Regarding the latest update from TF2 and the renewed discussion about things like Quick-Play (now being largely re-directed to Valve-operated servers), how this effects game "Communities", etc.
I do not think we are going to talk Valve out of any of this. I think all we can hope to do is get them to acknowledge the "community" contributions and maybe make some changes that will build on that. I know if often seems like they are going in the other direction. However, I am hopeful that some simple changes can help-out. "Dr. McKay" has certainly made some excellent suggestions regarding the multi-player options, etc. What I would like to suggest, is that Valve build-upon their existing "Steam Community Groups" feature. Some things they could do there might include: 1) Add a feature to dedicated servers (HLDS *and* SRCDS) that allows a server operator to associated a their server with a particular steam community group. 2) Add a feature to the Steam Community Groups, that allows their officers to then add those servers into the group profile in some very-integrated manner. Not just a "link" to join a server, but maybe something larger. Maybe more like a game-server banner, listing current number of players, player slots, etc. Of course, there are 3rd party sites that do some that now. But, I think if Valve did it right in the Steam Community Groups, they could fully-integrate things nicer/cleaner. 3) Ensure such features work not just with Valve titles, but any mod hosted on HLDS and SRCDS (all it's different SDK flavors). Of course, this would mean that game "communities" would really have to buy into the "Steam Community" thing more. Many do prefer to run their own websites, and of course many also game non-Valve/non-Steam titles. So, Steam Community integration maybe isn't as attractive to them. Anyway, those are some of my thoughts - IMH(f)O as usual. _______________________________________________ To unsubscribe, edit your list preferences, or view the list archives, please visit: https://list.valvesoftware.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/hlds_linux
