This is a good idea, but I have some suggestions. Maybe this simple multiplayer can just be an addon, not a replacement. Maybe it could just be used for when a couple of friends want to play around together on Minecraft. But the current system would be used for more dedicated and sophisticated servers.
There could definitely be improvements but overall, I support this.
You CANNOT remove port forwarding from the server process without hosting on minecraft's servers. Do you really want to rely on mojang's servers to host? I fully agree that you should be able to host a server from the client (i'd bet you could make the a button that simply runs downloads/runs minecraft_server.jar). A convert to multiplayer button sounds feasable, just run the server software using the sp map, similar to how people make sp maps into servers now (except automatic). A server list might be nice as well, but it would dramatically boost the number of whitelisted servers due to griefers. Even if it was possible to remove port forwarding, id advise against it, simply because of the resulting distributed spam. (massive numbers of people would run a server (they're up to 2 million buys now folks!))
I would usually say you preaching to the choir for any other video game, but Minecraft ain't just some other video game and Notch is known to read these often...more or less...maybe less...
YES, YES, YES This is perfect for people who can't program (Like me) And it will add more servers so people don't have to go on forum and spend 2 hours looking for a server which matches server version.
Haz my diamonds :biggrin.gif: +1337
Of course single player maps can't run on servers for reasons that escape me (servers should be able to shard / chunk)
I have never found this to be true, just move or copy the world folder and make sure you either rename the folder or change the name in server.properties
Also no programming is required (just logic) and because you think there is you obviously haven't tried.
I agree with basically all the arguments that have been presented that are against this (too many servers, griefing, whitelists, minecraft lasts longer than 20 minutes etc.) but there is one that is especially important.
Mostly, this would require the game to either use tunneling or Virtual Private Networks (like Hamachi uses). The halo CE servers seem to use some sort of trickery like these (and it is not clear what is used, don't try searching, you get nowhere).
The time to program something like this is not worth it for Minecraft and unlike what most people think port forwarding is fairly simple. On top of that the added overhead (work, and complexity of the connections) is not worth it.
Also, the original Combat Evolved could not get outside of the LAN and dedicated servers now still have to have port forward (any server not using the tricks should have to).
The idea of an in-game list of public servers would be nice (would the Mojang-hosted list include Bukkit servers?), or just being able to remember a number of favourites would be perfect, and there are a many server lists online that are useful (as well as the ability to paste from the clipboard)
This is indeed a good idea, but I have some technical concerns. As it stands now, your idea involves no port forwarding, and thus it is not hosted on the computer of the admin, but Mojang's server. Mojang's server hasn't exactly been renowned for their reliability, and further stress will just cause it to crash more often. You could have it so that the Minecraft client automatically port forwards, allowing the servers to be run on individual computers, but that opens up security concerns. As the situation currently stands, I think only the LAN servers could be implemented.
Your idea currently involves an extended 'setting panel' to change the numerous settings currently in the server.properties file, and it would be nice to see that added.
This is a great idea, I was just thinking the exact same thing when I saw this post. Just add Minecraft text to give the full immpresion of what this would be like :biggrin.gif:
NO! This will ruin craftbukkit and all its plugins, also its already easy enough to create a server.
1. download server software
2. start the minecraft.exe wait for the spawn to be prepared
3. after that type "stop"
4. if you don't want craftbukkit or such skip to part 7
5. (optional) download craftbukkit server software (optional)
6. (optional) add some plugins (optional)
7. (without port forwarding) get hamachi and that stuff
8. (without port forwarding) in the server.properties change server ip to your hamachi ip
done, thats what I did and I have a nice server with plugins.. wasn't hard.
back on topic, it would be nice for this to be added but there would still need to be a way to add plugins/craftbukkit and such.
NOTE: i did not use a full complete tutorial don't take my advice I am not good at explaining a bunch of crud, sorry if that was a bit off topic I just wanted to explain that its easy to set up a server..
personaly, i think that there sould be an "invite freind" button on SSP, this can make it easier for small groups, and big servers will have to go the hard, to stop server spam!
I agree with this and the idea. Wait till MC has gone full game and MoJang has enough $$$ to support
this.
TL;DR on the replies at least.
The problem I see with this is that unlike Halo you do not simply join a Minecraft server and play. You join a certain server and join that certain server over and over again, because that certain server and only that certain server has your items and projects on it. Minecraft is not an arcade game like Halo. You do not play in rounds. You do not say "Who wants to join my game because this game has stupid options?" You play on your server. You can't do this kind of thing with Minecraft.
Another difference between games with quick hosting and Minecraft is that the only things the server needs to know in Halo is the players and a pre-defined small map. Sure, click that Host Server button. A couple people join, head off in odd directions the map triples in size, congratulations, you suddenly have a 30Mb file from that one click and an hour of gameplay. Tomorrow you click it again, Oh look another 30Mb.
A server running a Minecraft world has to do a whole lot more computations then a server running a game like Halo. In most games if you play in a server that is being hosted by the same computer as someone playing the game you are going to have lag. Minecraft relies on dedicated servers.
Another reason for that is players play on the server at many different times.
For Minecraft multiplayer I am opposed to anything that is not a 24/7 dedicated server.
Keep normal minecraft dedicated hosting (with the dedicated client) and also add this (ingame client). Dedicated would be good for large servers, whereas Ingame would be good for stuff like lets plays, and just building with your friends.
EDIT:
I love you. This is WAY better.
Haz my diamonds :biggrin.gif: +1337
I have never found this to be true, just move or copy the world folder and make sure you either rename the folder or change the name in server.properties
Also no programming is required (just logic) and because you think there is you obviously haven't tried.
I agree with basically all the arguments that have been presented that are against this (too many servers, griefing, whitelists, minecraft lasts longer than 20 minutes etc.) but there is one that is especially important.
Mostly, this would require the game to either use tunneling or Virtual Private Networks (like Hamachi uses). The halo CE servers seem to use some sort of trickery like these (and it is not clear what is used, don't try searching, you get nowhere).
The time to program something like this is not worth it for Minecraft and unlike what most people think port forwarding is fairly simple. On top of that the added overhead (work, and complexity of the connections) is not worth it.
Also, the original Combat Evolved could not get outside of the LAN and dedicated servers now still have to have port forward (any server not using the tricks should have to).
The idea of an in-game list of public servers would be nice (would the Mojang-hosted list include Bukkit servers?), or just being able to remember a number of favourites would be perfect, and there are a many server lists online that are useful (as well as the ability to paste from the clipboard)
Your idea currently involves an extended 'setting panel' to change the numerous settings currently in the server.properties file, and it would be nice to see that added.
Awesome Idea, I just don't think MC is quite to that point yet.
And also, why bog down normal Minecraft when there is a fully functional sever software available already?
Just look up some tutorials.
1. download server software
2. start the minecraft.exe wait for the spawn to be prepared
3. after that type "stop"
4. if you don't want craftbukkit or such skip to part 7
5. (optional) download craftbukkit server software (optional)
6. (optional) add some plugins (optional)
7. (without port forwarding) get hamachi and that stuff
8. (without port forwarding) in the server.properties change server ip to your hamachi ip
done, thats what I did and I have a nice server with plugins.. wasn't hard.
back on topic, it would be nice for this to be added but there would still need to be a way to add plugins/craftbukkit and such.
NOTE: i did not use a full complete tutorial don't take my advice I am not good at explaining a bunch of crud, sorry if that was a bit off topic I just wanted to explain that its easy to set up a server..
I support Carrier Eagle
I support Power gloves
I support Coal Powered carts delay
I agree with this and the idea. Wait till MC has gone full game and MoJang has enough $$$ to support
this.
Only way minecraft should be like Halo.
The problem I see with this is that unlike Halo you do not simply join a Minecraft server and play. You join a certain server and join that certain server over and over again, because that certain server and only that certain server has your items and projects on it. Minecraft is not an arcade game like Halo. You do not play in rounds. You do not say "Who wants to join my game because this game has stupid options?" You play on your server. You can't do this kind of thing with Minecraft.
Another difference between games with quick hosting and Minecraft is that the only things the server needs to know in Halo is the players and a pre-defined small map. Sure, click that Host Server button. A couple people join, head off in odd directions the map triples in size, congratulations, you suddenly have a 30Mb file from that one click and an hour of gameplay. Tomorrow you click it again, Oh look another 30Mb.
A server running a Minecraft world has to do a whole lot more computations then a server running a game like Halo. In most games if you play in a server that is being hosted by the same computer as someone playing the game you are going to have lag. Minecraft relies on dedicated servers.
Another reason for that is players play on the server at many different times.
For Minecraft multiplayer I am opposed to anything that is not a 24/7 dedicated server.