TG 2142 servers and ranking

[digitalerich]

So, I got out of BF2 and the TG community in general when the patches started (continuously) breaking my BF2 install. Needless to say, having a fresh start with 2142 has me excited to get back into a BF game and the TG community. So, onto my question (I can't find an answer for this, so if this is a repost, sorry)...I don't think this breaks the NDA from the beta.

What with basics like grenades, defibs, and detpacks available only through unlocks, won't the TG 2142 servers have to be ranked? EA didn't like servers running with global unlocks in BF2 and I can't see 2142 being different.

If the TG servers are going to be ranked, will TG be allowed to operate its servers with the forced-squad mod? Back when I did play BF2, I played exclusively on the TG servers for the forced grouping and general level of teamplay. If the TG servers have to be ranked, how will the TG servers (for 2142) retain the atmosphere they're known for?

-erich

[TychoCelchuuu]

It depends on what DICE does; I wouldn't assume it's going to be the same this time around since unlocks are much more important to gameplay. If they allow a server to have its own ranking system (one that lets the server play around with settings if it wants to) then TG might do that, or if there's an option to unlock everything TG might do that.

[Tempus]

Yes, we have to wait and see what EA is going to do to us.

If they force ranking, then we'll have to go ranked. We're certainly not going to run a gimped server.

[digitalerich]

The only problem I see with this is if Dice allows admins to just globally unlock everything, what would be the point of having ranked servers at all? Sure, some people might dig the EA ranking board, but I would guess most people are going after points so they can unlock all the toys...not to compete on the master ranking boards. I know this was why the TG servers were not ranked in BF2...EA wouldn't people run a ranked server if it had any mods at all.

[Acid]

This might be complicated, but global unlocks did get the server delisted in this BF2, so we can assume the same might happen in 2142. With the server off the public list, could we then run a ghost 2142 server that mimics the delisted one?

I know that in CS:S, the servers can redirect you so you connect to a diffrent server, but if that is (I don't know) possible in 2142 it could redirect people to the delisted server? If you could adjust the data feeds (# of players, scores, map, etc.) to reflect that of the delisted server, you wouldn't know the diffrence and it would appear to be a regular server, just without the same IP.

So 2 servers, one just redirects you to the delisted one so you cannot actually play on one of them. This is a really wacky idea.

[thebleakaffinity]

That seems a little shady, and for such a high profile community I don't think it's a good idea.

[TychoCelchuuu]

Guys, it's really a moot point to talk about this right now without knowing what DICE's policy will be. It's silly to assume it will be the same automatically, since they're definitely at least going to reexamine it now that unlocks are so integral.

[Acid]

Well, It does seem shady, but no new members can find the server if its delisted.

[Clodhopper]

to be fair, they did some shady doings with unlocks already :P Lets not forget the whole "you need to buy SF to unlock smoke grenades in bf2?!"

But it's tough to say right now, hopefully they'll do one of 2 things here;
1) Allow servers to have their own rank system/unlocks
2) Allow groups to make their own rules on ranked servers, and be able to enforce them without much hassle