Multiplayer support

[Diabolico]

In fact, [&:] when I hit the multiplayer tab I have no list of dedicated servers. Where can you play it online? Can you launch by direct IP and if yes, how?
I know it is not supported by gamespy (as of now), so is there anywhere else you can launch from?
... because you can't even launch from the Battle HQ interface... [:(]
Hope you guys develop a better solution for launching multiplayer games because I have tried for 2 hours to launch a game without success [:@]
It is a great game, otherwhise!!! [:)]

[DamoclesX]

you need to hjave people there already, post on the forums or so that you want to play a game, everybody seems to still be having trouble meeting at the same times to play.

[Incendiary Lemon]

If you get a game up skip any carrier missions, launching your fighter will produce heavy lag.

[Diabolico]

What we need is a place to meet, a lobby, like in gamespy, Hyperlobby or Battle HQ.
The creators should think about this real quick! [:-]

[jmccormack]

Yes I agree with the above post. It seems that everyone talks about modding the game but no one likes to mp with it. Sounds kinda lonely to me. Come on Matrix Games how bout it????????

PS I will be off and on over the next three days would love to test my connection and my skills. email me if interested.
themccormackfamily@juno.com

Sleestak-DAD
"ohhhh quick...Get me a pin!"

[Diabolico]

Very well spoken! This wonderfull game will die if there are no multiplayer possibilities.
I think I have paid 58 $ - wich is too much for a game without multiplayer capabilities, even if it corresponds to all of my expectations this far... [8|]
Matrix Games/Destroyer Studios, please give us at least a simple interface that allow us to connect at least via direct IP.
Thanks in advance![:-]

[John DiCamillo]

I'm sorry, but I don't understand what you guys are looking for that isn't already in the game (besides more people to play it with). The server broker is built into the game. If there is a public server running anywhere in the world, and you have an Internet connection, you will be able to see it on the multiplayer server screen. I try to keep a server running on my machine most days when I am not actually using the computer to do development work. In fact, it is running right now. You can also do direct IP connection to another servere (e.g. to setup a LAN only game). There is also a section on this message board ("Opponents Wanted") where you can try to arrange pre-planned multiplayer games.

I'm not sure what else I can do to help you out. [&:]

[Diabolico]

Dear Milo,

You have created a great game. Yet, for a 58 $ USD purchase I am expecting lot better multiplayer support. By "lot better multiplayer support" I mean at least one or two of the following :
1. a permanent game server, 24-24H, 7-7. With the money we are paying for a 300 mb download and a backup this has to be feasible.
2. Online lobby support on gamespy, Battle HQ, Hyperlobby.com or similar (it should be possible to play at least one one of those places).
3. a more "user friendly interface", meaning :
- A simple button like "create IP game", wich would setup a game host immediatly and a "join" button to reach those games, so people on instant messagers just have to type the host's IP and click over join to get a game, or something even simpler, as seen on most older games.

Don't misunderstand me Milo, your game is awesome! [&o]
But I am very unsatisfied with it's multiplayer capabilities, as there are cheaper games with easier MP interfaces. What good is a server browser if there are no servers online?[:-]

For instance, it is now 21h45 on my country (France) and no server is available...
I have tried with firewall on and off...

A week ago, I have tried to connect to a friend for an IP game (just the 2 of us) without success.
Maybe the interface you've developped is very easy and good. Yet, if there are at least 2 people that can't connect between each other there is a problem.

Please fix this ASAP and I am sure that the starshatter community will be very gratefull. Thanks in advance,

=S=[8D]

[Diabolico]

you create a deciated server???
This is a pain... I am trying to connect with another guy and we can't figure out how to simply host a game or join... [:@]
Please make something simple like a "connect to this IP" button or such...

Thanks in advance [:)]

=S=

[HenryK]

Check the Game Manual, print page 99 (pdf page 102/156).

[Diabolico]

I did! In fact, multiplayer instructions start at page 97 I guess... but it is not clear and simple, for me and for a least 2 other players that are trying to figure it out...
There is no information on how to get the admin and gameports or even on how to name the server (do I put my IP in or just name it?)... [:(]
I am very disapointed with that...

[jmccormack]

I have to agree with Diabolico. It aint so simple for non network savy people.
I figured out my admin access when i realized that you have to type in the name of your actual pc server name:35000\login to get to the admin panel and not the name of the starshatter server name...that drove me crazy until i figured it out.

I have had no problem running games with my kids on my home lan (7 pcs connected) nor when we actually detected Milo's server and played on his system. But i can see where it isnt eactly user friendly...and a virtual hang out in real time like the lobbies in game spy would be nice.

Okay...on another note. I am going to create a dedicated server and leave it upfor about 24 hours and see if anyone has any success in detecting it...The name of it is Mack attack....I will check frequently in the admin logs to see if anyone has connected to it. Im running a Athlon XP 2.4 768 ram... so it pretty decent system... If you cant connect....then post here so we can see whats up.
Im near Seattle so Im on Pacific Time. Right now Im starting it at 2:19 AM.[:D]

Crossing my fingers

[Diabolico]

Dear JC, it is now 14h00 CET (wich I believe is New York time + 6 hours) and I can't detect your game. [:(]
I have tried with and without the firewall on.[:'(]
I will try again in 1 hour.
I am running an HP Intel P4 2,8, 1 GB ram, 160 gb HD with a 128 ATI vid card or better.

[Diabolico]

Please take a look below. This is my multiplayer screen as of today, 18/10/2004 - 14h09 CET.

[Diabolico]

Still nothing.... [:(]
Am I doing something wrong?[&:]
Doh!!![8|]

[jmccormack]

Diabolico,
I changed my port settings see if you can see it now.. If not I will post my server log and see if Milo or one of the tech guys have any suggestions.

Mack[:'(]

[Diabolico]

Dear Mack, thank you very much for your efforts!!!
... yet, the multiplayer screen is still empty (as the pic above)!!!
If you can reach the tech guys or Milo himself and make them realise that this is a big problem for some of us I will more than appreciate that gesture!!![&o]
In fact, it is not acceptable that such a wonderfull and addictive game - specially a recent one - has multiplayer difficulties.
In fact, I met a guy from Germany that has the same problem - never seeing a server online or knowing how to join/host a game...
If you can get hold of Milo or one of the devs, please make them understand that (as you have stated before) this game is condemned if it doesn't have an "intuitive" multiplayer connection mode, as simple as is flying starshatter itself.
Please note that I am a hardcore flight simmer, flying for over 20 years now (I have started with the first MS flighsimulator and some lambda programs that were made for the pc those days...) and I have beggining playing online very lately (1999) and I play FA (fighters Anthology) almost everyday.
I have totaled 99 Starshatter sorties in about 1 week. Yet none of them online... [:(] ... that is for me a major frustration...

=S=

[Melkor]

Just checked MP servers at 6:00 PM Eastern. Mack Attack and Milo were both on the list, but Mack was offline.

[jmccormack]

Wow that is interesting cause it was up and running. Im going to leave it up for another 24 hours and if anyone else has the same issue let me know. I wonder if not using a static IP is the problem. Im using a comcast cable net connection and my ports are open and being routed to my main pc which is hosting the game. Below is my server log after I restarted it this evening. Notice that it does say unable to contact Netservice!!!

+====================================================================+
| STARSHATTER 4.0.3 18 Oct 2004, 7:27:04 PM |
+====================================================================+
| |
| Windows XP 5.1 (Build 2600) Service Pack 2 |
| |
| Registered Owner: JAMES MCCORMACK, |
| |
| CPUs Detected: 1 CPU Level: 6.8.1 CPU Speed: 1999 |
| x86 Family 6 Model 8 Stepping 1 |
| AuthenticAMD |
| |
| 768 MB RAM 1238 MB Max Swap 1056 MB Avail Swap |
| |
| DirectX 7 installed. |
| DDRAW 5.03.2600.2180 (xpsp_sp2_rtm.040803-2158) |
| D3DIM 5.1.2600.0 (xpclient.010817-1148) |
| DINPUT 5.03.2600.2180 (xpsp_sp2_rtm.040803-2158) |
| DPLAY 5.00.2134.1 |
| DSOUND 5.3.2600.2180 (xpsp_sp2_rtm.040803-2158) |
| DMUSIC 5.3.2600.2180 (xpsp_sp2_rtm.040803-2158) |
| |
| |
| NVIDIA GeForce 6800 GT |
| |
+====================================================================+

Request Standalone Server Mode
Initializing Game
Request 800x600x16 mode
Gamma Level = 128

Initializing instance...
Window created.
Instance initialized.
Initializing game...
InitGame() - server mode.
Loading System Designs 'sys.def'
Loading Weapon Designs 'wep.def'
Loading ship design catalog: Ships/catalog.def

Loading Galaxy: Galaxy.def
Loading StarSystem: Jarnell/Jarnell.def
Loading StarSystem: Borova/Borova.def
Loading StarSystem: Athenar/Athenar.def
Loading StarSystem: Paragon/Paragon.def
Loading StarSystem: Thralis/Thralis.def
Loading StarSystem: Janus/Janus.def
Loading StarSystem: Solus/Solus.def
Loading StarSystem: Silessia/Silessia.def
Loading StarSystem: Haiche/Haiche.def
Loading StarSystem: Renser/Renser.def
Loading StarSystem: Loris/Loris.def
Loading StarSystem: Ostara/Ostara.def
Loading StarSystem: Kolchev/Kolchev.def
Loading StarSystem: Korius/Korius.def
Loading StarSystem: Tarsus/Tarsus.def
Loading StarSystem: Nephrys/Nephrys.def
Loading StarSystem: Radix/Radix.def
Loading StarSystem: Isham/Isham.def
Loading StarSystem: Garrison/Garrison.def
Loading StarSystem: Trocanther/Trocanther.def
Loading StarSystem: Marak/Marak.def
Loading StarSystem: Black/Black.def
Order of Battle Loaded (Dantari Separatists).
Order of Battle Loaded (Marakan Hegemony).
Order of Battle Loaded (Terellian Alliance).
Order of Battle Loaded (Haiche Protectorate).
Order of Battle Loaded (Brotherhood of Iron).
Order of Battle Loaded (Silessian Confederacy).
Order of Battle Loaded (Independent System of Solus).
Order of Battle Loaded (Zolon Empire).
Loading Explosion Defs 'Explosions.def'



Starshatter Server Init
-----------------------
Server Name: mackattack
Server Type: 2
Lobby Server Port: 42367
Admin Server Port: 35000
-----------------------

+====================================================================+
| RUN |
+====================================================================+
HttpServletExec created new session 'lxdetqyowapnynjf' for request 'GET /login HTTP/1.1
'
HttpServletExec deleting expired session 'lxdetqyowapnynjf'
HttpServletExec created new session 'ehkeefvkdynxfmmb' for request 'GET /login HTTP/1.1
'
HttpServletExec deleting expired session 'ehkeefvkdynxfmmb'
NetBrokerClient unable to contact GameNet!
Response Status: 0
Response Content:

[John DiCamillo]

3. a more "user friendly interface", meaning :
- A simple button like "create IP game", wich would setup a game host immediatly and a "join" button to reach those games, so people on instant messagers just have to type the host's IP and click over join to get a game, or something even simpler, as seen on most older games.

OK, that is basically what is already included in the game. If you are trying to set up a game on the Internet:

To start a server, click "Local Server" and select gametype "Public". If you wish, you can enter a descriptive name for your server, like "Diabolico".

Within seconds, everyone who has a clear connection to the Internet will be able to see your server in the server list in the Multiplayer screen. At that point, they just click on the server and click the Join button. Remember that the multiplayer screen will filter out servers that have a different version than you have.

If you don't see your friend's server in the list, you can add it by clicking the Add Server button above the list. Enter a descriptive name, the IP address of the server, and the port number that the server is using for game traffic (you will need to ask the server owner for this last piece of information - the default is 11100, but I use 42367 on my home box). Click OK and the server will be added to the list, even if it is using a different version of Starshatter.

For example, I just manually added "mackattack"s server to my list, and I'm seeing a 150 msec ping time. I can't connect to his machine because my work laptop only has Starshatter 3.8.9 on it. If you are unable to ping a remote server, either the server is down, the network is down, or somebody's firewall is configured to reject UDP packets on the game port.

I will look into your other two suggestions. GameSpy isn't really an option for me as it is prohibitively expensive. Hyperlobby seems to have some issues of it's own (see www.hyperlobby.com). Perhaps Battle HQ will work out...