TF2Maps Community Map Test Server (Feedback)

[Crimson]

I am renting a dedicated server to host a couple servers on for my clan. Right now we have one 20 slot server that stays full from about 10am until about 3am. Basically, I am going to be forking out about 130$ a month rather than the 30$ I am spending now.

However, the dedicated server will be a lot more stable and capable which led me to come up with another idea. I know a lot of people seem to have problems getting a server running on there computer for people to see there map, or want to load it up and invite a couple people to see, etc.

I was considering making a server just for the tf2 mappers, and setting up some sort of FTP that they could upload their maps (only access to that folder, and only the ability to upload) to the necessary maps folder and that would be all they would have to do to get there maps up. It would save everyone having to run a server off of their computers, or find someone to host it for them to playertest a few things.

I would have to think some of the specifics out but I think it should work fairly well. I am just curious to see what the interest in this would be.

 

[TheBladeRoden]

I don't need a server myself, but I could use an FTP for my server's download url.

 

[DJive]

I love the idea, but already see it being abused. You'll see a ton of wasted space for someone who wants to play test a map they are just making to fool around...

Don't take that wrong. There are many members who are on these forums who are looking for critique and valid playtesting to release a final product.. an excelent map.

I think there are also people who map to map and don't give two shits if anyone likes it or not and do not care for advice.

*shrugs*

Kinda hard to know the difference if its an open upload and map rotation. There would have to be some good specifications but in general i would LOVE this idea.. if pulled right =)

 

[Crimson]

Well this server in paticular would not be used with any kind of map rotation. I might even set some kind of script to delete all the map files in the maps folder every 24 hours or so, maybe at like 5am or something just to keep it cleaned up without me worrying about it.

But theres a lot of kinks I would have to work out, but I will probably wind up setting this up. If I do like a max of 12 players or something, that should be enough for a basic playertest if needed, and really shouldn't stay all that busy aside from when a mapper needs to test a map, thus requiring very little bandwidth.

 

[Sean of the Dead]

and maybe after an hour or so, u could auto-ban everyone so other ppl can test their map

idk, just a suggestion

 

[Crimson]

lol, i don't think it would ever be much of a problem with people waiting to load there maps on it. I mean if it really came down to it and it was that used I could just make more of them. An empty server basically uses no bandwidth at all, so having a couple up wouldn't be a problem, just more of a hassle for me.

 

[Gonzales]

I'd love this. I'm having a hell of a time finding a way to test my map.

 

[Paddy]

i think that is a great idea! but im a bit worried how some people will only want to put on maps that have been worked on for ages and look amazing! i think youve got to make sure you dont cut out the new map makers for example me who wont be making amazing maps but want to be able too!

 

[Armadillo of Doom]

You just made me so happy, in my pants..... You heard me.

 

[dirtyminuth]

I would be excited for a server to help critique custom maps (and get my own critiqued!) Pardon my ignorance, is there a a TF2Maps.net custom maps server around already?

 

[Armadillo of Doom]

I feel I must point out, that we do in fact have a server. Problem is, noone ever uses it, and has been empty for well over a month. To be honest, I've actually forgotten who's hosting the bloody thing But it is there, should anyone ever want it.

 

[Gonzales]

Maybe we could have once-a-week custom map nights, where we all get on the server and playtest a bunch of stuff?

 

[Sean of the Dead]

Maybe we could have once-a-week custom map nights, where we all get on the server and playtest a bunch of stuff?

thats actually a good idea you have there :thumbup:

 

[Buster Charlie]

I already said it would be a good idea. Also keep the voice all speak so the person testing can get feedback from both teams.

 

[hacky]

Keep the idea alive. Give times, dates, methods of getting maps to playtest. This is something I'd join in, for helping to playtest maps as well as getting my own map playtested.

 

[Scoobingsthe2nd]

good idea that would be really helpful

 

[Crimson]

Paddy, people could basically upload an empty room for all I care. If another mapper is waiting to load there map because your showing an empty room to all your friends, they might not be too happy, but I am not eliminating anyone.

I just got the server, and now I am having the fun of learning how to setup a linux dedicated server because I have always been a windows kind of guy. I will probably have this up and working within the next week or so.

The way I think it will work is I will have an FTP that anyone can connect to (I will probably put a username/password on these forums just so we don't have mappers from other places using it) and it will be unrestricted upload, but I will probably try and limit it to .bsp format only if I can figure that out. This way I don't have to worry about people uploading things they shouldn't be.

Then I will probably just make it so theres a votemap function, so if theres one person on, they can just votemap and change it to theres or whatever. I will figure out the best way to do everything once it is up.

 

[Paddy]

ok obviously if its just one room then thats not good! and if people do stuff like that you should be able to ban them or something!

And when everyone says well have these custom map nights(a great idea) but what time will they be so people in america and the uk could use them? maybe one a week for both of them i was thinking! Or one that starts early and goes on for ages till the americans can get on!

 

[Snipergen]

Immortal how about we test your toy soldiers mod every week?

 

[drp]

I don't need a server myself, but I could use an FTP for my server's download url.

pm me. i can help you out with that