Server Naming

[Wüstenfuchs (DayZ) 105]

Recently a new server naming format was implemented, and about half of the servers are using it. However, a lot of the servers are using it wrong, and the format does not define things such as crosshair and 3rd person view as mandatory elements.

Here is my suggestion of changes to that server naming:

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Server naming format:

DayZ - LOCATION ID (version/beta buildnr) [3dp:xx ch:xx] [uTC+x] dayzmod.com - hosted by Customtext

Alternative format with city:

DayZ - LOCATION ID City (version/beta buildnr) [3dp:xx ch:xx] [uTC+x] dayzmod.com - hosted by Customtext

- The location must be a two-digit country code. US, DE, UK, SE and so forth.

- There is a space between location and ID.

- (Optional) City is written with upper case first letter, followed by lower case letters.

- Version is the server's DayZ version running. Beta buildnr is the build number of ARMA2, and only mentioned if server runs beta patch.

- Difficulty settings are mandatory, separated by space, and all written with lower case letters.

3dp:on <-- thirdperson on

3dp:off <-- thirdperson off

ch:on <-- crosshair on

ch:off <-- crosshair off

- Timezone should be offset from UTC.

- Customtext can be either your name or the url of your page.

Example valid server names (note the spaces and letter case):

DayZ - SE 1 (v1.7.0) [3dp:on ch:on] [uTC+2] dayzmod.com - hosted by DayZDevs

DayZ - SE 2 Stockholm (v1.7.0/beta 12345) [3dp:on ch:on] [uTC+2] dayzmod.com - hosted by DayZDevs

DayZ - US 1 (v1.7.0/beta 12345) [3dp:on ch:off] [uTC-6] dayzmod.com - hosted by DayZDevs

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What has changed and why:

- 3dp and ch are now mandatory elements, to allow easy filtering of server list.

- Server difficulty level (veteran, regular etc) removed, because it is irrelevant. With some config changes, regular can be same as veteran, etc.

- Timezone now defined clearly as UTC (notation was not defined before). Helps with filtering servers of particular timezone.

- The letter case and spaces are now defined more clearly, to provide more consistent server list

- Some previouisly all upper case letter parts changed to lower case.

[xiuide 0]

I agree with some sort of consistent server naming scheme, however there are some servers that enforce things like maxping that I feel should be stated right in the server name so people dont join without knowing. this reduces aggravation across both players and server admins.

for instance, my server naming follows the outlined scheme, but I also add at the end of it to provide better information to the player

DayZ - US23 (v1.7.0/beta 93398) [3dp:ON ch:OFF] [uTC-8] [MaxPing:150] dayzmod.com - hosted by Customtext

I think being able to add these important bits to the server after the main required info is important and relevant to the server admin and player alike

[Wüstenfuchs (DayZ) 105]

Hmm, for cases like this maybe there should be a part where you can put optional text, in the exact position which you suggested (after the timezone, before the dayzmod.com), so those servers that have tight ping limitations could put it there.

[SaintMerc 73]

Greetings all this post is mainly for the admins and those waiting whitelisting.

Having set up our DayZ server today, Thanks for the help Razor, I have noticed many

people trying to join the server even though it isn't active yet.

Would it be a good idea for those waiting whitelisting to put in the title for now example.

DayZ - UK25 (v1.7.0/Beta 93666) [REGULAR|3DP:ON|CH:ON][GMT+1] dayzmod.com - Waiting Activation

Then this will tell those joining said server that the game isn't running yet and to move to another server.

It would also tell the admins what servers are waiting whitelisting.

Just an idea. As from a player point of view, its annoying waiting to join a sever to be lock on waiting for char creation or loading.

comments welcome.

[SaintMerc 73]

As there is no reply to my suggestion, is it ok to rename our server to :

DayZ - UK25 (v1.7.0/Beta 93666) [REGULAR|3DP:ON|CH:ON][GMT+1] dayzmod.com - Waiting Activation

While we are waiting whitelisting. ?

[DrTyWords 0]

Just leave your server down until you get whitelisted. Absolutely no reason for it to be running unless you can play on it.

[droznig 20]

The different server difficulties just need to be clearly defined and enforced.

Just tried to join four different "Veteran" servers and every single one had targeting reticles enabled. Why would they claim to be running veteran? It makes no sense, anyone actually looking for a vet server will immediately leave the easymode server.

[Cypherdiaz 28]

Ey Droznig...Veteran setting..is supposed to have crosshair's enabled.

So just find one with CH:OFF..

Proof:http://wiki.zspecialunit.org/index.php?title=ArmA_2_Server_Difficulty_Settings

[Adron 42]

honestly, most server owners don't give a flying crap what the requirements are. a name is a name and if you can't figure out how to download dayz commander to see what servers offer then it is your fail.

[Skint (DayZ) 138]

Like this please:

DayZ - US 1 (-5) 1.7.2.3/94945 [3p:ON ch:OFF wp:ON] dayzmod.com - hosted by Hoster

No "City" as it's irrelevant.

Time should be next to server location.

No need for "UTC" as should be obvious by now.

No word "beta" as it's obvious.

You don't even need the "d" in "3dp".

The changes I have made to the bracket type and use is important for readabilty, you should avoid (brackets) [followed] {by} [brackets] (followed) [by] {brackets}.

Keep it short, simple and easy to read.

[Skint (DayZ) 138]

- The location must be a two-digit country code. US, DE, UK GB, SE and so forth.

fixed that for you.

[Blackadder (DayZ) 5]

bump

[Skint (DayZ) 138]

Any chance of the Server Naming Convention being finalised by the Devteam anytime soon? The server list in game is in a terrible mess.

[Sna.ke 43]

Why is this not sticky'd in this Forum?

I was looking for this when I set my server up. Would be useful to sticky this (if it is mandatory to name your server under these guidelines).

Especially considering the instructions references "See Google Group for Naming Guidelines" and then the Google Group is no longer used.