I'm glad people were quick to *clarify*, according to my disclaimer. :D For the record, this is what my memory held that made me say *unique*. granted is was done on the DEMO version, just prior to going Full:
Valve has released a new server update for the Left 4 Dead demo (as well as > a client patch) with fixes for matchmaking and private servers. Jason Ruymen > sent the message to the HLDS mailing list: > > The Left 4 Dead Demo has been updated. Please run hldsupdatetool to receive > it. The specific changes include: > > - Fixed several issues with matchmaking and password protected servers > - Tuned matchmaking to provide better search results > - Fixed bug where servers could stay reserved by matchmaking forever > - Performance optimizations and fixes to networking layer > - Fixed issue where game could cause Steam executable to use too much CPU > - Fixed music resetting when changing video settings > - Fixed some issues with not being able to chat and/or connect to other > users > > In addition to those, we've also added some early features to help enable > "private" servers. There are two ways to enable this: > * > Set a sv_search_key to a unique string on the server* > Do the same on each client that will want to connect > Start a map on the server > Searches for games should be restricted to only finding servers with that > search key > I don't ever recall seeing anything in the subsequent updates that indicated the servers could do as many of you have said (e.g., > 1 server w/ same key). I'm glad to know this, but I did try it w/ only 2 servers, and NEITHER would connect. I tried this sometime this January. Maybe something changed, but I've never had a search key problem in any case. Did you guys just happen to *stumble* on this function or please point me to the update that stated or implied it. :D To msleeper's point, I think I'd concur w/ the possibility of your suggestion. For us, we've launched a pure public one for Matchmaking just to add to the pool of servers out there. Our other one is set to use the Key. We aren't concerned if they are not filled or used, but I do see an advantage of having the option like you describe. Some of our people have inquired about it as well. Another suggestion I'd throw out....or maybe someone knows, is for a lobby to be set for INVITE only. Sucks to have ppl join, by accident, and they take spot of intended person. Thanks! [FLASH] MjrNuT Arise from Flames and Ash, Behold Immortality www.flamesandash.com > Date: Mon, 27 Apr 2009 16:51:03 -0400 > From: msleeper <[email protected]> > Subject: Re: [hlds] Quick question about sv_search_key > To: Half-Life dedicated Win32 server mailing list > <[email protected]> > Message-ID: <[email protected]> > Content-Type: text/plain > > Yeah, search key just specifies any server to look in with that key. > > Personally I think the search key is totally useless. The ONLY way to > connect to a server with a key is if you are using it. It should > preference the servers, not use them exclusively. If I can't find a > server with the search key, look for a normal server. Same goes for the > actual servers, they are totally empty unless someone with the key goes > to them. It's not bad if you only have 1 or 2 servers for a small > community, but I'd like to have my servers open for normal lobbies, and > for search lobbies if someone uses it so they can preference one. > > > _______________________________________________ To unsubscribe, edit your list preferences, or view the list archives, please visit: http://list.valvesoftware.com/mailman/listinfo/hlds
