Topic: SFC3 Multiplayer Login Requires Gamespy Login - How to get past this? SOLVED!!  (Read 46269 times)

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Offline Beansolo

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Hey everyone,

My friend and I used to play SFC3 Multiplayer Campaign and am trying to get back on, but I can't seem to get past the GameSpy login (don't have my login info anymore, and not even sure it would work now that GameSpy is shut down).

I can connect to the Directory server, got past DirectPlay test, but stuck on the GameSpy login (won't let me create a new account, and doesn't recognize my email address).

Some of you may remember me (Beansolo) and my buddy (jpuke) if you played on the Alternate B server hosted by Garreth.

Any help here would be appreciated. 

Beansolo
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

*** UPDATE *** 

Starfleet Command III Multiplayer Online (Dynaverse3) is BACK!!  For the past couple weeks I have been scouring the internet for any hint of how to get back onto SFC3's Dynaverse multiplayer online realm.  It seems there has not been any working instance of it since the Gamespy shutdown occurred last year.

After much research, and lots of trial-and-error, I have successfully found a way to get it going again.  I must give credit and thanks to a couple key individuals, namely Ron Mercer (President and CEO of Qtracker www.qtracker.com, which is what provides Gamespy emulation) and Luigi Auriemma (http://aluigi.altervista.org/about.htm) whose research and development made free to the public is the basis for Gamespy emulation.

Below are the steps I have documented, and already confirmed one other has been able to get in (so I know it works).

If you have SFC3 already installed, I recommend you uninstall (to be sure you start off with a clean, unmodded install, before adding the 534b patch mentioned further down). 

Installing SFC3: 
Disabling any virus protection usually helps with installation
install the game (do not install DirectX or Gamespy Arcade when prompted)

Download and install the 534b patch: http://www.dynaverse.net/downloads/sfc3/Patches/SFC3_Patch_1.01_Beta_2_Build_v534_b.exe   (I recommend you don't install any other mods; your build and version must be the same as the server running the game)

Download and install the Directory Server updater: http://www.dynaverse.net/downloads/sfc3/Patches/sfc3_directory_server_updater.exe

[Edit August 29, 2018 -- For the latest working method, please refer to my post further down this thread dated August 28th, 2018 (http://www.dynaverse.net/forum/index.php/topic,163394297.msg1123056767.html#msg1123056767).

[Edit April 2, 2016 -- Confirmed a simplified method that does NOT require Hosts File editing, or Primary DNS change, which I will refer to as "Method #1".  I will leave in details of my original post further down and refer to it as "Method #2"]:

Method #1:
Thanks to own3mall from the Qtracker.com site, there is a utility called "GameSpy Patcher".  Download it from this page: http://www.qtracker.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=4377&p=16603&hilit=gamespy+patcher#p16603.  Install it and use it to patch your SFC3.exe file. 

NOTE: If you are setting up an SFC3 server, you can download the server kit at http://www.dynaverse.net/downloads/sfc3/Server_kits/SFC3_Beta_Server_Kit_Build_v534_b.exe and install it.  Then use the GameSpy Patcher utility against 3 files: 1) serverplatform.exe, 2) \Assets\ValidatedClientFiles\SFC3.exe, 3) \Assets\ServerProfiles\chat.gf

Method #2 [this was the original method I posted about, but is more complex]:
The purpose of this next step is so that any DNS names Gamespy used to use will now be translated to point to Qtracker in order to emulate Gamespy authentication.  All other domains you browse on the internet will translate/work normally.
Update the Primary DNS on the network adapter you use for connecting to the internet (see "DNS Changes" section in url that follows), AND update your hosts file ("see "Hosts File Editing" section in url that follows):
http://www.qtracker.com/master-gamespy-hostfile.php
You don't really need all the entries, mainly the ones without game titles in them, but it doesn't hurt to have them all in there which is what I did. 

Now that you've updated your primary DNS, you will need to flush the DNS resolver cache: From the command prompt (Start > Run > "cmd") and at the prompt type: ipconfig /flushdns
If you want to confirm the changes are working properly, a quick test is, from the command prompt type: ping gpcm.gamespy.com and it should resolve to 65.112.87.186


UPnP: This is a setting in your router that needs to be DISABLED in order to get past the DirectPlay Test Host part of logging in to SFC3 Multiplayer Online.  In fact, it's a good idea to disable this anyway as it can be a security risk when Enabled.

If you are using DHCP for your internal IP address, you'll need to change it on your network adapter to a static IP.  This is so that certain ports on your router can be forwarded to a specific, non-changing internal IP address.

Set up port forwarding on your router for these ports: 47624 (TCP & UDP), 6073 (TCP & UDP), 2300-2400 (TCP & UDP) to forward to your static internal IP, whatever that may be (normally starts with 192.168.)

Windows firewall / Virus protection software: If you have one of these, set up an exception for SFC3 application (you should be able to just navigate to the sfc3.exe file in the application folder when setting up the exception)

Network Adapter Priority:  Make sure the network adapter you are using to connect to the internet is at the top.  This isn't always easy to find -- you have to go into your network connections / adapters, and go to Advanced.  Depending on the Windows version you're using, you may need to hit F10 to display the toolbar showing "Advanced".

Test it out... if all goes well, you will first get connected to the Access Server, get past the DirectPlay Test Host part, and be requested to login to Gamespy.  At this point you will need to populate the fields with new information (your old Gamespy account info won't work) and then click on "Create New Account".  Once your account is successfully created, click on "Login".
You should then be logged-in to see a list of any campaigns currently going on (my server is named "The Nexus") for you to join.  At this point in time, my server is the only one showing since I just got this all working. 

Also, if you want to eliminate the need to insert your game disc every time you launch it, you can go into your SFC3 game directory and edit sfc.ini by changing "makeitso = 0" TO "makeitso = 1".

Have fun.  I anticipate at first there will be few people playing, but over time we should be able to get more players from back in the day to join back up.

Beansolo
« Last Edit: October 30, 2018, 07:07:56 pm by Beansolo »

Offline Beansolo

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Here's a screenshot of the Campaign Selector...

Offline KBF-Crim

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Awesome!

Offline Javora

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This should work for all versions of SFC not just SFC III.  Excellent work Beansolo!

Offline Strat

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This could probably be built into CE.

Offline JanB

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Oh man, this is awesome! Thanks, beansolo!

Offline Leermeister

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Thanks, been looking for a dyanaverse server

Offline Leermeister

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More should join the server and battle for the galaxy:)

Offline Beansolo

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Leermeister - thanks for your post, and I look forward to seeing you in the SFC3 Dynaverse! 

If anyone has any issues following the steps I've outlined to get in, let me know.  My friend recently got a new laptop and upgraded to Windows 10, and it works fine with that platform too. 

Beansolo

Offline Leermeister

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Leermeister - thanks for your post, and I look forward to seeing you in the SFC3 Dynaverse! 

If anyone has any issues following the steps I've outlined to get in, let me know.  My friend recently got a new laptop and upgraded to Windows 10, and it works fine with that platform too. 

Beansolo

Yes I usually Play in the Server Nexus 'The Neutral Zone' Since i cannot find the mod for the other one.  I play as the Klingons there but would be nice to have a couple federation captains  log in time to time and fly missions for their empire. Or a federation, Klingon, and a Romulan captain in the game. So that each empire has some type of intelligence in them. Can have a nice long ongoing game.

Offline d4v1ks

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*sigh *
"But he isn't wearing anything at all!" (The Emperor's New Clothes)

Offline FPF-Tobin Dax

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Why the sigh?
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Offline d4v1ks

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Why the sigh?

I really like the idea of playing a multiplayer campaign. Gives some meaning to the battles.
And there's no such thing for CE or OP atm.
"But he isn't wearing anything at all!" (The Emperor's New Clothes)

Offline FPF-Tobin Dax

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Well I loaded up the game and the patch, but not the directory change. Went through the tutorials and a skirmish.  I'm reminded why I haven't played it in years.
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Offline Beansolo

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Hey Tobin,

Played a skirmish?  This post is about how the multiplayer online campaigns in the Dynaverse is now possible again.  That's where the real enjoyment of this game is at.  The more players the better.  You're missing out on all the dynamics and nuances of of the game if you're not jumping on the Dynaverse.  I love the fact the campaign rages on 24/7 until one of the races attain overall victory conditions.  With enough people clans are formed, and it's a blast to hunt down your enemies, fleet with your friends and/or AI ships, go for broke and risk your built up ship in battle, forge temporary alliances, etc.  When others are online playing at the same time, shooting chats and jabs back and forth is another entertaining aspect. 

I host only big maps, and enjoy long campaigns.  My friend and I like to use the map editor to create new and interesting maps for the Dynaverse to spice things up and add variety between some campaigns. 

Beansolo

Offline vonfrank

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So I've finally figured out how to actually log into the multiplayer campaign selector screen following the instructions in this post, but what I cant seem to figure out is how to host my own server.

I have the server kit downloaded and I've configured it to my needs, but when I try to launch the server, it crashes. Selecting option 2 (CentralSwitchPlusAllServers) crashes the server window and all other options do not start the server at all.

Is there any trick to setting up your own server? I'm on windows 8.1 if that helps....

Offline Matthias

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Hi guys, I used to play way back in the day and I've been wanting this game back for so long and very excited to see SFC2 CE released. Bought it and supported it. But I really miss the multiplayer and want to join the fight, I've been doing a bit of reading but there seems to be some conflicting information on how to get connected to a server.

Would anyone mind helping me out a bit?

Does SFC2 CE even work with Dynaverse? Are there servers up for us?

Offline FPF-Tobin Dax

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Hey Tobin,

Played a skirmish?  This post is about how the multiplayer online campaigns in the Dynaverse is now possible again.  That's where the real enjoyment of this game is at.  The more players the better.  You're missing out on all the dynamics and nuances of of the game if you're not jumping on the Dynaverse.  I love the fact the campaign rages on 24/7 until one of the races attain overall victory conditions.  With enough people clans are formed, and it's a blast to hunt down your enemies, fleet with your friends and/or AI ships, go for broke and risk your built up ship in battle, forge temporary alliances, etc.  When others are online playing at the same time, shooting chats and jabs back and forth is another entertaining aspect. 

I host only big maps, and enjoy long campaigns.  My friend and I like to use the map editor to create new and interesting maps for the Dynaverse to spice things up and add variety between some campaigns. 

Beansolo

qtrackers win 7 instructions link info did not match what I was seeing after the first few steps.
1.Go to the Control Panel.
2.Click Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings.
3.Select the connection for which you want to configure Google Public DNS. ...
4.Select the Networking tab. ...
5.Click Advanced and select the DNS tab. ...
6.Click OK.

first 2 steps went ok but after that...
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Offline Beansolo

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VONFRANK:  Any luck yet getting the 534b server kit running on your Win 8.1 setup?  I have a dedicated tower for the game server running Windows XP and play on my laptop running Windows 7.  If you haven't already, you might try running it in Windows XP Service Pack 3 Compatibility mode.  If that doesn't work let me know -- my wife has Win 8.1 on her laptop so I'll get it going there and share the method.

TOBIN:  Thanks for posting your question so others can benefit as well.  I can see how you got a bit lost on those instructions linked from the Qtracker site (seems it just queries Google so may not be completely accurate).  Use these steps to setup your Primary DNS for Windows 7:

1. Go to the Control Panel.
2. Click Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings.
3. Right-click on the connection for which you want to configure (i.e. the internet connection you normally use), then select Properties
4. From the list of items click on the TCP/IP protocol your network adapter uses to connect to the internet (either TCP/IPv4 or TCP/IPv6), then click on the Properties button
5. Choose the radio button for "Use the following DNS server addresses:" and for the Preferred DNS Server type in 63.239.170.150
6. Click on "OK"

MATTHIAS:  I'd love to help, but I'm not familiar with SFC2.  Earlier up this post it seems Javora and Strat think it can be done.

Beansolo

Offline Javora

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And I think it can, but at this point I think the best way to do that is to either change the source code or hex edit the changes into the game itself.  I think this should be a high priority as having this problem solved will bring a lot more people back to this game.  Especially since Beansolo has already proven that it can work.

Offline FPF-Tobin Dax

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TOBIN:  Thanks for posting your question so others can benefit as well.  I can see how you got a bit lost on those instructions linked from the Qtracker site (seems it just queries Google so may not be completely accurate).  Use these steps to setup your Primary DNS for Windows 7:

1. Go to the Control Panel.
2. Click Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings.
3. Right-click on the connection for which you want to configure (i.e. the internet connection you normally use), then select Properties
4. From the list of items click on the TCP/IP protocol your network adapter uses to connect to the internet (either TCP/IPv4 or TCP/IPv6), then click on the Properties button
5. Choose the radio button for "Use the following DNS server addresses:" and for the Preferred DNS Server type in 63.239.170.150
6. Click on "OK"


DNS 6 steps went smooth thanks. Made firewall change as well. Where do I find the command line in win7-64 for the flush procedure. ( I used to be able to find this stuff in xp :-[)

*My apologies, but I'm going to need some handholding to get through this.

** found command line stuff and flushed dns.
« Last Edit: February 23, 2016, 03:49:10 pm by FPF-Tobin Dax »
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Offline Beansolo

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Hey Everyone - I have edited my initial post in this thread with a simplified method (thanks to d4v1ks for the motivation through doing the same with SFCOP!).

I also started up a new campaign on my server (The Nexus) for those wanting to jump into a new multiplayer campaign.  I tweaked with the Victory Conditions a little since the last campaign never seemed to reach the default conditions for victory, so it'll be a little easier to attain.  I also increased the setting so that players won't get auto-deleted after 30 consecutive days of not logging-in (per JPUKE's request who lost his ship because of this in the last campaign).

Beansolo.

Offline FPF-Tobin Dax

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I downloaded the patch but when I try to run it, it tries to open win windows media player. How do I extract and run this?

Thanks.
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Offline Beansolo

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Hi Tobin,

After you download the GameSpy patcher, unzip it, then run it as Administrator. 

Let me know if you run into any further issue with it.

Beansolo.

Offline Beansolo

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For those of you comfortable using a hex editor, if you have any trouble using the GameSpy Patcher, you can make these manual hex edits to accomplish the same thing the patcher does for SFC3:

Within SFC3.exe:
Replace master.gamespy.com {there are 2 occurrences in the file} with gsm.qtracker.com
Replace gpcm.gamespy.com {only 1 occurrence in the file} with gsm.qtracker.com
Replace gpsp.gamespy.com {only 1 occurrence in the file} with gsm.qtracker.com

If you are running an SFC3 Server:
Within \Assets\ValidatedClientFiles\SFC3.exe do the same edits as described for SFC3.exe above (this file needs to match the client file exactly)
Within serverplatform.exe:
Replace master.gamespy.com {only 1 occurrence in the file} with gsm.qtracker.com
Within \Assets\ServerProfiles\chat.gf:
Replace peerchat.gamespy.com {only 1 occurrence in the file} with gspcm.qtracker.com

Beansolo.

Offline Tiberius

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working fine now i was able to get past the direct play thingy and created a new account logged in fine. Started a test server it ran fine and then WAS able to log into it and play.. im on win 7 and all is well...

p.s thanks for the steps  :)

Offline FPF-Tobin Dax

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Hi Tobin,

After you download the GameSpy patcher, unzip it, then run it as Administrator. 

Let me know if you run into any further issue with it.

Beansolo.

what is the "path to binary" supposed to be?
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Offline Beansolo

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Hi Tobin,

Use the 'Browse...' button to navigate to your game directory (\Program Files (x86)\Activision\Sfc3\) and select the file SFC3.exe.

FOR SERVER ADMINS:  To patch an SFC3 server kit install, use the GameSpy Patcher utility against these 3 files within your server kit folder: 1) serverplatform.exe, 2) \Assets\ValidatedClientFiles\SFC3.exe, 3) \Assets\ServerProfiles\chat.gf

Beansolo.


Offline FPF-Tobin Dax

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Thanks. More problems though. Now I am being denied making changes as it says I do not have admin privileges even though I am logged into the administrator account. Any thoughts?

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Offline Beansolo

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Hi Tobin,

Try copying the file to 'My Documents' and patching it there, then copy the patched version back to the original folder.

Beansolo.

Offline FPF-Tobin Dax

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Hi Tobin,

Try copying the file to 'My Documents' and patching it there, then copy the patched version back to the original folder.

Beansolo.

That worked perfect. I still won't be joining online thanks to more computer crap than I can handle. I'm behind a router supplied by my ISP. I used to be able to get online by just DMZing my computer, but that doesn't work now. I have verified my outside public IP which SFC3 was able to identify, but that's a no go as well. I have Kapersky which is showing an error when I try to access application management, so I am toast after hours of messing around. Anyone remember the good old days of the early 2000s?  :banghead:
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Offline Beansolo

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Glad to hear that worked!  Don't give up; you're that much closer now.  ISP supplied routers shouldn't be an issue; you can still access the router's admin page on your LAN to add port forwarding to a static IP you have set up on your computer.  DMZing doesn't always work as it is supposed to anymore; depends on the router.  Besides, I would not recommend using that option since it is overkill and makes your computer extremely vulnerable to outside attack.

I've heard good things about Kaspersky, but have not used it before so I can't provide help on that (maybe you should try to reinstall it?).  All Antivirus software should enable you to add exceptions for applications you have installed. 

Beansolo.

Offline kedronadamant

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I've been wanting to setup a LAN server for my wife and I to play together, but the link to the server kit seems to be broken.  Does anyone have a link to that?  Any help/links to directions for setting up the server would also be appreciated.

Cheers!

Offline Beansolo

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Hi kedronadamant,

Thanks for letting me know about the broken link to the server kit in my initial post of this thread.  I have fixed it.  Once you install the server kit, there will be a file called D3serverManual.html which contains information on setup.  There's also an online resource written by NuclearWessels at http://www3.telus.net/NuclearWessels/sfc/sfc3dynaguide.html

Beansolo.

Offline Praxis

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Are there any servers still online?  I ran through this process- the link to the GameSpy patcher is broken so I used the DNS method.  Eventually got everything working, but there are no Dynaverse servers visible in the list.

Thanks!

Offline AlDaja

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Are there any servers still online?  I ran through this process- the link to the GameSpy patcher is broken so I used the DNS method.  Eventually got everything working, but there are no Dynaverse servers visible in the list.

Thanks!

That I know of, there hasn't been any servers for SFC3 for several years.  I'm hoping someday to have one set up for my Typhon Pact and/or MirrorrorriM mod, but left it out there for anyone who wants to host these mods also.
Don't try to be a great man. Just be a man, and let history make its own judgments.

Offline Praxis

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Are there any servers still online?  I ran through this process- the link to the GameSpy patcher is broken so I used the DNS method.  Eventually got everything working, but there are no Dynaverse servers visible in the list.

Thanks!

That I know of, there hasn't been any servers for SFC3 for several years.  I'm hoping someday to have one set up for my Typhon Pact and/or MirrorrorriM mod, but left it out there for anyone who wants to host these mods also.

Dang.  Are there any for SFC2?

Offline outlaw78

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Hello all!  I was going thru my old computer games and found SFC III in my treasure box. I managed to get it running in Windows 10 with 534b patch, the 16x9 patch and the server list update.  Now I know gamespy was close awhile back but there was a way to get it up and running in multiplayer using "dynaverse".  I have followed every step I have found but to no avail.

My current setup is:
Asus RT-AC68P
Windows 10 Home and Pro

I get to the page where it says it connected, then testing directplay. Not sure if this is failing or not as I have read about UPnP (which I have disabled on both computer and router).  It stays on the "testing" part until another line comes up saying "Still trying for another 89 sec".  It ticks from there until it says that it could not connect using outside IP, switching to internal IP (I have the BehindNat=1 in sfc.ini).  I have also tried it with the IPAddress=xx.xx.xx.xx.

I've opened ports in both port forwarding and port trigger, added exceptions in kaspersky (at least I think I did it right), completely disabled firewalls, put my computer in DMZ and enabled WAN ping.  I've also edited the program file with a hex editor to change the references to the servers since I could not download the qtracker gamespy patcher.

I know that when I first installed, I accidentally installed direct x 8.1 but I deleted the game and folder and started over.  I don't know if this deletes the directx 8.1 files and if that is the problem.

I would really love to get back into the online part as this was the best part of the game when I first got it.  I wish STO had this PvP environment.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

PS. Any way to disable the questions at the bottom of every post to be able to post???
« Last Edit: March 15, 2018, 05:47:51 pm by outlaw78 »

Offline d4v1ks

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I would really love to get back into the online part as this was the best part of the game when I first got it.  I wish STO had this PvP environment.

You surely did a big effort to return to something that simple doesn't exist anymore. At least for some years now.
"But he isn't wearing anything at all!" (The Emperor's New Clothes)

Offline outlaw78

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I would really love to get back into the online part as this was the best part of the game when I first got it.  I wish STO had this PvP environment.

You surely did a big effort to return to something that simple doesn't exist anymore. At least for some years now.

You can't get online anymore?  I thought SFC III online campaign was still available through the people at dynaverse since gamespy closed and they were still up and running thru custom hosted servers?

Offline outlaw78

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If it is not possible anymore, I'll give up on hosting my own server... :(

UPDATE:
Just chatted with the dynaverse people on facebook.  They say the still host the directory services for SFC III so it should still be possible to at least connect to the server list, it would just be blank if no one is hosting one atm...
« Last Edit: March 15, 2018, 07:31:13 pm by outlaw78 »

Offline Beansolo

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I was hosting a server for SFC3 Dynaverse campaign play using this solution up until Qtracker shut down their GameSpy emulation in August of last year.  Now, I plan to work on setting up my own GameSpy emulation (that I will offer for free, if I can get it working).  I have been researching it online and there are some open-source solutions available on GitHub that have been used for other GameSpy reliant multiplayer games, it just requires some adaptation for SFC3.

Beansolo.

Offline gregnator

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How on earth can we still play campaign online on SFC 3?
I really really want to, super badly. IS it still possible, or is it 100% dead now?

Offline Beansolo

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So, this past weekend I discovered a new method to get multiplayer SFCIII Dynaverse working again online, and was able to successfully test it out  :)   So, would like to share the solution with the community in case anyone wants to host a server again.  I have been real busy with work lately, but plan to host a server again sometime soon. 

I may look into having a patcher utility take care of this and make it simpler, but for now here's how it's done.  If you don't already have SFCIII installed, or the server kit installed, You may want to refer to my initial post from 2015 at the top of this thread for steps on installing the game, patching, ports to open, etc.)

Using a hex editor (I use HxD), make these manual hex edits:

For the Client, within SFC3.exe:
Replace master.gamespy.com {there are 2 occurrences in the file} with master.openspy.net
Replace gpcm.gamespy.com {only 1 occurrence in the file} with gpcm.openspy.net
Replace gpsp.gamespy.com {only 1 occurrence in the file} with gpsp.openspy.net

For the SFC3 Server Kit:
Within \Assets\ValidatedClientFiles\SFC3.exe do the same edits as described for SFC3.exe above (this file needs to match the client file exactly)
Within serverplatform.exe:
Replace master.gamespy.com {only 1 occurrence in the file} with master.openspy.net
Within \Assets\ServerProfiles\chat.gf:
Replace peerchat.gamespy.com {only 1 occurrence in the file} with peerchat.openspy.net

When you go in for the first time and you get to the GameSpy login part, you will need to populate the fields with new information and then click on "Create New Account".  Once your account is successfully created, click on "Login".

Beansolo

Offline Praxis

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So, this past weekend I discovered a new method to get multiplayer SFCIII Dynaverse working again online, and was able to successfully test it out  :) 

Hey Beansolo!  This...works?  Where do you get the SFC3 server kit from?  I'd be interested to play.

Does this create a PUBLICLY LISTED server ANYONE can join?  If so, are there any running now that I could simply connect to with my friends, or would I have to host one and be the only one up?

Offline Beansolo

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I haven't had time to keep a server up lately due to work, but it certainly worked for me a couple months back when I posted the solution.  Yes, if you set it up correctly it is a publicly listed server that anyone with the same SFCIII installation can join.  Last I checked a few weeks ago, there weren't any servers being hosted.

There other multiplayer games using the openspy solution too, which is how I found out about it by searching around the web.

I'd like to host a server again in a couple months or so when I'll have more free time.  I've heard from some others recently that are interested too, so there's the potential for getting enough players together to make it interesting.

The server kit can be downloaded from here: http://www.dynaverse.net/downloads/sfc3/Server_kits/SFC3_Beta_Server_Kit_Build_v534_b.exe

Beansolo.

Offline Praxis

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I haven't had time to keep a server up lately due to work, but it certainly worked for me a couple months back when I posted the solution.  Yes, if you set it up correctly it is a publicly listed server that anyone with the same SFCIII installation can join.  Last I checked a few weeks ago, there weren't any servers being hosted.

There other multiplayer games using the openspy solution too, which is how I found out about it by searching around the web.

I'd like to host a server again in a couple months or so when I'll have more free time.  I've heard from some others recently that are interested too, so there's the potential for getting enough players together to make it interesting.

The server kit can be downloaded from here: http://www.dynaverse.net/downloads/sfc3/Server_kits/SFC3_Beta_Server_Kit_Build_v534_b.exe

Beansolo.


Ugh, I'm so close to getting this to work.

I downloaded HxD and made the changes.  I launched the edited SFC3.exe and went to the online campaign login.  It successfully connected to the server.  I entered my email address/password/nickname and hit "Create New Account".

"Attempting to create user account...
Account successfully created!"

So then I hit "Login" and I get:

"Unable to find specified account."

If I hit "Create New Account" again, I get the same dialogue:

"Attempting to create user account...
Account successfully created!"


HOWEVER, if I change the password, I get "The password does not match the email address" when I hit Create New Account.

So it's clearly remembering my email/password.
So I can repeatedly create a new account as long as I use the same password...but I can't log in.


Offline d4v1ks

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The wheel has already been invented.
There is no need to hexedit the SFC3 client anymore, breaking binary compatibility.
It is as easy as to follow the steps bellow...

1. Install the SFC3 game from CD.
2. Install the v534b patch (https://1drv.ms/u/s!AiumJZOPROpbhJBes-6tQrtULn2xoQ)
3. Instal the SFC3 HD/gamespy patch (https://1drv.ms/u/s!AiumJZOPROpbhJA2rpG0rDKsixsdQw)
4. Install the server (https://1drv.ms/u/s!AiumJZOPROpbhJBcsr-OJN3-1yYhsA)
5. Download the SFC Launcher (https://1drv.ms/u/s!AiumJZOPROpbhK95VQISAFVVpH01pA)
   And use it to launch the client in any resolution up to 1980x1200, the server, or to use it to host any public or LAN game in the comfort of your home.
   You can also use it to log in to any public server, if needed.

But, you don't have to.
The hexeditor is a good tool.
I'm sure all people are comfortable with using it too, searching for offsets (because it only works the first time). The CRC checks also changes.
But it is a good exercise.
And why not?
People are reinventing the wheel all the time...
HD resolutions, LAN games, who cares, right?
"But he isn't wearing anything at all!" (The Emperor's New Clothes)

Offline PoleronCrow

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@ d4v1ks  nobody cares about playing lan games.....public only your solution does nothing for that

Offline d4v1ks

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@ d4v1ks  nobody cares about playing lan games.....public only your solution does nothing for that

See... you are already feeling better with yourself now.
Reinventing the wheel again never looked so comfortable.
At least you get busy trying figuring out what has already been done, and proved to be working, before.
Lets just ignore all the last years, and keep working on new solutions. :thumbsup:
"But he isn't wearing anything at all!" (The Emperor's New Clothes)

Offline PoleronCrow

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So, this past weekend I discovered a new method to get multiplayer SFCIII Dynaverse working again online, and was able to successfully test it out  :)   So, would like to share the solution with the community in case anyone wants to host a server again.  I have been real busy with work lately, but plan to host a server again sometime soon. 

I may look into having a patcher utility take care of this and make it simpler, but for now here's how it's done.  If you don't already have SFCIII installed, or the server kit installed, You may want to refer to my initial post from 2015 at the top of this thread for steps on installing the game, patching, ports to open, etc.)

Using a hex editor (I use HxD), make these manual hex edits:

For the Client, within SFC3.exe:
Replace master.gamespy.com {there are 2 occurrences in the file} with master.openspy.net
Replace gpcm.gamespy.com {only 1 occurrence in the file} with gpcm.openspy.net
Replace gpsp.gamespy.com {only 1 occurrence in the file} with gpsp.openspy.net

For the SFC3 Server Kit:
Within \Assets\ValidatedClientFiles\SFC3.exe do the same edits as described for SFC3.exe above (this file needs to match the client file exactly)
Within serverplatform.exe:
Replace master.gamespy.com {only 1 occurrence in the file} with master.openspy.net
Within \Assets\ServerProfiles\chat.gf:
Replace peerchat.gamespy.com {only 1 occurrence in the file} with peerchat.openspy.net

When you go in for the first time and you get to the GameSpy login part, you will need to populate the fields with new information and then click on "Create New Account".  Once your account is successfully created, click on "Login".

Beansolo

yup that works Beansolo thanks ..wish i had a second pc to host a server..thanks for the solution..

Offline Praxis

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  • Posts: 29
The wheel has already been invented.
There is no need to hexedit the SFC3 client anymore, breaking binary compatibility.
It is as easy as to follow the steps bellow...

1. Install the SFC3 game from CD.
2. Install the v534b patch (https://1drv.ms/u/s!AiumJZOPROpbhJBes-6tQrtULn2xoQ)
3. Instal the SFC3 HD/gamespy patch (https://1drv.ms/u/s!AiumJZOPROpbhJA2rpG0rDKsixsdQw)
4. Install the server (https://1drv.ms/u/s!AiumJZOPROpbhJBcsr-OJN3-1yYhsA)
5. Download the SFC Launcher (https://1drv.ms/u/s!AiumJZOPROpbhK95VQISAFVVpH01pA)
   And use it to launch the client in any resolution up to 1980x1200, the server, or to use it to host any public or LAN game in the comfort of your home.
   You can also use it to log in to any public server, if needed.

But, you don't have to.
The hexeditor is a good tool.
I'm sure all people are comfortable with using it too, searching for offsets (because it only works the first time). The CRC checks also changes.
But it is a good exercise.
And why not?
People are reinventing the wheel all the time...
HD resolutions, LAN games, who cares, right?

Does this work to get on public servers if you skip step 4?

Offline d4v1ks

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If you have a compatible server and services running elsewhere, then yes.
"But he isn't wearing anything at all!" (The Emperor's New Clothes)