reserved slots after 4/5 update

**Wyzcrak** · 04-05-2005, 10:50 PM

The 4/5 Source dedicated server update finally introduced the HLDS server variable sv_visiblemaxplayers to SRCDS.

This allows me to shroud the real number of server slots with a fake number of server slots. Only this fake number is broadcast to server browsers (including Steam's) which want to know how many slots a server has.

Despite it actually having a few more slots than 15 (the extra slots allow more than one person to join the full server at the same time -- no more "Server is full." messages!), I've set our server to publish a value of 15 (14 players + SourceTV).

When the server is full, players with reserved slots cannot use Steam's server browser to join the server, as the Steam server browser will not allow you to even attempt to join a server that it sees as full. To use a reserved slot to join the full server, you must first launch Counter-Strike: Source, then open the console, and then issue the following command, replacing <serverAddress> with the IP address and port of the server to which you're trying to connect:

connect <serverAddress>

This will cause you to force a connection attempt, at which point the server will authenticate your SteamID as reserved and authorize you to join the full server.

Some may see this as laborious when we could just always leave an extra, unused slot on the server at all times, thus allowing members to simply join and not have to go to this trouble. However, with the configuration above, our friends without reserved slots are able to use the feature of many server browsers (including Steam's) to constantly monitor a full server and attempt to join only when a slot becomes available. Therefore, this configuration makes the server most accessible for the greatest number of players, both with and without reservation.

Many third-party server browsers (including HLSW and ASE, about which I'll leave Google to educate you) allow you to force a connection to a full server, and I recommend their use to players with reserved slots on the server.

Nightfire · 04-05-2005, 10:56 PM

at last!!!! a little something for the members-exclusive!!

><JohnGalt>< · 04-05-2005, 11:12 PM

How could one bind the server addresses to a key?

**Wyzcrak** · 04-05-2005, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ><JohnGalt><

How could one bind the server addresses to a key?

bind "[" "connect <serverAddress>"
bind "]" "connect <serverAddress>"

For example, using today's server addresses, it would be:

bind "[" "connect 67.19.132.154:27015"
bind "]" "connect 67.19.132.155:27015"

Pressing [ would throw you into TGCS #1, and pressing ] would throw you into TGCS #2.

ouija · 04-05-2005, 11:22 PM

That being said, still cant access the servers.

Nightfire · 04-06-2005, 12:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wyzcrak

bind "[" "connect <serverAddress>"
bind "]" "connect <serverAddress>"

For example, using today's server addresses, it would be:

bind "[" "connect 67.19.132.154:27015"
bind "]" "connect 67.19.132.155:27015"

Pressing [ would throw you into TGCS #1, and pressing ] would throw you into TGCS #2.

you're the best !!!!

**Vulcan** · 04-06-2005, 08:58 AM

this will be nice to keep out the random pubbies who just join on certain maps.

**Twisted_Firestarter** · 04-06-2005, 10:03 AM

If you want a 3rd party server monitor, check out the ASE (All Seeing Eye). It's a nice app.

><JohnGalt>< · 04-06-2005, 01:01 PM

I put the binds in the console, but nothing happens when i hit the [ or ] keys. Am i an idiot....ok i am but am i being one in this case?

**Wyzcrak** · 04-06-2005, 01:06 PM

Perhaps the client-side config file in which those binds are defined and stored isn't executed until you try to join a server?

Try executing the following command in your console before you attempt to use the binds?

exec config.cfg

**Tempus** · 04-06-2005, 01:56 PM

What are we gaining from this style? I know that this will help players who don't already know that 14/15 (or now 15/16?) is full, but if it really inconveniences the rest of us, then what good is it?

**CingularDuality** · 04-06-2005, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tempus

What are we gaining from this style? I know that this will help players who don't already know that 14/15 (or now 15/16?) is full, but if it really inconveniences the rest of us, then what good is it?

I think it's all a plot to keep me off the server.

Seriously, why force me to type an IP address to connect when the way we had it allowed for my reserved slot to work by just double clicking on my Steam favorites? This new method is doing nothing (that I see) but make it more difficult for supporting members to play CS here.

Addict · 04-06-2005, 02:55 PM

Man, hopefully they will change the steam browser to try and connect even if it is "full". Then there wouldn't be this problem. And by allowing server's to publish an artificial max player, you'd think they had this very use in mind(getting rid of the pretty common practice of haveing one more slot than really allowed), and would have thought of this connection problem.

It does seem funny that it is the paying players who are being inconvenienced by this to aleave the non-paying members false hopes of joining? And you'd think most everyone was used to not being able to join servers with only one slot left anyway. Doesn't seem worth it?

rs_al · 04-06-2005, 03:12 PM

Here, have some cheese.

Seriously, the NS server has been doing this for quite some time now. It's easy to get used to. The kick comes very late, it's very rude to do that to the thousands of other cs players

But anyway, here's another good idea:
Right click on your cs, create a desktop short cut. right click on the shortcut, do properties, and add the following to the end of the command:
+connect 67.19.132.154:27015

Bam. Desktop shortcut that starts up CS and connects to TG, all with a quick click. Tell me that isn't _faster_ than opening your favorites.

**Wyzcrak** · 04-06-2005, 03:25 PM

I can appreciate the confusion about my motive in this decision, and I only want in this setting what we all decide is best. If we want the unused slot, I can again make that happen. Especially given al's contribution (the one about the shortcut, not the one about the cheese.. heh.), I don't think it's necessary... but I'm listening.

Essentially, I've prioritized our experience of being in the game over our experience of getting in the game. As al pointed out, the TGNS community has already been through this experience long ago, and the configuration I detailed in this thread's first post has been very successful for us. That playerbase hasn't complained about it, that I recall.

Ideally, when you're on the server, you want it full. To strike an analogy, the same could be said for a nightclub... you want folks waiting in line to get in... so that the place is always hoppin'. What this setting does, essentially, is allow regulars who can't afford a supporting membership to "stand in line" to join the full server.

Because it makes the server more accessible to more players more often, this setting actually adds more gameplay value for supporting members, as, much like it happens on the TGNS server nightly, it's very likely that, with the departure of one friend from the full TGCS server, another friend (and sometimes two, or three -- but only one survives) appears immediately to replace him, because he was standing in line, waiting to join.

( In case someone doesn't understand: the Steam server browser can be configured to automatically and immediately connect to the server when a slot becomes available. This is what I mean by "standing in line". It allows players to stay at their machines and pursue other interests while they wait for the slot to open, at which point their attention is immediately turned to you, the supporting member, as they join the server you're playing on. )

04-05-2005, 10:50 PM	#1 (permalink)
Wyzcrak Join Date: May 2003 Location: Memphis, TN Posts: 14,139	reserved slots after 4/5 update The 4/5 Source dedicated server update finally introduced the HLDS server variable sv_visiblemaxplayers to SRCDS. This allows me to shroud the real number of server slots with a fake number of server slots. Only this fake number is broadcast to server browsers (including Steam's) which want to know how many slots a server has. Despite it actually having a few more slots than 15 (the extra slots allow more than one person to join the full server at the same time -- no more "Server is full." messages!), I've set our server to publish a value of 15 (14 players + SourceTV). When the server is full, players with reserved slots cannot use Steam's server browser to join the server, as the Steam server browser will not allow you to even attempt to join a server that it sees as full. To use a reserved slot to join the full server, you must first launch Counter-Strike: Source, then open the console, and then issue the following command, replacing <serverAddress> with the IP address and port of the server to which you're trying to connect: connect <serverAddress> This will cause you to force a connection attempt, at which point the server will authenticate your SteamID as reserved and authorize you to join the full server. Some may see this as laborious when we could just always leave an extra, unused slot on the server at all times, thus allowing members to simply join and not have to go to this trouble. However, with the configuration above, our friends without reserved slots are able to use the feature of many server browsers (including Steam's) to constantly monitor a full server and attempt to join only when a slot becomes available. Therefore, this configuration makes the server most accessible for the greatest number of players, both with and without reservation. Many third-party server browsers (including HLSW and ASE, about which I'll leave Google to educate you) allow you to force a connection to a full server, and I recommend their use to players with reserved slots on the server. __________________ Steam Community? Add me. \| Join #tacticalgamer \| Search Results Legend \| New Posts Forum Filter \| Postbox Toggle \| Live Thread Review \| One Line Results \| Free Remote, Encrypted Backup Darkilla: In short, NS is pretty much really fast chess. With guns. Apophis: I haven't seen anyone say that SM's are better than non-SMs. Nordbomber: This is THE first server I've seen where either side can comeback from out of seemingly nowhere with the right teamwork. en4rcment: I have NEVER experienced the type of gameplay that I have found here. Nightly I am amazed at the personalities and gaming talent. Root: Welcome to TG. Feel free to punctuate your sentences correctly. Monkerz: Its gonna take all my skills to beat those boys off in the future.

04-05-2005, 10:56 PM	#2 (permalink)
Nightfire Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: United States Age: 22 Posts: 795	Re: reserved slots after 4/5 update at last!!!! a little something for the members-exclusive!!

04-05-2005, 11:12 PM	#3 (permalink)
><JohnGalt>< Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 433	Re: reserved slots after 4/5 update How could one bind the server addresses to a key? __________________

04-05-2005, 11:22 PM	#5 (permalink)
ouija Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Panama City, Florida Age: 36 Posts: 361	Re: reserved slots after 4/5 update That being said, still cant access the servers. __________________ If it isn't PCS, whats the point? PM me with any questions or concerns. Professional Counterstrike (PCS) FAQ \| PCS Player Standards Aggressive Defense (an oxymoron): A naturally occurring situational event where a defender is caught in a role reversal anomaly. Usually associated with lack of practice, discipline or map awareness in a team based conflict.

04-06-2005, 08:58 AM	#7 (permalink)
Vulcan Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Montreal Age: 30 Posts: 7,346	Re: reserved slots after 4/5 update this will be nice to keep out the random pubbies who just join on certain maps.

04-06-2005, 10:03 AM	#8 (permalink)
Twisted_Firestarter Join Date: May 2003 Location: 90064 Posts: 932	Re: reserved slots after 4/5 update If you want a 3rd party server monitor, check out the ASE (All Seeing Eye). It's a nice app. __________________ Twisted Firestarter a.k.a \|TG\| Harkonian

04-06-2005, 01:01 PM	#9 (permalink)
><JohnGalt>< Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 433	Re: reserved slots after 4/5 update I put the binds in the console, but nothing happens when i hit the [ or ] keys. Am i an idiot....ok i am but am i being one in this case? __________________

04-06-2005, 01:06 PM	#10 (permalink)
Wyzcrak Join Date: May 2003 Location: Memphis, TN Posts: 14,139	Re: reserved slots after 4/5 update Perhaps the client-side config file in which those binds are defined and stored isn't executed until you try to join a server? Try executing the following command in your console before you attempt to use the binds? exec config.cfg __________________ Steam Community? Add me. \| Join #tacticalgamer \| Search Results Legend \| New Posts Forum Filter \| Postbox Toggle \| Live Thread Review \| One Line Results \| Free Remote, Encrypted Backup Darkilla: In short, NS is pretty much really fast chess. With guns. Apophis: I haven't seen anyone say that SM's are better than non-SMs. Nordbomber: This is THE first server I've seen where either side can comeback from out of seemingly nowhere with the right teamwork. en4rcment: I have NEVER experienced the type of gameplay that I have found here. Nightly I am amazed at the personalities and gaming talent. Root: Welcome to TG. Feel free to punctuate your sentences correctly. Monkerz: Its gonna take all my skills to beat those boys off in the future.

04-06-2005, 01:56 PM	#11 (permalink)
Tempus Join Date: May 2003 Location: Miami, FL Age: 38 Posts: 8,170	Re: reserved slots after 4/5 update What are we gaining from this style? I know that this will help players who don't already know that 14/15 (or now 15/16?) is full, but if it really inconveniences the rest of us, then what good is it?

04-06-2005, 02:55 PM	#13 (permalink)
Addict Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 410	Re: reserved slots after 4/5 update Man, hopefully they will change the steam browser to try and connect even if it is "full". Then there wouldn't be this problem. And by allowing server's to publish an artificial max player, you'd think they had this very use in mind(getting rid of the pretty common practice of haveing one more slot than really allowed), and would have thought of this connection problem. It does seem funny that it is the paying players who are being inconvenienced by this to aleave the non-paying members false hopes of joining? And you'd think most everyone was used to not being able to join servers with only one slot left anyway. Doesn't seem worth it?

04-06-2005, 03:12 PM	#14 (permalink)
rs_al Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 499	Re: reserved slots after 4/5 update Here, have some cheese. Seriously, the NS server has been doing this for quite some time now. It's easy to get used to. The kick comes very late, it's very rude to do that to the thousands of other cs players But anyway, here's another good idea: Right click on your cs, create a desktop short cut. right click on the shortcut, do properties, and add the following to the end of the command: +connect 67.19.132.154:27015 Bam. Desktop shortcut that starts up CS and connects to TG, all with a quick click. Tell me that isn't _faster_ than opening your favorites.

04-06-2005, 03:25 PM	#15 (permalink)
Wyzcrak Join Date: May 2003 Location: Memphis, TN Posts: 14,139	Re: reserved slots after 4/5 update I can appreciate the confusion about my motive in this decision, and I only want in this setting what we all decide is best. If we want the unused slot, I can again make that happen. Especially given al's contribution (the one about the shortcut, not the one about the cheese.. heh.), I don't think it's necessary... but I'm listening. Essentially, I've prioritized our experience of being in the game over our experience of getting in the game. As al pointed out, the TGNS community has already been through this experience long ago, and the configuration I detailed in this thread's first post has been very successful for us. That playerbase hasn't complained about it, that I recall. Ideally, when you're on the server, you want it full. To strike an analogy, the same could be said for a nightclub... you want folks waiting in line to get in... so that the place is always hoppin'. What this setting does, essentially, is allow regulars who can't afford a supporting membership to "stand in line" to join the full server. *Because it makes the server more accessible to more players more often, this setting actually adds more gameplay value* for supporting members*, as, much like it happens on the TGNS server nightly, it's very likely* that, with the departure of one friend from the full TGCS server, another friend (and sometimes two, or three -- but only one survives) appears immediately to replace him, because he was standing in line, waiting to join. ( In case someone doesn't understand: the Steam server browser can be configured to automatically and immediately connect to the server when a slot becomes available. This is what I mean by "standing in line". It allows players to stay at their machines and pursue other interests while they wait for the slot to open, at which point their attention is immediately turned to you, the supporting member, as they join the server you're playing on. ) __________________ Steam Community? Add me. \| Join #tacticalgamer \| Search Results Legend \| New Posts Forum Filter \| Postbox Toggle \| Live Thread Review \| One Line Results \| Free Remote, Encrypted Backup Darkilla: In short, NS is pretty much really fast chess. With guns. Apophis: I haven't seen anyone say that SM's are better than non-SMs. Nordbomber: This is THE first server I've seen where either side can comeback from out of seemingly nowhere with the right teamwork. en4rcment: I have NEVER experienced the type of gameplay that I have found here. Nightly I am amazed at the personalities and gaming talent. Root: Welcome to TG. Feel free to punctuate your sentences correctly. Monkerz: Its gonna take all my skills to beat those boys off in the future.

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