Server Challenges

[Benny]

Ok, so we're struggling here.

I've deleted all the knackered maps. I'm testing the ones from here;
http://download124.filefront.com/m4iiskyz0q1g/14037177/SimHQ_ArmA2_Missions_v1.7z

They are smaller co-op games, supported by SimHQ.com so 'should' be ok.
If in the meantime we can figure out how to give squad leader respawns we'll be ok.

In the interim, Armitage broke the server, can you reboot it.

[Whitey]

The server needed to go down for patching anyway so it's been restarted.

[delankster]

Cheers benny will download and have a loook aswell

[Benny]

The problems

We are playing the same maps as a result of the lack of 'quality' maps available.
The server stability always seems to come to the fore when we least need it to.
Too many maps, not enough testing.
Not enough players and not good enough 'commanding' when there are.


The solutions
I am partly to blame for putting too many maps up so I have since removed anything that hasn't worked and any that aren't tested.
I'd like to get more testing done, as per my previous post. Anything that we can do to learn how to create the respawning tent and squad leader will be a huge boon. I think if we have a few weeks of solid evenings of gaming, rather than the mish mash we can start to pull more people in. Doormans experience is testament to that. The game is not friendly and doesn't encourage the new guys in, and we are guilty of not encouraging and controlling more. Something we all need to work at.

I'm going to start trying the mapping thing as I think the best way will be to modify some of the existing maps to allow some flexibility. What we need to do, IMHO, is make sure that for Tuesdays/Sundays we have a clear plan of which missions we are going to play up front.

I still hugely rate this game, it has such potential, google for some Arma2 videos if you have doubts, but without us all putting the effort in, it won't stick. The next 'big thing' will write it off. Dammit, if CounterStrike still lives I'm damn sure this one isn't going without a fight!

[delankster]

I agree that the 'commanding' leaves a little to be desired.
but once we have worked thru a few more missions and weeded out all the crap,
its going to be a lot easier to have a nominated player be 'commander' for the night, they will then have a better knowledge of the missions and can choose one and a plan of attack.

i know everyones patience is running out with the game ,
but once we have a few more missions to play with then its going to be alot
easier to plan out and make the gaming experience better for all.

[Benny]

Oh and to say.....I wasn't having a go at anyone. The commanding on there is crap because the interface is like an octopus making out with a mop.

You can create custom pieces, but again, it's a lot of effort for the non coder monkeys like me

[OldBloke]

Benny  - are you saying that the majority of the issues we're experiencing are down to poorly produced missions?

[delankster]

I'm testing the ones from here;
http://download124.filefront.com/m4iiskyz0q1g/14037177/SimHQ_ArmA2_Missions_v1.7z

right i tested four from there, before i had to go out for a billiards match... don't ask :doh:

anyhow these are the ones tested:

cdf Hard HIt 06     you are at the airport base and have to defend against any attacking hostiles.
  looks like its worth a go to me  HIT !!

Meu sec-ops Fun 06     you have a (very) long drive to your extraction point, with missions issued along the way.
got board very quick with all the travelling  MISS !!

Meu Radar Love 08     you are to patrol town looking for enimy hostiles.
didn'y find any hostiles, MISS !!

Cas-ops Electro 30    you are faced with multiple targets, faily long distances but hele's and planes at hand .
similar to morning star series, needs a few players on though Maybe ?

anyhow not sure if you found any others that a worth a look ,but i think hard hit is worth a bash

will test a few more when i get in tommorow

[Benny]

Benny  - are you saying that the majority of the issues we're experiencing are down to poorly produced missions?

Yup. Taking Hijack, it's easy enough to direct people and even then we've lost direction, but when we take on a new mission and the fact the game is so unforgiving we end up in a mess.

Arm is right, we need new missions, BUT....it's such a steep curve that playing the new ones is anything but enjoyable for those that aren't 'into' it.

The one we played last night with 3 was ok, but only because with 3, we could keep restarting it. With 6 it would have been annoying.

[delankster]

The one we played last night with 3 was ok, but only because with 3, we could keep restarting it. With 6 it would have been annoying.

what mission was it benny ? worth avoiding tonight then ?

[Benny]

Think it was AmmoHarbour. Not a write off, but not a full server mission.

I reckon it's doable, but it needs patience and close teamwork. If you die, you get to be a crow...maybe we agree that if people die within 5 minutes or the majority of the team die we can restart?

[delankster]

maybe we agree that if people die within 5 minutes or the majority of the team die we can restart?

sounds reasonable :yes:

maybe we can start of with that one tonight before it gets busy and then move onto something else,
 
did you load up any other missions or just that one ?

[Benny]

I think I wiped them all. Uploading isn't too painful. Let me know if you want one done and I can do it when I'm back unless a server admin is around.

After my stint of uploading all and sundry I was being all efficient and took out all the ones that don't work.

We could.....have a second server for staging, mission testing etc?

[Whitey]

I think I wiped them all. Uploading isn't too painful. Let me know if you want one done and I can do it when I'm back unless a server admin is around.

After my stint of uploading all and sundry I was being all efficient and took out all the ones that don't work.

We could.....have a second server for staging, mission testing etc?

We already have a second server but they share the missions folder.
The correct way to do it is to have the missions that you want to play in the config file on the "Production" server.  I had a play with this shortly after release but the documentation at that time was rubbish. The play server would just be setup as it is now with access to all of the missions in the missions folder.

[delankster]

cheers whitey whats the ip address of the second server?

ok benny, will give you a nudge later on steam