Post by trog @ 01:32pm 29/04/10 | 17 Comments
Throughout the past week, a small group of dedicated Halo 2 players kept their Xbox's on so that they could enjoy the game for a while longer. (As long as we don't turn off our Xbox's, or lose connection, we can stay online. Our Xbox's have been on for nearly 14 days straight!) Each day the amount of people decreased, at a rapid rate.A noble tale - but more importantly it's a crucial reminder of the difference between a closed platform gaming environment like Xbox Live or Infinty Ward's IWNet service, and an open, dedicated server model where the game can more or less live forever.
A lot of us became really good friends, and it's almost like we're family now.
For a while, we had 'T0 Be Continued' Live streaming all of our games, until her Xbox regrettably froze while playing custom games. Then, 'Mr7ankjump' did a live stream, but he lagged out only 4 hours later.
One day, whoever is in control of that system can simply pull it down when they want you to buy their next shiny version - and your game will effectively almost unplayable online instantly. Compare this to games like Quake or other dedicated server based games - you can still play them online today and almost certainly always will be.
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Posted 01:42pm 29/4/10
Posted 01:45pm 29/4/10
Posted 03:56pm 29/4/10
Since I had never gotten into multiplayer games on the PC, Halo 2 was the first game I ever played online.
I had more fun playing Halo 2 multiplayer than I've had with any multiplayer since.
I guess you could say it was my Quake. (Since I missed that boat)
Halo 2, you were my first. None shall ever compare.
Posted 05:42pm 29/4/10
Well that's what i was reminded of anyway :/
Posted 06:20pm 29/4/10
Posted 06:41pm 29/4/10
Posted 08:09pm 29/4/10
One day, whoever is in control of that system can simply pull it down when they want you to buy their next shiny version - and your game will effectively almost unplayable online instantly."
But they'll patch in dedicated servers and remove the DRM authentication before they shut down...right...?
Posted 08:23pm 29/4/10
Creators never do DLC or patches, yet there are so many dedicated community members constantly creating new maps, textures, models, scripts. You name it.
What other games can boast over 20 000 user created maps?
Posted 08:24pm 29/4/10
Posted 09:10pm 29/4/10
Posted 10:07pm 29/4/10
Call the Halo fandom and the people involved whatever you want, but that's some true community spirit.
Posted 11:49pm 29/4/10
Posted 11:56pm 29/4/10
The ability for the community to run their own servers is moot if whoever made the game shuts down the DRM or activation servers and no one can even run the game anymore. These days even a dedicated server component is no guarantee the game will still be playable forever :(
Posted 12:17am 30/4/10
Posted 08:22am 30/4/10
Posted 08:34am 30/4/10
this sucks though, couldn't these people potentially get their money back because they are no longer getting the service that they paid for?
Posted 11:57am 30/4/10
Basically it connects players via the net using the system link option of multiplayer games and its a free service.