Admin changes needed for BF3

[woowoo]

I'm putting together a list of needed game server admin changes to the server for BF3 versus what we had in BC2. I'm looking to submit this to DICE with the hope of influencing some of the admin features. Please post your suggestions.

The list:
1. Optionally allow for protection of the uncappable base in conquest. The protection would be the same as is now in use in Rush. By making it a DVAR, servers can choose to protect or not.
2. Provide for a spectate mode - at least for the admins
3. On the VIP list, instead of randomly kicking people, kick the last to join and allow for a white list (e.g. protect anyone with XY clan tag)
4. Allow us to mix game types together (Rush, Conquest, TDM) in the map rotation that are of the same slot size
5. Improve the autobalance to balance faster. It currently takes too long allowing for significantly unbalanced teams to play for quite a while. Maybe the more unbalanced the more rapidly it balances.
6. Allow for randomization of teams on map rotation.
7. Give us map names that match the map - e.g. mp_karkland is good - mp_001 is not.
8. In game RCON - either built into BF3 or possibly through Steam or Origin - so as to avoid having to alt-tab out of the game and the issues that introduces - ideally as a visual menu accessible only to admins
9. A command to swap players, exchanging one from team 1 for one from team 2 on a full server would be good.
10. A built in map scaling system (with an option to turn off) that will start servers on the lowest size map/gamemode and automatically rotate to larger as the server populates. (at least make it easy for rcon tools to do this again).
11. On the load page, allow for server rules / parameters, MOTD, etc. to be prominently displayed on the load screen. That way its clear to the players what the specifics are for that server.
12. In the very useful server admin manual - put the lists in text so it can be copied and pasted instead of a picture.
13. Allow for scaleable maps (for example: conquest 64, 48, 32, 16 slots)
14. Provide for filtering for the Play Now button so that you can control the type of server you land in (e.g. HC Play Now)
15. Ability to look up stats on a player via rcon - an often used tool for cheat accusation debunking

updated 6-17-11


What would you add to the list?

[Neil]

I'm putting together a list of needed game server admin changes to the server for BF3 versus what we had in BC2. I'm looking to submit this to DICE with the hope of influencing some of the admin features. Please post your suggestions.

The list:
1. Allow us to mix game types together (Rush, Conquest, TDM) in the map rotation
2. Provide for a spectate mode - at least for the admins
3. On the VIP list, instead of randomly kicking people, kick the last to join and allow for a white list (e.g. protect anyone with XY clan tag)
4. Optionally allow for protection of the uncappable base in conquest. The protection would be the same as is now in use in Rush. By making it a DVAR, servers can choose to protect or not.
5. Improve the autobalance to balance faster. It currently takes too long allowing for significantly unbalanced teams to play for quite a while. Maybe the more unbalanced the more rapidly it balances.
6. Allow for randomization of teams on map rotation.
7. Give us map names that match the map - e.g. mp_karkland is good - mp_001 is not.

What would you add to the list?

God idea. I'll try and think of a few later on when I get time.

[MaydaX]

1. Allow us to mix game types together (Rush, Conquest, TDM) in the map rotation

That will be a problem for 64 slot servers. CQ is 64 players max but rush is lower, maybe tdm too.

[Misnomer]

That will be a problem for 64 slot servers. CQ is 64 players max but rush is lower, maybe tdm too.

If there is anything like the map scaling in BF2 it would still be nice to have 32 players mixed servers possible. Agree that there might be an issue though.

I said it in the other thread, but will repeat it here.

A more robust Play Now selection filter will allow admins to use CVARs for better customization. For example, currently turning on Friendly Fire will make a server ineligible for Play Now players. There should be options for players looking for those types of "custom" configurations without getting confused by the browser.

Either drop hardcore entirely, or make it a more isolated CVAR. Players who want GUI notifications of who is in their helicopter or spotting have no option of playing with adjusted health in BC2.

Generally speaking, I would suggest that if there are locked playmodes like "hardcore" and "default", there should also be a custom configuration that is easily found and joined that only changes a few things. 24/7 Maps servers, 1000 ticket servers, no vehicle servers should not be lumped in with those that deviate by just one variable from a locked playmode like default or hardcore. More locked playmodes might be welcome as a well.

A command to swap players, exchanging one from team 1 for one from team 2 on a full server would be good.

A built in map scaling system (with an option to turn off) that will start servers on the lowest size map/gamemode and automatically rotate to larger as the server populates. (at least make it easy for rcon tools to do this again).

Center screen MOTD and display of server settings on the load screen so players know the rules and what type of server it is before spawning the first time.

[woowoo]

If there is anything like the map scalnig in BF2 it would still be nice to have 32 players mixed servers possible. Agree that there might be an issue though.

I said it in the other thread, but will repeat it here.

A more robust Play Now selection filter will allow admins to use CVARs for better customization. For example, currently turning on Friendly Fire will make a server ineligible for Play Now players. There should be options for players looking for those types of "custom" configurations without getting confused by the browser.

A command to swap players, exchanging one from team 1 for one from team 2 on a full server would be good.

A built in map scaling system (with an option to turn off) that will start servers on the lowest size map/gamemode and automatically rotate to larger as the server populates. (at least make it easy for rcon tools to do this again).

Center screen MOTD and display of server settings on the load screen so players know the rules and what type of server it is before spawning the first time.

added.


Either drop hardcore entirely, or make it a more isolated CVAR. Players who want GUI notifications of who is in their helicopter or spotting have no option of playing with adjusted health in BC2.

Generally speaking, I would suggest that if there are locked playmodes like "hardcore" and "default", there should also be a custom configuration that is easily found and joined that only changes a few things. 24/7 Maps servers, 1000 ticket servers, no vehicle servers should not be lumped in with those that deviate by just one variable from a locked playmode like default or hardcore. More locked playmodes might be welcome as a well.

Can you clarify these for me? I don't understand your request about the GUI notifications on HC.

On your request about locked playmodes - don't we already have this in BC2? No symbol if normal damage, gold if its HC, and silver if its custom?


That will be a problem for 64 slot servers. CQ is 64 players max but rush is lower, maybe tdm too.

I had not heard that the slot counts might vary by game mode. Certainly that wouldn't be a problem. Have you heard that 64 is only for conquest?

[zeroy]

Great topic and list so far guys :)

If there is anything like the map scalnig in BF2 it would still be nice to have 32 players mixed servers possible. Agree that there might be an issue though.

With Frostbite 2 my guess is that IF Dice provides Map scaling then the maps would be separate files all together. This is assumed from BC2 where each gametype uses its own Map file, example:

mp_006cq (conquest)
mp_006sdm (squad deathmatch)

So not impossible but unlikely imo.

[MaydaX]

I had not heard that the slot counts might vary by game mode. Certainly that wouldn't be a problem. Have you heard that 64 is only for conquest?

The interview is in swedish, but Lars mentions that if there would be 64 players in rush would be a "meatgrind" if everyone tried to arm the last crate and they have done tests with it. Most likely the playercount will be reduced.

http://forums.electronicarts.co.uk/battlefield-3-pc/1404239-no-64-players-rush.html
http://www.fz.se/filmer/20110608/battlefield-3-intervju-med-lars-gustavsson/

[Misnomer]

Can you clarify these for me? I don't understand your request about the GUI notifications on HC.

It is a very minor preference thing. Nowhere near as important as others on your list. But here is the clarification.

Here is what it currently looks like when you join a server in BC2. (http://cloud.steampowered.com/ugc/559785304306062805/1506BB3E44AD4ED01DF1EF8691920A42AD7409AB/)

Rules posted down below the banner are barely visible and most players never read them. More centrally located box would be nice.

The variable page is nice, but it flashes very quickly and Then it changes to this usually before anyone can read the settings. (http://cloud.steampowered.com/ugc/559785304306069667/E68229ACB6986A79E2AA4C8B5925AFB2C7A95038/) In BF2, players could actually click between pages to continue to read that information.

I also doesn't give you some of the more important information (Hardcore or not. Veteran players know that almost every settings is off for Hardcore, but the lack of a health variable listed here is major).

This variable listing is really good, I would just like it improved to empower admins and players.

Also. You can preview those same 10 variable settings in the browser. In BF2, you would get a preview of the server banner (less than useful usually). If the preview would include an MOTD, it would help server admins let players know what type of experience they were offering without using tricks or crazy names in the browser.

On your request about locked playmodes - don't we already have this in BC2? No symbol if normal damage, gold if its HC, and silver if its custom?

My point was that the No Skull is the only one that gets Play Now directed to it. If you change one setting like Friendly Fire or Third Person vehicle camera you will be changed to custom and no longer get publics who use play now. While it is a client side change to add more complex filters to Play Now, it would enable admins to change minor things and still be populated. So, either more locked playmodes...or lots more filters in Play Now than just "Map" and "Gametype".

[Misnomer]

If I was really shooting for the stars, I would ask for an overlay RCON plugin for Steam or Origin. The objective would be allowing admins to use their favorite RCON tool while ingame without the need to alt-tabbing.

Even if it just approached the current possibility of using a .php based tool via the Steam in-game internet browser, that would be a set towards making it easier on admins. If it included things like a button to look up stats on a player (often used for cheat accusation debunking in BC2 now), that would be beyond greatness.

[woowoo]

additional items added to the list

[soulz2003]

How about a visual menu accessible only to admins, similar to how Counter-Strike: Source has it implemented. For instance, if you go to the console and type in menu, it would display an admin gui that you can use to kick/ban/change map/etc.

[woowoo]

added

[Neil]

I think with no. 8 they have confirmed on tweet somewhere that there will be a console.

[woowoo]

I think with no. 8 they have confirmed on tweet somewhere that there will be a console.

This was more referring to admin menus etc. I've clarified 8.

[Neil]

This was more referring to admin menus etc. I've clarified 8.

Ah ok :)

[mavric1964]

How about something that's been missing in BF games, demo recording?

[Neil]

How about something that's been missing in BF games, demo recording?

I agree but this thread is about admin related features.

[Nadar]

You have some good points on your list, but I have some comments to some of them:

7. Give us map names that match the map - e.g. mp_karkland is good - mp_001 is not.

The admin tool should translate the map names so that you never have to face the actual names. I can't see that the current system in BC2 is a problem.

8. In game RCON - either built into BF3 or possibly through Steam or Origin - so as to avoid having to alt-tab out of the game and the issues that introduces - ideally as a visual menu accessible only to admins

Even though it would be "nice to have", I don't really see the need. Our admins doesn't have any program installed and is able to do everything they need from the ingame chat. They don't even know the rcon password. It simply wouldn't be worth the effort imo.

14. Provide for filtering for the Play Now button so that you can control the type of server you land in (e.g. HC Play Now)

While I support that "Play Now" could use some more options, I think the real problem in BC2 is the server browser and particularly the lack of filtering (and that it doesn't remember your filters). It should be possible to filter every server option either to be "on", "off" or "don't care". The solution in BC2 with the "modified" state has effectively rendered some of the options useless - if you disable 3d spotting for example, noone will join because a lot of people think the server is hardcore. Those that DO join expect it to be hardcore and leave when they figure out it's not. But, Battlelog will probably change all that anyway so let's just hope they can give us a much better server browser there.

[tctctc00]

I'm putting together a list of needed game server admin changes to the server for BF3 versus what we had in BC2. I'm looking to submit this to DICE with the hope of influencing some of the admin features. Please post your suggestions.

The list:
1. Optionally allow for protection of the uncappable base in conquest. The protection would be the same as is now in use in Rush. By making it a DVAR, servers can choose to protect or not.
2. Provide for a spectate mode - at least for the admins
3. On the VIP list, instead of randomly kicking people, kick the last to join and allow for a white list (e.g. protect anyone with XY clan tag)

Point 3, the problem with clan tags is they are easily changed. Someone might get to know your prefered clan and change their tag to it. Playername would obviously be much better but adds more administration.


4. Allow us to mix game types together (Rush, Conquest, TDM) in the map rotation that are of the same slot size


Oh yes, a must. Currently relying on a console app to perform this is plain silly.


5. Improve the autobalance to balance faster. It currently takes too long allowing for significantly unbalanced teams to play for quite a while. Maybe the more unbalanced the more rapidly it balances.


While ideally this is what is wanted, I suspect your wish is a little too hard to achieve. Go swapping players in mid-action results in players leaving anyway, I've seen it (and been a victim of it myself). Therefore, waiting for a player to die, not be in a squad and so on leads to the odd balancing by the servers.

Perhaps a timer is instigated which then notifies a player he's on the timer? So the player can keep playing knowing he will be swapped in N seconds or he will leave (either way helping the balance.)


6. Allow for randomization of teams on map rotation.


Woah, do you really want that? I've seen some odd attempts by consoles to randomise. Again, I think the logic may be a little too hard to accomplish if you want to put some restrictions in there otherwise it would be easy providing there is N+1 slots available (which is not the case at present).

If you are going to do this, then clans have to be preserved if they are already playing together, at the very least.



7. Give us map names that match the map - e.g. mp_karkland is good - mp_001 is not.


Internally, for a console, it doesn't matter, but I guess for looking at the raw output of the remote console protocol it does. Just get a console app as they all translate it anyway.



8. In game RCON - either built into BF3 or possibly through Steam or Origin - so as to avoid having to alt-tab out of the game and the issues that introduces - ideally as a visual menu accessible only to admins


Better still get a console that allows in-game commands via chat?


9. A command to swap players, exchanging one from team 1 for one from team 2 on a full server would be good.


Nope, don't like this. Swapping players allows admins to be too much in control of the game. Sure they can do it by kicking etc, but I think with some of the consoles they have shown that given enough power they can write the most stupid of "plugins". Too easily abused, for my mind.


10. A built in map scaling system (with an option to turn off) that will start servers on the lowest size map/gamemode and automatically rotate to larger as the server populates. (at least make it easy for rcon tools to do this again).


I thought this was to be integrated into BF3 anyway?


11. On the load page, allow for server rules / parameters, MOTD, etc. to be prominently displayed on the load screen. That way its clear to the players what the specifics are for that server.


Yes, absolutely. BUT also, it should have more information on the server browser in the client (this is unrelated to console's role anyway).


12. In the very useful server admin manual - put the lists in text so it can be copied and pasted instead of a picture.


????


13. Allow for scaleable maps (for example: conquest 64, 48, 32, 16 slots)


Isn't this 10? Even so, you want the console to be able to do this rather than the server? ???


14. Provide for filtering for the Play Now button so that you can control the type of server you land in (e.g. HC Play Now)

15. Ability to look up stats on a player via rcon - an often used tool for cheat accusation debunking


There is one console out that does this, sort of, by scraping the stats websites - but it ain't as good as the real stuff from EA's old stats clunkers.

Heaven's sake, the rank limit option in the consoles for BC2 has NEVER worked, and that stat is available in-game. So, how hard do you reckon this stuff will be for BF3? :confused: