a similar thread has been started in the server forum, called linking servers

Hmm.. Not really a similar idea, "linking servers" is only about having the same character on different servers... Not having several servers connect to each other.. Think about cluster servers or peer 2 peer networking if you like.. What I'm on about is that we need more players at the same time (Tho each server will have a lower max users login because they are joined the ammount of players in 1 FL universe would be bigger when a server can connect to other servers and share their data), not having the same character on multiple servers

But I must say, this is the wrong forum, maybe a moderator might be so kind to move it to the server forum

(Or did you mean "Lnking...thought"

Edited by - Seer on 21-06-2003 21:04:36

erm yeah.... oops, still sounds good tho

Yeah, I had a similar throught myself.

The server software would need to be re-written from the ground-up, but I don't see any reason why the client wouldn't support it. Guess it could get laggy with lots of players in the same area as each machine would need to keep track of the action, but a clustered or distributed server model could still potentially support a lot more players than the currently crappy server provided by DA/MS.

However, I foresee a number of challenges:
1. Legal - the existing branding and code would be Microsoft copyright, so you'd have to develop it without using or reverse engineering any of the existing coding and couldn't use the branding or possibly even the name "Freelancer" without Microsoft's blessing.
2. You'd have to work out what the existing server does without "de-compling" it - not a minor task!
3. The obvious issue of getting people with the right skills, calibre and motivation to dedicate time and effort to writing it.
4. The exisiting server uses the global server to announce it's availability; Microsoft own this server and would almost certainly prohibit a third-party from doing the same so it's be impossible to integrate with the existing architecture.
5. Uptake - you'd have to persuade people to commit resources to running the servers and players to connect to them which, without global server listings would be difficult to "market".

I think it's a great idea but I don't think the game has sufficient longetivity or support to warrant people dedicating the effort required to overcome the issues.

--

>bRydeR<

hope this is the thread for...

what about stats? would be nice to see/be able to generate some sirius-sector stats - a list of all known player stats.

greetings
shapeShifter aka Neo

Omicron Rogues

Edited by - shapeShifter on 23-06-2003 17:04:24

1. Legal - the existing branding and code would be Microsoft copyright, so you'd have to develop it without using or reverse engineering any of the existing coding and couldn't use the branding or possibly even the name "Freelancer" without Microsoft's blessing.

Well, just upload it to freelancer websites and describe it very well ..

2. You'd have to work out what the existing server does without "de-compling" it - not a minor task!

Nobody said it would be easy.. If it was I would have done it myself

3. The obvious issue of getting people with the right skills, calibre and motivation to dedicate time and effort to writing it.

Hello lancersreactor readers

The exisiting server uses the global server to announce it's availability; Microsoft own this server and would almost certainly prohibit a third-party from doing the same so it's be impossible to integrate with the existing architecture.

Not a real biggy.. Afterall, if a program as "overnet" can work without a server listing.. Hell, maybe someone can come up a serverclient program so each player is has it's own server (Now, that's a hell of a task to do, but it would be a big benefit to all..) And if there still need to be a server listing if the above won't work, I'm sure this site would like to host it, and http://www.flserver.com/ already has a similar listing..

5. Uptake - you'd have to persuade people to commit resources to running the servers and players to connect to them which, without global server listings would be difficult to "market".

Server a plenty at the moment.. FL is a good game (which could have been so much better if the movies are anything to go by).. A step in giveing FL a longer lifespan is a getting it a server that can handle more players online one way or another..

How are y' going to get a rep among players if you only play against a few human players ?

what about stats? would be nice to see/be able to generate some sirius-sector stats - a list of all known player stats.

Well, stat's are going to be of a "problem".... Only the server you are on will have your stats I suppose (No need to waste bandwidth with sending all players stats over the network).. Offcourse, if you are online long periods of time an misbehace (IE Pirate) or are a Mr Niceguy (Navy) you either get bounty hunter after you or pirate players (Well, that's my motivation for a having more online players, getting a good or bad rep with lots of players, maybe some of them putting a bounty on your head because you kill to many of their friends...)