Fesability of 2nd Zombie Escape Server?

[Blank]

I think we should explore the option of a second ZM U.S. Escape server. I think this idea has been brought to the table before, but I believe we should revisit the issue. I would like to present some of my reasons for the additional server, and then, I will list my thoughts on how we can establish the new server's own identity.

• The current U.S. Escape server is almost always full. Before I discovered the admin back door, 10 to 15 minutes of trying to join was not uncommon during peak times even with a reserve slot.
  
  
• A majority of out admin applications are from individuals that play on our U.S., VIP, U.K., escape servers: This is because of two reasons. First, and most obvious, these are our most popular servers. At this moment, 80 out of 110 players on our servers are playing escape servers. Second, the need for an admin is more obvious on escape servers than any other type (except breakfloor).
  
  
• Our high number of admins: I think that there is an equilibrium point at which we will see a significant decline in admin applications because an admin will almost always be present in the servers. There would be less motivation for a player to buy admin, if there is always an admin present to handle any issues that may arise.

Now I would like to present my thoughts on how to establish a unique identity for the second server. Although, I do believe if we just created twin sister server to our current US Escape server, it would still be wildly popular. If I remember correctly, when we switched to a new server provider during the winter, the old server still carried a lot of traffic until it was shut down.

• Different map rotation: There have been quite a few good maps that have been released in the past few months. So many, that the classic escape maps are no being played as much. I would like to propose that the new server only play the older maps (Boat Escape 4 or 5, Atix Helicopter, Space Station Flee, Island Escape, and Nostromo. Or, maybe the antithesis, have the server play only maps released in the past 3 to 6 months (Lost World, Jurassic Park, Elevator, etc.). Although I do think the older map rotation would be more popular.
  
  
• Fewer player slots: Even though I have a higher ping on UK Escape, I have grown fond of playing there due to the fewer player slots. There is less people to block the doors,over load the helicopter, etc. Also, there are more epic battles at the end. For example, instead of 20 to 25 people ramp camping the end of Island Escape, there is only 10 to 15 on UK Escape.

To springboard this new server, I would suggest an event script to redirect people to this new server automatically. Instead of receiving a "Server is full" message, players trying to join US Escape would be automatically redirected to the second server automatically. This would help prevent frustration of people trying to join during peak times, and thus seeking other 24/7 Escape servers.

In conclusion, I have listed a few of my ideas for the creation of a new US Escape Server, but my list is not complete. I would like for everyone to post their thoughts and suggestions to make the creation of a new server more desirable.

[Jaffa]

I definatly think that a new server along those lines would be a big hit in the community. I don't know how many servers the box haggard rents can support, but i'd like to see a second server if possible, especially one focused on the older, more complete/tuned maps.

[VirDeBello]

Well I completely agree with Blank, we the ZM community own our own box. So its just a matter of if there is enough power left for this sever idea. I think it would be a great idea and it would be worth it. :thumbup:

And if any of the higher admins think that this would be a problem please say why or if any suggestions about this. Input is always welcome....

[Smallsasaurus]

• Different map rotation: There have been quite a few good maps that have been released in the past few months. So many, that the classic escape maps are no being played as much. I would like to propose that the new server only play the older maps (Boat Escape 4 or 5, Atix Helicopter, Space Station Flee, Island Escape, and Nostromo. Or, maybe the antithesis, have the server play only maps released in the past 3 to 6 months (Lost World, Jurassic Park, Elevator, etc.). Although I do think the older map rotation would be more popular.
  

I'm a huge fan of this part of the idea. One of the reasons I got hooked on Zombie Murder escape servers was because of the older maps. The new maps are great but sometimes I just get sick of playing Blackmesa, Lost World, and Jurassic Park over and over.

Great suggestion, it would be cool to see this actually happen, even just as a test run to see how popular it would be.

[£cho]

This is a great idea, but I have some other suggestions for what the servers should be used for. We could have one server, probably the current one, run completed maps and have the other run maps we wish to test, such as ones created for this community or if anyone finds any on FPSBanana. This way maps would be tested throughly instead of RTV'ed in two rounds, and the ones that are good could be moved to the current escape server.

[EvInReaLife]

I just get sick of playing Blackmesa, Lost World, and Jurassic Park over and over.

You too, huh? I defiantly like the idea of a *CLASSIC* Zombie Escape server, because US escape has always been the server to test out new maps, which is good to keep the server fresh and new(and well popualted i may add) it's not unusual to see the people go for the new thing, even if there are more seasoned maps wating ot be discovered.

[SATAN]

Now this is a great idea.
I personaly think if getting another US escape server, both server will still be full on peak hours, especialy if people trying to get in the full one get redirected to the other one.