Automated Map Rotation In DDNet: A Server Setting Proposal

Hey guys! I'm stoked to dive into a proposal that could seriously spice up the DDNet experience: automatic map rotation. I know, I know, sometimes choosing what to play can feel like a chore. So, I'm suggesting a simple yet effective way to keep things fresh without the hassle of constant map voting. Let's get into the details of how we can enhance DDNet servers with a new set of settings that automatically cycle through maps.

The Core Idea: Auto-Rotation for Dynamic Gameplay

The central concept here is pretty straightforward: let servers automatically switch maps without any manual intervention. Think of it as a playlist for your DDNet sessions. You, as the server admin, get to choose the maps, set the rules, and the server handles the rest. This feature aims to eliminate the decision fatigue that comes with constantly choosing the next map, especially if you, like me, are more into the gameplay than the admin work. This enhancement would allow players to jump into the action without the need to constantly vote for the next map or wait for the server to empty out. It's about providing a smoother, more engaging experience, where the game keeps flowing.

Setting the Stage: Proposed Server Commands

To get this ball rolling, we'd need some new server commands. I've got some suggestions, but, of course, these are open to discussion and modification to fit the DDNet coding style. I am going to explain each proposed settings:

• sv_map_rotation (bool): This is the master switch. Turning it on enables the whole automatic map rotation shebang, and turning it off disables it. Simple as that! This toggle gives server admins complete control over whether or not they want to use this feature. It's about flexibility and choice, ensuring that everyone can tailor their server to their preferences.

• sv_map_rotation_order (int): How should the maps be chosen?

  • 0: random order. Mix it up and keep everyone guessing. Random order ensures that the map selection is unpredictable, keeping players on their toes and providing a fresh experience each time.
  • 1: alphabetical order. Play maps in a structured manner. Alphabetical order could be useful for themed map rotations or if admins want to present maps in a specific way.

  We could even add more options, giving server admins even more control over how maps are selected. Maybe a “play count” option could be included, so the server can choose the map that has been played less.

• sv_map_rotation_time (int): How long should the map be played before it switches? This setting would let admins set the duration each map is played. The value would be in seconds. This allows admins to control the pace of the gameplay and customize the experience to the map's difficulty and player preferences.

• sv_forced_map_rotation (bool): This setting controls when the map switches.

  • false: rotate when the server is empty and the timer has expired. This option ensures that the map only changes when no players are actively engaged, which is perfect for maintaining the continuity of games and preventing interruption.
  • true: rotate the map as soon as the timer expires, regardless of whether players are on the server. If this setting is enabled, the server will switch to the next map, forcing a change. This is great for keeping the flow moving, even if players are mid-game.

I believe that these commands cover the essential functionality to get automatic map rotation up and running. I'm totally open to suggestions, so if you think we can improve this, don't hesitate to chime in!

The “Why”: Addressing the Current Issues

So, why am I pushing for this? Well, I'm a big fan of those shorter, fast-paced maps. However, I’m not always thrilled with the map-voting system. It can feel like a constant decision-making process, especially when you just want to get in and play. With automatic rotation, server admins can curate a list of maps, set the rules, and let the server take care of the rest. This feature would be useful for a variety of server types, including those that focus on specific map packs or custom content. By removing the need for constant voting, players can jump into the action more quickly and focus on the gameplay itself.

This setup would also give DDNet itself a chance to break free from the tutorial map. Imagine servers that kick off with a different map each time, keeping things fresh from the get-go.

Benefits Beyond the Obvious

Think about the possibilities. Server owners could create themed playlists, showcasing maps of a certain difficulty, style, or creator. Imagine a server that cycles through a set of challenging maps, perfect for honing your skills, or a server that focuses on fun and easy maps for casual play. This level of customization would open up a whole new world of experiences within DDNet, catering to different playstyles and preferences. This also creates opportunities for community events, where specific maps can be highlighted and enjoyed by a larger audience. By giving admins more control over the map selection process, we enhance the overall appeal and engagement of DDNet.

Technical Hurdles: Code Considerations

Alright, let's talk tech. I'm not a C++ wizard, so I can't dive into the code myself. But I've poked around, and it seems like the key areas for modification would likely be in server.h, server.cpp, and config_variables.h. These files probably handle server settings, map loading, and the overall game logic related to map management.

Where the Magic Happens: Potential Code Modifications

• server.h / server.cpp: These files are probably the heart of the server's operations, handling things like player connections, game logic, and, crucially for us, map loading and management. We'd likely need to add new functions and variables to support the auto-rotation feature. This could include adding a timer to track the map duration, logic to select the next map based on the sv_map_rotation_order setting, and code to handle the actual map switch. The server.cpp file is where the action happens, and the code changes would be most intensive here.

• config_variables.h: This file defines the server's configuration variables. It's where the new settings (sv_map_rotation, sv_map_rotation_order, sv_map_rotation_time, sv_forced_map_rotation) would be defined. We'd need to add these variables and their corresponding default values, allowing server admins to configure the auto-rotation behavior through the server settings.

I understand that these code modifications are just estimations. However, the core idea is to integrate these new settings into the server's configuration and gameplay flow.

Incentives and Community Support

I'm so excited about this idea that I'd be willing to put my money where my mouth is. I'm offering to either pay or donate for this feature to become a reality. I believe it would significantly enhance the DDNet experience for everyone. So, if you're a developer and this project sparks your interest, hit me up! Let's work together to make DDNet even better.

Encouraging Collaboration

I encourage anyone with C++ knowledge or server-side programming expertise to provide feedback. Constructive criticism, suggestions for improvement, and offers to help with the code are all welcome. Let's work together as a community to improve DDNet. The more community involvement we have, the better.

Conclusion: A Step Towards a Better DDNet

I firmly believe that adding automatic map rotation would significantly benefit the DDNet community. It's about giving players more control over their experience, reducing decision fatigue, and keeping the gameplay exciting. With these server settings, we can make DDNet even better, creating a more dynamic and enjoyable experience for everyone.

So, what do you guys think? Let me know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions! Let's make this happen!