I actually agree, in theory. In fact, the system we had been working on would have given the existing players on the server a 90-second "warning" that the server was going to change conditions (i.e. increase player slots), so they would be given fair warning if they wished to leave first. The system also performed checks to insure that the proper sv_tags were always set (to prevent any accidental omissions/glitches) when the slots were increased. I also agree that as long as the sv-tags are correct and describe the current/active server conditions, then a server operator is staying within the letter of the "law". However, I still think it's important that we get an "official" ruling on this issue from Fletcher & co. - if for no other reason than to prevent any misunderstandings with the TF2 team.
From: [email protected] Date: Sun, 5 May 2013 13:57:35 +0100 To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [hlds] Dynamic Slots & the Policy of Truth As long as you report increased_maxplayers when you increase your maxplayers, you aren't lying whatsoever, and so complying with the Policy of Truth. Kind regards,Saul Rennison On 5 May 2013 13:46, Jason Tango <[email protected]> wrote: Fletcher Dunn and/or TF2 Team: Can we get a ruling on the use of "Dynamic Slots" with TF2/CS:S servers and their compliance with the Policy of Truth? Specifically, there are server operators using them to keep their servers at 24 slots (to gain the maximum benefit from quickplay, I assume) until they fill, and then switching them to a higher slot count, etc. I know that there are much fewer server operators using these anymore (and one of the major TF2 gaming communities stopped using them about 6 months ago simply because they didn't want to run afoul of the "Policy of Truth"), but there are still quite a few operators using them, and it gives them an advantage (when filling their servers) as a result. I asked Fletcher this question many months ago, but never received a reply. We were considering using a similar system to keep our servers at a slot count of 24 until one of our donators needed to join a full server, at which time we would have the system change to a 32 slot server (and report all appropriate tags, etc.). We had no intention to "game the system", but we wanted to maximize server population while preventing as many players as possible from getting kicked due to reserved slots. In the end, since we never received an answer back, we decided to err on the side of caution and not use a such a system. I know this is kind of a "grey" area, because on one hand Fletcher has said the "Policy of Truth" says that all servers must report the correct sv_tags that are actively in use, so technically, as long as the server reports "increased_maxplayers" when they change to 25+ slots, then I suppose they are in compliance, but as I've never heard a definitive yes or no as to whether this type of system would cross the line, I just wanted to pose the question here so we can know if using the kind of system I described above (to prevent too many reserved-slot kicks) would be ok. To be clear - this is not meant to "call anyone out" who are using dynamic slots, I'm merely trying to finally get a ruling on their use and compliance with the "Policy of Truth" Thanks. _______________________________________________ To unsubscribe, edit your list preferences, or view the list archives, please visit: https://list.valvesoftware.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/hlds _______________________________________________ To unsubscribe, edit your list preferences, or view the list archives, please visit: https://list.valvesoftware.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/hlds
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