Servers, 24/7 hosting, e.t.c. in Off Topic

ID:182585
 
Apr 18 2008, 12:36 am
My game is nearing completion, and after many years at BYOND I still don't know how to properly host a game. I am on campus at university, so if I host on my computer (which would be undesirable anyway) no-one else can join. Do I need to buy a server? Or just rent one/the use of one? I spoke to Spidahost a while back, and they told me that their servers weren't designed for the processing that a game would require (even after I pointed out it was only a 2D game with virtually gameboy graphics) - they said that they servers were more for just websites and file hosting.

If I do buy a server; what do I need to look for? I don't mind spending a little bit. Also, if servers don't have operating systems/interfaces, how do you use them? I am the complete server newbie...

~Ease~
#1 Apr 18 2008, 5:07 am
If you do pay for hosting without buying your own server, you'll need a decent amount of dedicated RAM and processor time in order to be able to host BYOND games without hiccups.

I suggest SliceHost for BYOND hosting since they give you full access to your account to install whatever you want - in this case, a Linux DreamDaemon client - and they tell you how much dedicated RAM and CPU you get, allowing you to upgrade as time goes on.

If you buy your own server, you will save money in the long run but it might be difficult for you to learn to operate one yourself. Windows Server is very expensive - the 2008 edition costs between $1000 and $4000 - which will probably be as much as you're paying for the hardware. If you are willing to learn another operating system, Linux, BSD, and OpenSolaris would all probably make good BYOND hosts. Installing to a server is fairly easy and you'll find lots of help with a Google search.
#2 Apr 18 2008, 10:56 am
In response to PirateHead (#1)
Wow, SliceHost looks pretty appealing. Are they VPS or full dedicated boxes? Also, could one run a game server, such as Counter-Strike Source or Unreal Tournament 2004, off of such a plan like 512slice? I wouldn't even begin to know how much bandwidth that would consume with 32 players.

[EDIT]

I see it's VPS... it says it in the title of the page :P

~Kujila
#3 Apr 18 2008, 12:17 pm
In response to Kujila (#2)
It's VPS, but you're guaranteed a certain amount of RAM and CPU time, and when extra CPU cycles are free your programs can use them automatically. You could absolutely install a Counter Strike or Unreal Tournament server - they encourage you to install whatever software you want and use the resources you pay for any way you desire.

As far as bandwidth, I think you'd be hard pressed to use more than 200GB a month for a game server!
#4 Apr 18 2008, 12:22 pm
In response to PirateHead (#3)
Is there a free version of thing :P
#5 Apr 18 2008, 1:28 pm
In response to Miran94 (#4)
Nope, the cheapest entry price is $60 for a 3-month prepayment of a 256-slice. However, consider that you're getting top-notch access to a server for only $20 a month - that's equivalent to, say, 6 or 7 sandwiches per month, or the price of one video game.
#6 Apr 18 2008, 2:35 pm
If all you need is to host a byond game $5-$10USD (depending on expected cpu usage) a month can get you a spot through me.