The gaming world has evolved a lot in the past two decades. People used to sit side by side when gaming, but this has now changed. The modern gamer can play against an opponent who is thousands of miles away thanks to technology’s advent. Game developers have been exploring ways through which they can customize games based on individual needs. However, modern gaming can be a challenge, especially for those who want the best experience. Think about games such as Minecraft that require sophisticated gaming equipment. The solution to this challenge is renting a dedicated server.
How a dedicated gaming server works
The developers of Minecraft have rented a server where all the players engage. It thus means that such a server can be slow down at times based on the number of users. You also have to abide by the rules of the community set up, which can be limiting.
Renting your own server makes the boss over the gaming ring that you have created. A dedicated gaming server will dedicate all its resources to your gaming experience. You can thus set up the rules, create a community, or even monetize your server. Getting the best Minecraft server hosting is the first step towards having an unrivaled experience.
Mistakes to avoid when selecting a company to host your Minecraft server
Failure to check performance requirements
Hosting companies have different packages to suit varying needs. You have to determine the number of users on your ring and the nature of your services. If you want to play alone, then you need at least 1GB RAM. You can as well play with your kids as video games increase creativity and problem-solving. If you want to play with friends or even create a community, then you require a bigger RAM than 2GB. You need to determine if your services are memory, disk, or CPU intensive. You can then know the hardware requirements based on your assessment.
Disregarding network quality
A dedicated server should be fast when it comes to the transmission of data. Your server will be transmitting data to the main physical server provided by the hosting company. The best option is to get a host who is near home. For instance, if you are in India, then getting a host with servers in India is the best option. Selecting a host whose physical servers are in another region may lead to slower transmission of data. The longer distance between the server and the gamer, the higher the latency based on physics’ laws. Your end-users need to experience a seamless gaming experience, which can only happen when the network quality is good.
Disregarding potential downtimes
There is a high likelihood of a server on any gaming ring to fail. What happens when such an occurrence happens? The only option you have is to wait until it gets up again if you are using the game provider’s common servers. Renting your own server gives you the freedom where you can manage your activities. That is not to say that there will be no downtimes. However, the company needs to assure you that the servers will get back running in the shortest time possible. The ideal host is one that has a responsive customer care department where you can air your views. Go for those companies that promise you 99% uptime.
Not paying attention to scalability options
You may want a small server to cater to your needs and your friends as a beginner. However, you may note that you require better packages as you improve on your Minecraft journey. You may now require a server with faster storage, higher processing speed, and RAM. Will this host let you scale upwards, or do you have to look for another provider and transfer your data? Some hosting companies will even allow you to store your data in a cloud during the transfer process.
Ignoring bandwidth requirements
The server should not exceed the capacity of the network interface. The average bandwidth for a typical Minecraft game connected to the main server should be 100Mb per hour for every connected client. However, you can scale the bandwidth based on your needs. A dedicated server allows you to limit the number of players in every to avoid overloading your network.
Selecting a host that is not knowledgeable
You do not have to be a tech guru to set up a server and get it running. The hosting company should act as a partner when you are setting up the entire process. Such a company should have a team of engineers and experts who will gladly answer your questions and provide real-time solutions. A gaming host should not be the same as a website host as the two are different fields. The ideal company is one that understands both the hardware and software requirements of the game at hand. The support center should also have people who are knowledgeable about Minecraft, as this ensures that you get help in the shortest time possible.
Settling for cheap hosts
Gaming can be expensive. It even gets worse when you have to buy both software and hardware. You may thus be tempted to settle for any package that promises you to save some bucks. Some of the cheap hosts may recoup their money through slow load times and frequent downtimes. Server pricing is bound to rise with your gaming needs. The best option as a beginner is when you find a middle ground between affordability and performance. You can then scale up later after you round up a good team that helps cater to the server’s costs. You must consider the cost of acquiring the server and its maintenance costs in the long run.
Avoiding the above mistakes makes it easy to land at a host that suits your needs. A gaming session should be fun, but this can only happen if you have prepared yourself physically and mentally. You can even invite your friends over if you want to get the best out of your gaming session. Be on the lookout for new trends and learn what game server hosting companies have to offer.