Founded in 2001 by HoundDawg, UnitedAdmins (UA) has had a long and relatively influential history through online gaming (be it tutorials, anti-cheats, or stat processors). As of recent years however, its public-face has changed to a much more dormant/lifeless state. This is partly due to real life among most of the UA team, as well as unique individual circumstances. None the less, the passion which we all share for the community still burns strong, and the necessity pointed out by HoundDawg in his post "Phoenix Nest" is still quite evident. As mentioned in the previously mentioned thread, starting and maintaining a game server designed to meet your needs was and still is, a relatively difficult task. It is our hope and focus to re-establish UnitedAdmins as a platform to provide the necessary files, refrences, and how-to information to promote the various platforms related to PC gaming.
It was a year ago that HoundDawg announced the successful completion of the previous 'Project Phoenix' which was focused on developing a stable framework for UnitedAdmins to communicate with the community. While the staff may have lost direction after the initial project, the lessons learned and the foundation developed, will most certainly continued to be utilized during this continued endeavor. While a good deal has already been done in regards to establishing a plethora of communication tools (wiki, forums, irc channel, etc) we must still stress that the site is in heavy development. Any and all inconsistencies in regards to design, functionality, or place-holder content will be addressed. Feedback during this process is of course greatly appreiated, so please do not hesitate let us know what you think.
Additionally, I would personally like to present a request to the community. That request is to simply reply to this thread with what you feel UnitedAdmins should focus on. A few potential topics which could stimulate the growth of the community are briefly listed below:
UnitedAdmins is here for the community, but the only way UA can successfully meet the needs of the community is through the participation of the community.
It was a year ago that HoundDawg announced the successful completion of the previous 'Project Phoenix' which was focused on developing a stable framework for UnitedAdmins to communicate with the community. While the staff may have lost direction after the initial project, the lessons learned and the foundation developed, will most certainly continued to be utilized during this continued endeavor. While a good deal has already been done in regards to establishing a plethora of communication tools (wiki, forums, irc channel, etc) we must still stress that the site is in heavy development. Any and all inconsistencies in regards to design, functionality, or place-holder content will be addressed. Feedback during this process is of course greatly appreiated, so please do not hesitate let us know what you think.
Additionally, I would personally like to present a request to the community. That request is to simply reply to this thread with what you feel UnitedAdmins should focus on. A few potential topics which could stimulate the growth of the community are briefly listed below:
- What do you feel is lacking in the community as a Server Admin
- What do you feel is currently covered adequately
- What do you feel UnitedAdmins did the best in the past
- What do you feel UnitedAdmins could improve on the most from it's previous forms
UnitedAdmins is here for the community, but the only way UA can successfully meet the needs of the community is through the participation of the community.
Hello everyone.
I've got some time and updated and cleaned the wiki.
It is more "organized" yet, but not overall finished.
This is where you will come in and can take part. Jump over to the wiki and help to make the first stop about game server information.
If you run a gameserver, it doesn't care which one, you can write about it there.
If you are unsure you can use the Wiki Sandbox first. There others will help you to make the final and killer wiki artikle.
So don't be shy, can contribute.
Banana and the UA Team.
I've got some time and updated and cleaned the wiki.
It is more "organized" yet, but not overall finished.
This is where you will come in and can take part. Jump over to the wiki and help to make the first stop about game server information.
If you run a gameserver, it doesn't care which one, you can write about it there.
If you are unsure you can use the Wiki Sandbox first. There others will help you to make the final and killer wiki artikle.
So don't be shy, can contribute.
Banana and the UA Team.
Quote
An optional update for Left 4 Dead is now available. Please run hldsupdatetool to receive it. The specific changes include:
- Lobbies and games you've recently joined and left will be ignored for two minutes. This will prevent a player from ending up in the same lobby or game when quickly searching for another.
- Restored Find a Game Lobby/Find a Game in Progress to the Create Lobby screen available from the Lobby Browser.
- Updated localization text.
- Fixed an issue where VPK.EXE would not extract all files.
Jason
- Lobbies and games you've recently joined and left will be ignored for two minutes. This will prevent a player from ending up in the same lobby or game when quickly searching for another.
- Restored Find a Game Lobby/Find a Game in Progress to the Create Lobby screen available from the Lobby Browser.
- Updated localization text.
- Fixed an issue where VPK.EXE would not extract all files.
Jason
Quote
Left 4 Dead has been updated to include a lobby browser. This is an optional update. The lobby browser (under Play Online) will show you a list of optimal games available for you to join. The browser pares down the thousands of lobbies and games currently being played to show you the best list of games available to you. This list includes official and add-on campaigns, including add-on campaigns you have not yet installed, making it a great way to discover them. You can filter by difficulty, official and/or add-on campaigns and by lobbies and/or games in progress.
The Play on Steam Group Server screen now displays which Steam group it's searching while updating the list.
After calling a vote to change difficulty in game it is now correctly updated in matchmaking.
Add-on Campaigns:
- When downloading a new version of an add-on and installing it (by double clicking the .VPK file), it will now correctly overwrite the pervious version, even while Left 4 Dead is currently running.
- Addressed a crash when two mission files with the same name are installed.
- Steam Group Servers now will now correctly offer download links when running add-on campaigns.
Server:
- The server will now warn if the public or private tags exceed their limits. Public tags are limited to 63 characters. Private tags used for matchmaking are now limited to 1024 characters.
SDK:
- The VPK tool can now handle campaigns larger than 500MB.
- You can now drop an add-on a VPK file onto the VPK tool to have it extract it for you.
- Detail.vbsp and lights.rad have been added to the distribution.
Note that the Linux Steam objects have been renamed. This shouldn't cause any issues.
The Play on Steam Group Server screen now displays which Steam group it's searching while updating the list.
After calling a vote to change difficulty in game it is now correctly updated in matchmaking.
Add-on Campaigns:
- When downloading a new version of an add-on and installing it (by double clicking the .VPK file), it will now correctly overwrite the pervious version, even while Left 4 Dead is currently running.
- Addressed a crash when two mission files with the same name are installed.
- Steam Group Servers now will now correctly offer download links when running add-on campaigns.
Server:
- The server will now warn if the public or private tags exceed their limits. Public tags are limited to 63 characters. Private tags used for matchmaking are now limited to 1024 characters.
SDK:
- The VPK tool can now handle campaigns larger than 500MB.
- You can now drop an add-on a VPK file onto the VPK tool to have it extract it for you.
- Detail.vbsp and lights.rad have been added to the distribution.
Note that the Linux Steam objects have been renamed. This shouldn't cause any issues.
Quote
An optional update for Counter-Strike/Condition Zero is now available. Please run hldsupdatetool to receive. This update was previously available as a beta. The specific changes are:
Half-Life Engine
- Added -sys_ticrate command line option to allowed forced override of ticrate
- Prevent more cases of server redirection
CS/CZ
- Added -nobots option to allow forced override of bots on servers
Half-Life Engine
- Added -sys_ticrate command line option to allowed forced override of ticrate
- Prevent more cases of server redirection
CS/CZ
- Added -nobots option to allow forced override of bots on servers
Quote
A required update for Team Fortress 2 is now available. Please run hldsupdatetool to receive it. The specific changes include:
Linux Dedicated Server
* Improved connection logic to help servers that aren't automatically reconnecting to Steam.
Engine
* Fixed seeing error dialogs if the "-nocrashdialog" command line parameter is present.
Team Fortress 2
* Added an optional per-map particle manifest called <mapname>_particles.txt, which should be located in the maps directory, so map authors can load custom particle files.
* Fixed minicrits resulting in reduced damage for weapons at close ranges.
* Fixed the Cloak and Dagger not regenerating at the correct rate.
* Fixed setinfo exploit that allowed restricted convars to be set while connected to a server.
* Fixed tournament mode being interrupted if mp_timelimit hits before both stopwatch rounds have been played.
* Fixed "jointeam unassigned" exploit.
* Fixed being able to respawn during the chat time before a level change.
* Fixed "sensitivity" ConVar not capping the upper value which sometimes caused a server crash.
* Prevented some exploits based on mat_dxlevel being changed in-game.
* Updated ripple effects for water drips to improve performance.
Linux Dedicated Server
* Improved connection logic to help servers that aren't automatically reconnecting to Steam.
Engine
* Fixed seeing error dialogs if the "-nocrashdialog" command line parameter is present.
Team Fortress 2
* Added an optional per-map particle manifest called <mapname>_particles.txt, which should be located in the maps directory, so map authors can load custom particle files.
* Fixed minicrits resulting in reduced damage for weapons at close ranges.
* Fixed the Cloak and Dagger not regenerating at the correct rate.
* Fixed setinfo exploit that allowed restricted convars to be set while connected to a server.
* Fixed tournament mode being interrupted if mp_timelimit hits before both stopwatch rounds have been played.
* Fixed "jointeam unassigned" exploit.
* Fixed being able to respawn during the chat time before a level change.
* Fixed "sensitivity" ConVar not capping the upper value which sometimes caused a server crash.
* Prevented some exploits based on mat_dxlevel being changed in-game.
* Updated ripple effects for water drips to improve performance.
Quote
An update for Left 4 Dead is now available. Please run hldsupdatetool to receive it. The specific changes include:
- Removed the "Are you ready to play Versus?" confirmation
- Fixed a crash when using mouse wheel or keyboard to select Campaign chapters
- Fixed sv_steamgroup_exclusive servers advertising for public lobbies
- Restored the ability to vote for a new campaign in Versus mode
Jason
- Removed the "Are you ready to play Versus?" confirmation
- Fixed a crash when using mouse wheel or keyboard to select Campaign chapters
- Fixed sv_steamgroup_exclusive servers advertising for public lobbies
- Restored the ability to vote for a new campaign in Versus mode
Jason
Quote
A required update for Team Fortress 2 is now available. Please use hldsupdatetool to receive it. The specific changes include:
Linux Dedicated Server:
- Improved connection logic to help servers that aren’t automatically reconnecting to Steam, and added extra logging to track it
- Added extra data gathering to help us understand and improve Linux performance
Team Fortress 2:
- Changed cl_flipviewmodels so it can no longer be set while connected to a server
- Fixed problem with Loadout Menu "Back" button not preserving the currently equipped weapon
- Fixed a case where an observer could set the observed player's view models
- Fixed the Heavy's punches not matching mouse button presses when the view models are flipped
- Fixed Bonk! ammo count exploit after using a regeneration locker
- Fixed Dead Ringer damage reduction exploit involving Spy taunting
- Reverted Force-A-Nature and airblast knockback on disguised Spies, so that they can once again be knocked back
Missed notes from previous update:
- The Ambassador no longer penetrates buildings
- Removed the movement speed penalty on The Razorback
Linux Dedicated Server:
- Improved connection logic to help servers that aren’t automatically reconnecting to Steam, and added extra logging to track it
- Added extra data gathering to help us understand and improve Linux performance
Team Fortress 2:
- Changed cl_flipviewmodels so it can no longer be set while connected to a server
- Fixed problem with Loadout Menu "Back" button not preserving the currently equipped weapon
- Fixed a case where an observer could set the observed player's view models
- Fixed the Heavy's punches not matching mouse button presses when the view models are flipped
- Fixed Bonk! ammo count exploit after using a regeneration locker
- Fixed Dead Ringer damage reduction exploit involving Spy taunting
- Reverted Force-A-Nature and airblast knockback on disguised Spies, so that they can once again be knocked back
Missed notes from previous update:
- The Ambassador no longer penetrates buildings
- Removed the movement speed penalty on The Razorback
Quote
A required update for Left 4 Dead is now available. Please run hldsupdatetool to receive it. The specific changes include:
Client:
- Removed an infinite ammo exploit for molotovs
Add-on Campaign Support:
- Players download third party campaigns as single .VPK file
- Players can manage and select add-on maps and campaigns via game UI
- Added matchmaking support and download/update prompt for add-on campaigns
- Custom campaign support in Leader boards
- If not already registered, left4dead.exe registers .VPK extension to allow automatic install of add-ons
- Servers and the steam API have been extended to allow servers to send up a list of keys for matchmaking up to 1200 bytes in size
Left 4 Dead Authoring Tools:
- Fixed missing fgd error
- Added vpk.exe command line tool for extracting, creating, and appending .VPK files
- Removed info_versus (not used)
- Added info_gamemode which fires outputs for Coop, Versus or Survival depending on what game mode the map is loaded in
- Updated tutorial_standards example map, repackaged as 'Dead Line' campaign example add-on
- Sample content now includes source files for official maps
Jason
Client:
- Removed an infinite ammo exploit for molotovs
Add-on Campaign Support:
- Players download third party campaigns as single .VPK file
- Players can manage and select add-on maps and campaigns via game UI
- Added matchmaking support and download/update prompt for add-on campaigns
- Custom campaign support in Leader boards
- If not already registered, left4dead.exe registers .VPK extension to allow automatic install of add-ons
- Servers and the steam API have been extended to allow servers to send up a list of keys for matchmaking up to 1200 bytes in size
Left 4 Dead Authoring Tools:
- Fixed missing fgd error
- Added vpk.exe command line tool for extracting, creating, and appending .VPK files
- Removed info_versus (not used)
- Added info_gamemode which fires outputs for Coop, Versus or Survival depending on what game mode the map is loaded in
- Updated tutorial_standards example map, repackaged as 'Dead Line' campaign example add-on
- Sample content now includes source files for official maps
Jason
Quote
General
- Added an option to the advanced multiplayer menu to select left or right handed view models
- Fixed a bug where a spectator's wearable items could be seen floating around the player they were spectating
- Fixed a bug where a fake Spy hand would appear on the screen of other players
- Custom death animations now only play 25% of the time
- Fixed teleporters not being build-able in some places where they should be (such as within the pit at the end of Badwater Basin)
- Fixed rare client crash on connection and level change
- Removed refract from water ripples caused by bullet impacts for performance reasons
- Added log entries for player extinguished events using the medigun, jarate, flamethrower and dispenser
- Started tracking localization settings to help make decisions regarding localization in the future
- Fixed the blank progress bar in the upper-left of the screen when the client scheme is reloaded
Mapmaker requests
- Added spawn flag to func_respawnroomvisualizer that allows it be non-solid to players
- Added SetSolid input to func_respawnroomvisualizer to change solidity to players dynamically
- Added OnWonByTeam1 and OnWonByTeam2 outputs to the TFGamerulesProxy
Sniper
- Fixed a bad detection case in the "Friendship is Golden" achievement
- Changed the description of the "Triple Prey" achievement so it better describes how to get it
- Critical arrows now have a trail and correctly deal enhanced damage
- The Huntsman now defaults to be right handed
- Friendly arrows will no longer trigger the near miss sound on you
- Fixed several sources of floating arrows
Spy
- Fixed disguised Spies occasionally looking like they have invulnerability, instead of the correct fake Spy mask
- Disguised spies will no longer lose their disguise weapon when they interact with a weapon locker
- Fixed a bug where the spy's watch would randomly change models during play
- Fixed uncloaked spies flickering in and out of the cloak effect when taking damage
- The Cloak and Dagger now always regenerates at its intended rate. Previously it only regenerated at the correct rate when the spy was cloaked
- Increased the Cloak and Dagger regeneration rate slightly
- Capped the rate of energy loss from moving faster than run speed (falling / air toss) while cloaked with the Cloak and Dagger
- The Dead Ringer's cloak consume rate has been slightly reduced, giving about an extra second of cloak time on a full meter
- Emerging from the Dead Ringer's cloak now drains up to 40% of the cloak meter instead of 100%. This drain only happens if the meter is at least 60% full
- The Dead Ringer's cloak meter can now be regenerated from ammo sources
- The Ambassador now only crits when fully accurate and no longer penetrates enemies
- The Spy can no longer change weapons from the knife while shocked by the Razorback
- Force-A-Nature & Flamethrower air blast knockback effects no longer work on disguised spies
- Fixed disguised Spies showing the wrong teleporter effects when using an enemy teleporter
- Added an option to the advanced multiplayer menu to select left or right handed view models
- Fixed a bug where a spectator's wearable items could be seen floating around the player they were spectating
- Fixed a bug where a fake Spy hand would appear on the screen of other players
- Custom death animations now only play 25% of the time
- Fixed teleporters not being build-able in some places where they should be (such as within the pit at the end of Badwater Basin)
- Fixed rare client crash on connection and level change
- Removed refract from water ripples caused by bullet impacts for performance reasons
- Added log entries for player extinguished events using the medigun, jarate, flamethrower and dispenser
- Started tracking localization settings to help make decisions regarding localization in the future
- Fixed the blank progress bar in the upper-left of the screen when the client scheme is reloaded
Mapmaker requests
- Added spawn flag to func_respawnroomvisualizer that allows it be non-solid to players
- Added SetSolid input to func_respawnroomvisualizer to change solidity to players dynamically
- Added OnWonByTeam1 and OnWonByTeam2 outputs to the TFGamerulesProxy
Sniper
- Fixed a bad detection case in the "Friendship is Golden" achievement
- Changed the description of the "Triple Prey" achievement so it better describes how to get it
- Critical arrows now have a trail and correctly deal enhanced damage
- The Huntsman now defaults to be right handed
- Friendly arrows will no longer trigger the near miss sound on you
- Fixed several sources of floating arrows
Spy
- Fixed disguised Spies occasionally looking like they have invulnerability, instead of the correct fake Spy mask
- Disguised spies will no longer lose their disguise weapon when they interact with a weapon locker
- Fixed a bug where the spy's watch would randomly change models during play
- Fixed uncloaked spies flickering in and out of the cloak effect when taking damage
- The Cloak and Dagger now always regenerates at its intended rate. Previously it only regenerated at the correct rate when the spy was cloaked
- Increased the Cloak and Dagger regeneration rate slightly
- Capped the rate of energy loss from moving faster than run speed (falling / air toss) while cloaked with the Cloak and Dagger
- The Dead Ringer's cloak consume rate has been slightly reduced, giving about an extra second of cloak time on a full meter
- Emerging from the Dead Ringer's cloak now drains up to 40% of the cloak meter instead of 100%. This drain only happens if the meter is at least 60% full
- The Dead Ringer's cloak meter can now be regenerated from ammo sources
- The Ambassador now only crits when fully accurate and no longer penetrates enemies
- The Spy can no longer change weapons from the knife while shocked by the Razorback
- Force-A-Nature & Flamethrower air blast knockback effects no longer work on disguised spies
- Fixed disguised Spies showing the wrong teleporter effects when using an enemy teleporter
