Thread: Want to host a ranked server? better bend over

<<Ranked server requirements?>>


EA is limiting trusted server distribution to our network of ‘trusted partners’ in order to protect the integrity of the code system. We want everyone to be able to play Ranked if they choose, preferably free of charge, so we’ve been working on ways to broaden the free trusted server network in the last few weeks.

What we recently decided is that in order to keep the trusted network manageable and secure, we will provide trusted server code to hosts that a) can demonstrate the security we need (i.e., total protection of the trusted server code, no FTP access to the boxes running Ranked Servers or anything like that) and b) are willing to host at least 10 free servers for a year. In addition, as they rent additional servers (beyond those first 10) they must also put up more free servers (one for each 10 rented). EA are asking for that arrangement instead of sharing revenue on the server rentals, as we are committed to getting as many secure, free ranked servers as possible for our community.

Something else to be aware of with Ranked servers is that they will have a number of settings hard-coded so that user's cannot adjust them. These settings were all set as below to keep the competition on Ranked servers balanced across all providers.

Min Players: 16
sv.password = empty string (there are some servers out there with passwords…Ranked servers are intended to be available to all players, thus they may not be the right leasing choice for all players…please make sure that your clients understand that they are not to password Ranked servers…this item will also be hard-coded in the first update, so again best to sort out now).

sv.numPlayersNeededToStart = (6 for maxPlayers 16, 10 for 32, 10 for 64)
sv.spawnTime 15
sv.manDownTime 15
sv.ticketRatio 100
sv.teamRatioPercent 100
sv.punkBuster 1

Though it is not required, we also request that all servers run Friendly Fire at 100% for all settings.

Lastly, Ranked servers will not be allowed to run Mods or Custom Maps, as we cannot ensure the balance of these components.

Ranked server lessees should be allowed to apply a password to the server, but in order to facilitate this, your systems will need to be able to switch the Unranked server executable to do this.

Please let me know if there are any questions or concerns.

If you feel that your company can provide the security and breadth of servers to our Community that we are requesting, then we would are willing to move forward and evaluate your service as a potential Battlefield Trusted Server Provider and partner.

Thanks,