Why don't they use servers?

[kami790]

Does anyone have a straight-up answer on why epic doesn't use servers? The fact that there are so many flaws with the host-based matchmaking system seems like epic didn't realize what the consequences of what they were doing or were just trying to put seasoning on a pile of crap. Isn't epic a big enough studio to afford servers? I hope there is a very good legit reason for it like the game somehow just doesn't work on servers. Otherwise they are being really cheap.

[Slizzell]

they dont even need servers to prevent lag, COD and halo dont have dedicated servers. and there fine....

[kami790]

yes they do......

[Eraser Reign]

Because they use Microsoft's Xbox Live servers. If they were to use their own servers, you'd be paying more money. Like with Phantasy Star and Final Fantasy XI Online. If they used their own servers seperate from Microsoft, then you'd have to pay another monthly fee ON TOP of your Xbox Live Gold Membership.

[kami790]

I see. I was always under the impression that halo and COD used dedicated servers though. the connections are always absolutely solid.

[Aristocrat]

Because they use Microsoft's Xbox Live servers. If they were to use their own servers, you'd be paying more money. Like with Phantasy Star and Final Fantasy XI Online. If they used their own servers seperate from Microsoft, then you'd have to pay another monthly fee ON TOP of your Xbox Live Gold Membership.

It's not that much considering it wouldn't consume as much bandwidth as an MMO, Microsoft makes a dealing on subscriptions as it is on XBL/XBLA.

[kami790]

If halo and cod are not server-based though, how do they make the host not recognizable. I never recognize a host in those matches. The xbox live servers are definitely not hosting the gears matches so what are they doing?

[Slizzell]

halo 3 and cod 100% do not use dedicated servers, like he sed they mite use xbox live servers or whatever, but on the halo forums there are loads of posts, about getting the game dedicated servers...

[Eraser Reign]

You also have to take into consideration that Micro$oft Game Studios publishes Halo and Gears of War. Gears and Halo sorta have to use Micro$oft's servers.

[kami790]

Ok so now that I know that they don't use dedicated servers either (thanks for telling me), What is different with their system that doesn't make the host recognizable and pick the best connection?

[Slizzell]

yes its hard to find a laggy halo game, and hard to find a unlaggy gears game.

[Eraser Reign]

Ok so now that I know that they don't use dedicated servers either (thanks for telling me), What is different with their system that doesn't make the host recognizable and pick the best connection?

Idk, man. Maybe they just hadn't thought of it yet, (it could really be that simple). The game is only a couple months old. You need to give EPIC time to get all the bugs down.

I mean, no one can deny that Halo 3 had a not so perfect connection its first few months either.

[kami790]

Ok, that makes sense. Thanks a lot for the answers and clearing up the server issue.

[Mackam]

Not thought of it yet? What about the issues on GOW 1? It was the same problem and really dissapointing they have not fixed it. All they have done is make it more random but that does not fix the fact that somebody in the game has a huge advantage over everybody else.

Its not just being bitter at losing, its a fact. I know when I am the host as I suddenly seem to kill everyone!!! I have never understood why they don't use dedicated servers (don't say cost) as this would remove this whole issue as I see it.

[Glossia]

It's the netcode that gives poor latency compensation and shot registration.

I guess poor match making aswell.

[Omega360x]

Does anyone have a straight-up answer on why epic doesn't use servers? The fact that there are so many flaws with the host-based matchmaking system seems like epic didn't realize what the consequences of what they were doing or were just trying to put seasoning on a pile of crap. Isn't epic a big enough studio to afford servers? I hope there is a very good legit reason for it like the game somehow just doesn't work on servers. Otherwise they are being really cheap.

That is a very good question Kami, very good question. My thoughts? I don't think EPIC expected such a big fan base. I really don't think they expected Gears to be so successful. That is my guess.

I'm with you, I would love to see dedicated servers.

[AcidGlow]

I don't think any Live game uses servers. I thought they are all connected to 1 host which.. in some high player games can get laggy... I do prefer smaller number of players in a game though.. servers are more for the PC gamers though. Live doesn't seem like it will get it.

[kami790]

Actually I don't think games are restricted to using live servers because left 4 dead uses dedicated servers.

[RoadBuster]

I mean, no one can deny that Halo 3 had a not so perfect connection its first few months either.Except I don't think it ever was as bad as Gears of war. And frankly, considering that the latency was never really resolved in Gears 1, I have little reason to believe it will be adequately addressed in Gears 2. Bungie and Infinity Ward if I recall, have a good history of fixing up their games to a level post release where latency is more or less stable and consistent.

I'm not going to get my hopes up about any kind of latency fix. I think I'll just console myself with campaign, bot play, and other games beside Gears of War that actually have stable multi player.