Explain to me: Dedicated Severs

[Cronky]

I was messing around with CT yesterday, and stumbled upon the Dedicated Server deal it has.

Now for conversation-sake, let's assume I know nothing about Dedicated Servers (because let's also assume google is broken... and the search function on this site). I'd like someone to explain to me the pros and cons of this ability as it pertains to the average consumer (me).

Why would I want to make my own dedicated server for a game?
What are the limitations?
What is the preferred equipment for running your own (would an average Internet connection do?)?
Can I play in my own dedicated server?
Would playing in my own defeat the purpose of making one?
What are the other alternatives to dedicated servers?

If possible, use a game as an example (preferably one that's been heard of). I heard some debacle over CoD:MW2 and something to do with this kind of thing on PC (No dedicated servers?). People were pretty heated when it came to it. If you've used the one in CT, what are your experiences with it?

Lastly, what is PS's stance on this? How is the game going to be handled in terms of connecting the peers together? What options will be out there for people that want to invest in the game in this area (I hear stories of people buying servers to play their games on)?

[LennardF1989]

I was messing around with CT yesterday, and stumbled upon the Dedicated Server deal it has.

Now for conversation-sake, let's assume I know nothing about Dedicated Servers (because let's also assume google is broken... and the search function on this site). I'd like someone to explain to me the pros and cons of this ability as it pertains to the average consumer (me).

Why would I want to make my own dedicated server for a game?
Because it's a server that runs 24/7 (automated) and doesn't require you physically being around to work.

What are the limitations?
You will have to authenticate with the server (most games name this RCON) to tell him you are an administrator, other than that, it's just a server like any other.

What is the preferred equipment for running your own (would an average Internet connection do?)?
If you plan on running more than one server, you would need a real server (running Windows) in order to be able to host such resource-hogging servers and a shitload of bandwitdh. Although resource/bandwidth is quite small considering there are only 2vs2 in a normal game.

Can I play in my own dedicated server?
Yes, but in order to be more than just a player, you will have to RCON (and thus take-over the automated control while you are there).

Would playing in my own defeat the purpose of making one?
No, if you for some reason want your server to be up and running 24/7. Other than that it's exactly the same as starting a server form within the game where you are the first to enter the lobby.

What are the other alternatives to dedicated servers?
Creating a server from within the game, also referred to Listen servers. These close down if you leave, because you are the host (the current instance of the game is the host).

If possible, use a game as an example (preferably one that's been heard of). I heard some debacle over CoD:MW2 and something to do with this kind of thing on PC (No dedicated servers?). People were pretty heated when it came to it. If you've used the one in CT, what are your experiences with it?
Because Dedicated servers fo big games are big business and earn a lot of money. CoDMP2 relied on official servers (i3D, IW, etc), rather than ones users hosted on their own systems/servers. Frvge, who rents servers for games therefor couldn't make money out of CoDMP2 because he was no official supplier.

Lastly, what is PS's stance on this? How is the game going to be handled in terms of connecting the peers together? What options will be out there for people that want to invest in the game in this area (I hear stories of people buying servers to play their games on)?
People who wish to host/rent dedicated servers can do so. Not sure about how we are legally gonna do this, if at all.

[Spark Mandriller]

If PS gets popular then groups will provide servers. You won't have to worry about anything but picking one with a good ping and joining it.

[DreadStunLock]

If PS gets popular then groups will provide servers. You won't have to worry about anything but picking one with a good ping and joining it.

I am playing Halo CE cracked version, and I know exactly what you mean by that. And I hope PS will be the same with the amount of servers to choose from.