Open Source Halo Dedicated Server

[Vicky]

I believe you guys, like the Halo PC project, are way out of your head.

To me, you guys have little knowledge how the Halo server + client works.

The fact 13 out of your ideas already exists baffles me into why you think creating a brand new server application is worth it, do you guys even have experience with server networking? And specifically in C#?

I have no idea why you picked C#, you claim you want " Reduced resources (CPU, memory)", Yet I doubt, you guys with little server experience, programming in C# for a very tight net game already.

Also, please dont act up when you have critiques scrutinizing your idea, if like your last project actually listened to us in the first place, you would have realised we were correct in the fact you were aiming way too high.

Ditto that.

Try modding a map on halo pc and join a non-modded server running that map, you'll see where your trouble starts right away. Good to have new ideas but i think the only thing coming close to all your ideas is Korns open sauce.

[supersniper]

this just screamed attack of the programmers

[Craig]

@ Limited - I chose C# because I and the others are much more familiar with it than C++, the performance issues between them both are negligible.

I never stated that I would 100% certain that we would be writing

And I dont believe I did act up, I answered truthfully with the community in mind, and all I got in return was huge amounts of doubt and an uncanny sense of hate towards me, both from Shadow Spartan (who is nitpicking), and from other members.

I have taken into account what you have said, and have voiced my opinions and explained them.

And I dont recall you saying that my last project was out of my league, in actual fact you supported the idea, and when I decided to start work, you where unavailable, or too busy, most of the times didnt even both to leave an email explaining why. (doesnt take a minute)

@ Crash - please read this again, from your posts it sounds as if you havent.(http://dedi.haloanticheat.com/forum/...read.php?tid=1)

@ Omega - Of course it will be a difficult road, but there are many projects that have done this with a lot of success.

@ Shadow - I did take writing an application that made use of hooks to manipulate the existing server, but you and the other seem to have missed it completely.

We have looked at that option, and we are still debating, right now we are in a phase of analysing the problem, and finding the best solution.

Using a hook is a lot easier, as with the numerous applications that have made use of such a solution (HAC, SAPP, OS), but seems to be a very hacky way of doing things, and hosts are very much wary about using hooks, as it not only uses more resources, but is frowned upon and does not receive a lot of support.

And tbh, would you rather work on a half arsed attempt and complete it with hardly any difficulty at all, or if we create a server from the ground up and will be working on something challenging.

It gives us a good platform to work with, as well as allowing new projects to also make use of our work.

Please do not take this the wrong way, I have spoken with diligence and with respect, While you have done nothing than point out problems (most of which I have pointed out on our forum) about the project and its scope, so I may seem to have turned this into a game of back and forth.

Just because I argue your point, does not make it invalid, nor does it mean I havent listened to your advice, so If I challenge your knowledge on the subject, Its only so I can learn new things, and understand your points in greater detail.

Speaking of which, Dwood what exactly is prometheus?

[Dwood]

halo-dev.org

[Omega]

Now its starting to look like something worthwhile, not only does this give developers chance to experiment with online play in halo more than they used to, but it gives us a chance to create new experiences, add new features, the ability to customize your server more than you ever could before, to suit your personal tastes and those that play on your server.

It's starting to look like something? Everyone can write a description of a program. Do you have a prototype yet? Are you able to connect to the server (not play, just connect)? If you don't have any code at the moment, it looks like nothing because you have nothing.

Now as with a project of this scale, it requires a huge amount of time and effort, and will require people of exceptional skill and motivation in order to make this happen.

Out of curiosity, what is the background of the current programmers? Currently at university or already having a job as programmer?

If you are believe you will be beneficial for this project, please read this, or have some feedback you can post here, or post on the project forums (will be there more often).

I suppose I could help. But my current prediction is that your project is way too big. In the event you will be able to convince me otherwise, I can help with a few things.

There are to our knowledge 5 Major steps in order to accomplish (notify me, if i missed anything)
....
After we have these fundamental features, we will start working on additional features outlined below.

The major steps do not offer anything new. Instead there's a high chance the code will function a bit differently than the original server and you'll get weird bugs, clients that lag, etc. The additional features can all be implemented by injecting a dll or similar techniques. If you design your dll injection properly it's a lot easier to get started, and once you have enough code (and undestand a lot more about the halo server) only then could you start thinking about making something from scratch.

Using a hook is a lot easier, as with the numerous applications that have made use of such a solution (HAC, SAPP, OS), but seems to be a very hacky way of doing things, and hosts are very much wary about using hooks, as it not only uses more resources, but is frowned upon and does not receive a lot of support.

If hosts are against hooks, they will also be against running a completely new program that, in order to run, also needs the .NET framework to be installed. No matter what you do and how you do it, the host always has to trust the code.

And tbh, would you rather work on a half arsed attempt and complete it with hardly any difficulty at all, or if we create a server from the ground up and will be working on something challenging.

Have you tried implementing the additional features using a hook in C or C++? For some reason you say this isn't difficult at all. If so, please make a prototype for the community. Since it's so easy it won't take much time right? Also why would it be a half arsed attempt? Designing a tool that uses dll injection always leads to bad code?

@ Shadow - I did take writing an application that made use of hooks to manipulate the existing server, but you and the other seem to have missed it completely.

Yup, I missed it too. Link?

[Cortexian]

halo-dev.org

halodev.org

[Craig]

This is the quote, read it, as it explains we are still in the process of debating what solution is best, im giving my personal views, and not stating what we will do.

We have looked at that option, and we are still debating, right now we are in a phase of analysing the problem, and finding the best solution.

Using a hook is a lot easier, as with the numerous applications that have made use of such a solution (HAC, SAPP, OS), but seems to be a very hacky way of doing things, and hosts are very much wary about using hooks, as it not only uses more resources, but is frowned upon and does not receive a lot of support.

And tbh, would you rather work on a half arsed attempt and complete it with hardly any difficulty at all, or if we create a server from the ground up and will be working on something challenging.

It gives us a good platform to work with, as well as allowing new projects to also make use of our work.

And yes we have done this before, Btc22 worked and completed on http://haloanticheat.com, so yes we have had experience with this in the past. (albeit the halo client, instead of the server)

The major steps are what are needed before we begin on the additional features (which are the new features if you still dont know what they are)

And thanks Dwood + Freelancer for the link.

[Con]

And tbh, would you rather work on a half arsed attempt and complete it with hardly any difficulty at all, or if we create a server from the ground up and will be working on something challenging.

A late reply on my part, but I would like to add these comments.
Don't assume that it will be half-arsed if you do what I suggested--that ultimately lies in your apparently eager hands. You needn't worry about challenges; they will find you, as in any large project. From a community standpoint, all that matters is a timely and working release no matter the method. Think about what works for us, and not for you.