (their Rapid-Reboot did fail to do that the first time though).
We decided to go with a dedicated server so we could host some of these upcoming games according to interest. Also, we've got enough computer savvy guys to keep things running smoothly (I have no doubts about your capabilities in this regard).
I just ask that you don't siphon off too many of my DC 'regulars'. 8)

[Mad_Gasser]

I'd love to see it. I'd play a lot.

Gas
________
MOTORCYCLE TIRES (http://www.motorcycle-tech.com/tires/motorcycle-tires)

[SauerKraut]

i mean, stealing pants is a lot of fun, as so is stabbing people in the back



best


quote


ever

[Roc_ketboy]

BRING IT BACK!

[JTFazz]

Iggy, lets get on IM or TS some night and talk about this. I really think we could get some play on this. If regs are playing, other regs will join in. I certainly would play several nights a week if there are players on. I will gladly put my shoulder behind this and push.

[Iron Sauron]

Iggy, lets get on IM or TS some night and talk about this. I really think we could get some play on this. If regs are playing, other regs will join in. I certainly would play several nights a week if there are players on. I will gladly put my shoulder behind this and push.

again, i cant support with money or anything but moral support is good right? if regs play(anything but ET) i will too.