I am currently making a browser based MMORPG. The game will run entirely from one page, using Ajax and a custom JS library to load pages and content dynamically to reduce page load times and bandwidth. To get an idea of what the game will be like, lets just say its a combination of Fallensword and Darkthrone (google them if you dont know what im talking about), as well as a social network type of user system. I have been making this game on my own pc up until now, but in a few months Im planning to move it to a dedicated server and launch the game in a live testing phase. Now for what I want to ask: What type of dedicated server do I need for a MMORPG? Basically I want to know, what the specs should be for it to handle 500 live players with a database of 500,000+ players, and what host is the best to choose? Side Question: Im using a custom JS library, but Im wondering what's the best js library to fall-back to if I stop using mine.
the 1st and most important, the dedicated server that is nearest to your player, or having vast, stable and redundant network interconnection to every country in the world. 2nd. the server should be built to suit your game's structure. Like if your game is full of logic, then get a good CPU to handle that. Fallensword and Darkthrone are both database intensive, so if your game is like that, make sure to get a server with plenty slots of RAM. You can start with 4-8 GB to begin with, but ask the provider about the RAM's limit. 16 GB limit is a good start. Also, DDR3 is recommended. 3rd. If you are unsure about the server side of things, get managed provider no matter what. Game server is a mission-critical business. When something goes wrong, it is safer if you have your provider back you up so the outage won't take hours.
I don't think so that you need dedicated server for your game at its earlier stages, you can even go with virtual server, isnt it?
@saqib889: i could, but its better being safe then sorry @VinCme@ How is this (from http://www.liquidweb.com/cart/content/dedicated/Webmaster/Plan1): Intel i5-750 Quad Core 4GB DDR SDRAM 500GB SATA Drive (7,200 rpm) + 500GB SATA Backup Drive CentOS 5 64-bit 6000GB Monthly Transfer (3000 in + 3000 out) + 100M Uplink port No Control Panel - Core Managed Price: $194.00/mon (+ $350 setup fee (subtract $35/month) otherwise its $229/mon) I think the above is perfect for now, but im just wondering can I get the same but cheaper from somewhere else? the "$194 (+ $350 setup)" price is perfect but if there is a host that's offering it cheaper and are reliable, I'll go with them
you can get much higher configuration in cheap may be, but you may have to take quote from hosting provider
You can get better deal definitely. Check out www.webhostingtalk.com and look under dedicated server offering. There are some amazing deals with decent companies. You can search for the company on the forum too to double check. Also you can save alot of money by colocations (just need to pay some upfront). There are some good deals and even better deals if the network isn't as important. Some of them even allow you to send in midtowers. For example https://www.fdcservers.net/server_colocation.php joe's datacenter is also good but the network peering isn't as good as others. Also some places have power requirements. Also check price for remote hands (for things like ram upgrade or swap drives out). Now you can easily build a server or buy some good used parts off ebay. You can get an IPMI card for total control if you want to reboot/reinstall OSes. The thing is if you build yourself you can even do better then rental as you can design your server to have redudant PS and raids with good raid card. Its just something to think about. The point I'm trying to make is that if you want to save money, you can do it. You can PM me if you have some questions. At least check out webhostingtalk and look at all your options. Don't be so quick to get a server from liquidweb. edit: I also suggest using a virtulization platform such as xenserver. The overhead isn't that bad anymore and the flexibility you get is pretty awesome such as snapshots, rollbacks, etc..
i can make my own server, no problem with that the problem right now is the cost of making a really good server that can handle the load, and then the cost of getting a really good isp that gives you 100mb connectiononce i can solve my cost problem i can handle the rest on my own then lol
What are you looking at to make a server? I mean you know you don't need to use real server parts such as a dual socket machines. You can just build a regular machine and ship it in. Thats quite cheap to build. Building an midtower is ALOT cheaper then a rackmount (though you can get some good deals on ebay on a used rackmount. I got a good deal a few months ago). You can also build a decent dual socket (ATX board size) and start off with 1 cpu and maybe like 8 gigs of ram. Then you can use remote hands at the colocation and pay someone like 30 mins of their time to upgrade/add the new parts. Colocation deals are everywhere. I mean you see fdc server right? thats just 80 a month. You can make back the money real quick. Of course you can pay more too and get on a better network.