Mac OS X - Dedicated Server any time soon?

[brightonbeach]

Through searching these forums I am aware that the only way to run a dedicated server now is under Windows, as it is launched from a batch file (config.bat). Batch files as I remember are only simple scripts, a series of commands that can be run from the DOS command prompt. Would it be possible to put together a similar type of script that could be run from the terminal in OS X? If this is not possible, is it likely that any future updates may address this shortcoming of the Mac OS version.

I ask because I have a spare Mac and a fast enough Internet connection, and it does seem a shame to waste them.

P.S. Very cool game indeed. Thanks.

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[Badspot]

Look at the bat file.  It runs blockland.exe with some command options.  Do this on your macintosh.  It will work. 

[brightonbeach]

Thanks for your prompt reply, however I don't know where to find the config.bat file. It does not exist in the Mac version, and if I download the Windows version, there is only a single file named blockland.exe. If it is some kind of self extracting archive, that contains the batch file, of course I cannot run it. Where else can I find the bat file, or could you post the actual command and switches as a reply here?

Thanks again

[Resonance_Cascade]

The batch files in the Windows version are as follows:

start blockland.exe -dedicated -mission base/data/missions/bedroom.mis

start blockland.exe -dedicatedLAN -mission base/data/missions/bedroom.mis

[brightonbeach]

Thanks. I'll post back when I've got it working.

[brightonbeach]

I am not a 'nix nerd so this took me a little time to sort out. Anyhow I have got it working, and in case this helps anyone else, this is how to do it. Just launch the Terminal and at the prompt type

exec ~/Applications/Blockland/Blockland.app/Contents/MacOS/Blockland -dedicated -mission base/data/missions/bedroom.mis

and hit return. The dedicated server should then start.

This assumes that you have the Blockland folder in the Applications folder in your home directory (the logical place for it). Edit the command to reflect where you have put Blockland, and the map you wish to serve. Note also that the server quits when you close the Terminal window. You don't need an extra computer to run a dedicated server, you can do so by using another user account on the same mac.

I have one further question. I tried running a server using some of GSF's San Andreas maps. However each time I tried to join, (using the other account of course) I got the same error message "invalid packet : 12" and was thrown off. What does this mean? Another 3rd party map "The Valley" exhibits no such problematic behaviour.

[Resonance_Cascade]

The "invalid packet : 12" error refers to missing skybox textures. You need to download and install both versions of the San Andreas map, v1 followed by v2.

Links to both can be found here: http://www.blockland.us/smf/index.php?topic=26056.0

[brightonbeach]

Thanks RC, you have been a great help.