Do you think GLU would sell it to us? If we owned the name, we could set a name server to point to our IP address and run our own master server.
Is this possible? Feasible? what do you think?
It would probably not be cheap if they did... but its worth the try to ask if they decide to not restore it.
I think that is a GREAT idea! In fact I love it! That would be so awesome! But who would buy it, and who would ask...
They would have to be someone over 18 AT LEAST.
How much do you think they would sell it for us?
SleepKiller? You know the answers to this kinda stuff... :happy:
Quote from: Buckler on November 08, 2012, 06:42:26 PM
Do you think GLU would sell it to us? If we owned the name, we could set a name server to point to our IP address and run our own master server.
Is this possible? Feasible? what do you think?
I am 100% for this idea. Someone should try to contact GLU and see if they would be willing to sell it. I'm not sure what changes would be needed to the dedicated hosting software, but maybe something can be done to the executable to 'redirect' to our own master server.
just for SWBF. They gain nothing by keeping it, except us complaining about it. I think all that needs to be done is have the server name re-direct to a new IP address. I think SK may be able to give more insight.
I have an idea, it would take coordination but if a bunch of us all call in and complain about it, then like 15 min. later someone calls in and asks to buy it, they might just sell it! :cheer:
I also do agree with it 100%.
Quote from: Kit Fisto on November 08, 2012, 06:45:39 PM
I think that is a GREAT idea! In fact I love it! That would be so awesome! But who would buy it, and who would ask...
They would have to be someone over 18 AT LEAST.
How much do you think they would sell it for us?
SleepKiller? You know the answers to this kinda stuff... :happy:
I think Led should ask since he probably is the only one among us who has the power to purchase it.
I think it could be perfectly possible to do. Feasible is another matter without knowing what kind of money you were looking at. A master server for SWBF ain't going to be the most intensive thing you could run on a server, I mean how many clients would we be looking at connecting at a time. A small VPS could probably handle it no problem.
My personal opinion not thinking about the obstacles opinion: I think it is a great idea, but I'm not asking.
Oh gosh I typed out the above stuff and six new replies were posted. Even if we just got the master server software it would be a start. We could always hex edit the EXE to point to a different address (Although there are many legal issues surrounding that and should be consider as a last resort.).
the url for the name server I believe is
swbfrontpc.master.gamespy.com
ip: 69.10.30.248
Quote from: Buckler on November 08, 2012, 06:42:26 PM
Do you think GLU would sell it to us? If we owned the name, we could set a name server to point to our IP address and run our own master server.
Is this possible? Feasible? what do you think?
kit that can go 3 ways, they get annoyed and refuse to listen, they take it under consideration or they shut it down because they might feel neglected, and i dont think this will come cheap, but im for it but who will pay, will people pitch in from all around the community?
Quote from: ComSharpshot on November 08, 2012, 06:54:51 PM
kit that can go 3 ways, they get annoyed and refuse to listen, they take it under consideration or they shut it down because they might feel neglected, and i dont think this will come cheap, but im for it but who will pay, will people pitch in from all around the community?
i would pitch in
If others will help pay I will be glad to donate money
Very cool idea.
Running the physical master server isn't really a profitable thing for a discontinued game. So they might be up for it.
I wonder how much they would want for it, and papers would need to be signed.
ok sounds good, i think making an approach about owning a community where there are still around 100-150 users still online and that still play the game. it seems more demanding but also more persuadable :)
Quote from: tirpider on November 08, 2012, 06:58:49 PM
Very cool idea.
Running the physical master server isn't really a profitable thing for a discontinued game. So they might be up for it.
I wonder how much they would want for it, and papers would need to be signed.
Actually, if swbf3 comes out they might sell the trio as a set.
Thought a way to get money:
joining tournaments will cost money or (and) pay 5.00 a month to be member of the site.
Quote from: Josh on November 08, 2012, 07:00:19 PM
Actually, if swbf3 comes out they might sell the trio as a set.
Chances are slim SWBF3 will ever be released now that Disney owns LucasArts.
I think it's worth at least drafting a letter. If they say no-way, then vlan is the future.
One reason for their purchase of IGN and gamespy might be that they intend to become thier own online gamming community, like steam. With that would come a frontend application with ads, so any game that's played on it would generate ad revenue. In that case, then geting them to plug SWBF back in may be the only option. I doubt they will willingly part out something with profit potential.
Quote from: SleepKiller on November 08, 2012, 06:52:37 PM
We could always hex edit the EXE to point to a different address (Although there are many legal issues surrounding that and should be consider as a last resort.).
I've thought about this one. We can't redistribute a modified exe, but what about a 3rd party patch?
Hehe. I don't know how you would donate $ without giving away personal info.
Led, would you buy it? Why doesn't someone call them up now to see if they even consider it? But don't ask anymore than that...
Quote from: tirpider on November 08, 2012, 07:09:33 PM
I've thought about this one. We can't redistribute a modified exe, but what about a 3rd party patch?
3rd party patch compiled from source files? Or 3rd part patch that messes with the game as it starts up?
Quote from: SleepKiller on November 08, 2012, 07:14:51 PM
3rd party patch compiled from source files? Or 3rd part patch that messes with the game as it starts up?
At this point in time, I would find a way to get a new exe out the door.
I think you are all a tad bit desparate. There ARE other games you know :P
And, doesn't direct connection still work? Why don't you just use that?... I know its not as efficient (as server list), but its better than paying potentially ALOT of $$.. Just saying, I don't think purchasing the server will be the best idea in the world. (but this is all just my opinion)
Edit:: 2 posts appeared as I was typing this.
Quote from: SleepKiller on November 08, 2012, 07:14:51 PM
3rd party patch compiled from source files? Or 3rd part patch that messes with the game as it starts up?
Just re-read the EULA that came with bfbuilder.
I believe the relevant part is :
Quote(2) New Levels may not modify any COM, EXE, DLL or other executable files.
A new exe would be easiest, but a complete lisense breach.
A patch would be a little ackward, but do-able, and also a breach.
So, we would need a wrapper that loaded the exe, then modify the relevant information in memory at runtime.
That would be a mess getting it to work the same across platforms and would brobably get eaten alive by folks AV software.
We could ask LA for permission to make a patch....
-edit
Quote from: RepublicCommando on November 08, 2012, 07:17:04 PM
I think you are all a tad bit desparate. There ARE other games you know :P
Yeah.. other games..
Even if MP is gone, I'll still be stuck on SWBF1. The engine at this state of development is still my favorite one. Newer engines are impressive, but lack the feel of this particular title.
Well, given the size of the community, we could just teach people how to make their own patch :P
Oh gosh no some of these guys can't even get Tunngle working and you expect them to be able to modify exes? :P
AutoIT script, pehaps?
-edit
Posted safely on pastebin... of course.
You were right about a wrapper and AV software. I can picture it now...
Quote from: A NoobI dwnloded it and it is a vrus my anti-virus software sid so.
A wrapper would be the more legal path to follow though.
AutoIT exe's sometimes get flagged as well. It's enough of a problem that they have a sticky in thier forum about it.
information about the GLU deal:
http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/news/2012/08/02/glu-mobile-loses-3m-buys-gamespy-for.html
http://www.linkedin.com/in/davidzemke
Play other games!? The only game I play is SWBF1 ( and 2 at times ). I'm not a "gamer" and if swbf online officially ended, yea I would be sad but I would still play singleplayer.
I say worry about OBTAINING the swbf online before talking about modding the exe. :cheers:
Quote from: Kit Fisto on November 08, 2012, 07:45:17 PM
Play other games!? The only game I play is SWBF1 ( and 2 at times ). I'm not a "gamer" and if swbf online officially ended, yea I would be sad but I would still play singleplayer.
I say worry about OBTAINING the swbf online before talking about modding the exe. :cheers:
Hear hear!
I do believe that considering buying the rights is a bit drastic though. Has there been any major announcement from Gamespot or Lucasarts reguarding the online play disability?
Quote from: SleepKiller on November 08, 2012, 07:37:52 PM
A wrapper would be the more legal path to follow though.
A wrapper could be more than just a simple patch.
I'm remembering the level manager frontends for doom.
It could be a simple gui simular to the dedicated server gui, that could help manage commandline options, mods and addon levels. With the option of changing the masterserver address on startup.
I can think of a lot of pre-start-up options that would make it a worthwhile project, even without the memory modification part.
-------
Isn't there more going on than just finding the master server though?
I'm thinking about the log on to gamespy page and the ID managment thats going on when playing online.
-------
Quote from: {TcF}=Rick={G}(305th-Infantry) on November 08, 2012, 08:13:40 PM
Has there been any major announcement from Gamespot or Lucasarts reguarding the online play disability?
No announcment as far as I know. It may just be another one of the many outages thats happend in the past.
I'd pitch in
I hate to say it, but they won't sell you it in a way you could possibly use it.
Putting up a Masterserver for SWBF could possibly be quite easy (with the proper files) but the real problem is.....they can't give you access to gamespy servers. (And you need that to make it work)
And they can't give you control over gamespy connections (login before playing from server list)
And if you tried to use any server other then the gamespy server you'll fail because you have no way to change what masterserver SWBF looks for without truly editing the core files. something that can't likely be done correctly without the source files for SWBF.
....Even if you manage it, if it ends up too complicated....and it would realistically you'll have those 10/20 dedicated people sure but the community that was on the pc servers would be gone in a matter of months due to lack of activity.
What i'd suggest....is keep using Tunngle, Gameranger (that works for PC's now right?) and Direct Connections. Advertise lots.
The mac community never had servers outside of DCs and it managed to stay alive for quite a while :) also complaining to Glu can't hurt.
I for one at least know fully well how impossible it is. In my opinion this is just an "wouldn't it be cool" topics that really won't ever happen.
As long as we are dreaming, source code and scripts with a 'special' licence agreement, delivered on a golden platter by a certain mouse would make for a very good day :)
Quote from: Hardcore on November 09, 2012, 12:57:17 AM
What i'd suggest....is keep using Tunngle, Gameranger (that works for PC's now right?) and Direct Connections. Advertise lots.
The mac community never had servers outside of DCs and it managed to stay alive for quite a while :) also complaining to Glu can't hurt.
Important note: DC's are not working either as they apparently also use the Master Server somehow.
I've not tried Gameranger, but I believe that it requires directX which precludes the use of a rented server.
So, if this is long term...
What is the solution? Tuggle?
What we really should be asking is what is wrong with it. Is it just a regular outage or Did Disney/Gamespy decide the didn't want to run it anymore? Everyone seems very frantic about this and i don't know how you expect everyone to pay to buy something that wont work anyway... But..Has anyone even just called them/emailed to see what the problem is exactly....(Something to work on if you haven't)
Quote from: {Recruit}FrenchFry on November 09, 2012, 04:56:45 AM
So, if this is long term...
What is the solution? Tuggle?
What we really should be asking is what is wrong with it. Is it just a regular outage or Did Disney/Gamespy decide the didn't want to run it anymore? Everyone seems very frantic about this and i don't know how you expect everyone to pay to buy something that wont work anyway... But..Has anyone even just called them/emailed to see what the problem is exactly....(Something to work on if you haven't)
in a short answer, no, and we dont know.
Well,
WE NEED TO FIND OUT THEN DON'T WE!
Quote from: {Recruit}FrenchFry on November 09, 2012, 05:04:06 AM
Well,
WE NEED TO FIND OUT THEN DON'T WE!
tell me how are we going to do so without them telling us? They havent given out any info whatsoever except: we are trying to fix it.
Then we do know... If they have said they are trying to fix it then it shouldn't be long term Emfisis on SHOULDN'T.
Best thing to do is wait for them to tell 'us' what was the problem, what they did, and what will happen ; then you could consider buying a master server.
Lets just remember it's only been 2 days. I'm sure, most, of us have gone that long without battlefront before. :)
If buying the server is genuinely an option and hosting fee's weren't extortionate I would buy/help buy the master server.
Uhm, I can see SWBFgamers.com server check this pic out.
I believe you can connect to the servers IP threw Xfire, if you have the server bookmarked.
I'm trying it now...
Edit, I got as far as the 212 clan server: JOINING SECONDS 10-9-8 thingy, but I had the wrong password.
OK, I have removed the password on the server (oops). Please try to join it :)
If you can figure out how Xfire does its "join from xfire" portion....especially if it allows you to join servers you've bookmarked then likely a script could be made to join any server thats set up....if we can figure that out.
Hmm, It always starts loading for about 11 seconds, then says cannot connect to host.
Kinda' funny that Xfire can read servers list, but Battlefront can't... Maybe that can help us solve the problem.
Any suggestions?
Edit:: Oh, didn't see the next page :P
Edit#2: Yeah maybe we could search the DLL files of Xfire, and see how it does it?
Quote from: Hardcore on November 09, 2012, 01:53:41 PM
If you can figure out how Xfire does its "join from xfire" portion....especially if it allows you to join servers you've bookmarked then likely a script could be made to join any server thats set up....if we can figure that out.
Xfire join does not for internet servers when the master server is down.
Quote from: RepublicCommando on November 09, 2012, 03:10:57 PM
Hmm, It always starts loading for about 11 seconds, then says cannot connect to host.
Kinda' funny that Xfire can read servers list, but Battlefront can't... Maybe that can help us solve the problem.
Any suggestions?
Edit:: Oh, didn't see the next page :P
Edit#2: Yeah maybe we could search the DLL files of Xfire, and see how it does it?
There is a port query for the players, just like gametracker uses to show the players and map on the front page. Most PLA servers are still up, it is just that no one can join them since the master server does not process the request. Direct Connection servers do not work either. Our only option when the master server is down is to use LAN option on a virtual lan, i.e. tunngle or gameranger.
Ah well would have been nice if xfire allowed for a backdoor into the servers.
Still this DC being connected to the masterserver is strange to me guess its just the way the process it.
Quote from: Hardcore on November 09, 2012, 04:56:19 PM
Ah well would have been nice if xfire allowed for a backdoor into the servers.
Still this DC being connected to the masterserver is strange to me guess its just the way the process it.
Yes, I was extremely surprised by this.
A bit odd why lucas arts didn't make at least 1 way for people to play, without their Main server's support... MOST games do that. (other than Lan line that is)
Anyone got a few million to invest? :)
http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=207033&p=irol-infoReq
Quote from: {PLA}gdh92 on November 12, 2012, 07:32:18 AM
Anyone got a few million to invest? :)
http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=207033&p=irol-infoReq
Anyone want to get rid of their investments to pressure them to re-enable the server?
Just out of curiosity who owns/hosts the swbf2 servers? Or are they owned by GLU also? Whoever has those servers up may be willing to host a SWBF1 master server, assuming they are owned by another company besides GLU/Gamspy.
Quote from: {212} =-Norris-= on November 13, 2012, 10:56:48 AM
Just out of curiosity who owns/hosts the swbf2 servers? Or are they owned by GLU also? Whoever has those servers up may be willing to host a SWBF1 master server, assuming they are owned by another company besides GLU/Gamspy.
Same company. It's even the same computer. Different port. They will be next to go, in about 2 years, I predict.
Still it's a bite in the butt that if we even want to buy the master server we need to pay the publisher $30,000 for it. Like gdh said on the "Gamespydev response" post.
HEY! We have 1400 members. If every member pays 5.00$ a month, we could pay for the server very very quickly.
Here are other ideas for getting money:
1. Make people pay a specific amount of money to be in a tournament.
2. Have people pay money to become a clan member.
3. Make people pay to get the codes to some servers.
4. Make people pay to download mods.
5. Have a page on this site where we can donate.
Quote from: Josh on November 13, 2012, 02:00:28 PM
HEY! We have 1400 members. If every member pays 5.00$ a month, we could pay for the server very very quickly.
Here are other ideas for getting money:
1. Make people pay a specific amount of money to be in a tournament.
2. Have people pay money to become a clan member.
3. Make people pay to get the codes to some servers.
4. Make people pay to download mods.
5. Have a page on this site where we can donate.
Your forgetting not all 1400 members are active here, and some don't even have a means of contacting them, other than just their profiles. Infact some of these members don't even come to the site anymore.
Also, I think your best bet is either donate, or money to be in a tournament, the other 3 options would turn people away, and we would most likely get negative feedback from that.