NeverWinter Nights Dedicated Linux Server Released

Ivan writes: "Bioware has released a dedicated Linux server for NeverWinter Nights. It requires a Windows install to use, but it definitely shows that they care about Linux users and are making progress towards the Linux client."

Comments

Wanna bet?

[Anonymous Coward]

People will NOT pay for the Linux-client, it's wasted money.

Re:Wanna bet?

[Dunkalis]

What do you mean? If you buy the Windows client, the Linux client is free. I'm getting it, and so are many other people. This is just another misguided AC...

Re:Wanna bet?

[Anonymous Coward]

So, the development of the Linux-client costs money and it will not likely sell many more copies because it exists.

Re:Wanna bet?

[Anonymous Coward]

The reason to spend time (equals money) developing a linux client should be to make money on it, how many more CDs will they sell because a linux client exist do you think. I would guess very few.

Re:Wanna bet?

[Anonymous Coward]

The reason to spend time (equals money) developing a linux client should be to make money on it, how many more CDs will they sell because a linux client exist do you think. I would guess very few.

And you work for....Microsoft? Take your FUD elsewhere.

Re:Wanna bet?

[lessthan0]

I stopped buying Windows only games last year. I only reluctantly buy Linux games that require a Windows install to copy the files over.

Return to Castle Wolfenstein was the same way. It required a Windows install to copy over the files for the Linux client. Of course, it runs much better under Linux :)

I won't buy NWN until the Linux client has been out for a while.

Re:Wanna bet?

[Anonymous Coward]

FUD? Have you checked out the sales picture for linux games lately?

Re:Wanna bet?

[FatherOfONe]

I agree that MOST people will not buy a LINUX version of the software. There are few people that I know that use Linux and buy anything.

The good news is that the development time to "port" this to Linux is not what it was 5 years ago. Now the effort is considerably smaller, and the benifit is that the Linux people will be more apt to "build" a "world" for NWNs'. Linux people tend to be a little bit more in to technology than their Macintosh and Windows counterparts, so if Bioware can get more servers out there and better online worlds then it will only help them with their windows clients sales.

I just hope that they don't include all the bugs that the windows version has.

Re:Wanna bet?

[Karn]

I finally made the switch myself. I've been dual-booting for years, but just last week I decided that the time has come for me to get rid of the Windows partition, and to dedicate my time to Linux.

Now I REALLY have incentive to post to forums and email developers asking for them to make a Linux port. :)

Yeah, for a while I won't get to play every game under the sun, but I'll have enough to keep me occupied until the time comes when I can.

NWN questions?

[josh crawley]

I'd go to the server and find out WHY windows is needed to install it onto Linux, but the server's gone. Is it just to "install" files?
Still, I'm glad that Bioware is doing stuff on Linux. Even if it's only a release of a server on it, I'm happy. The way it looks, the developers are looking at Linux directly. The halfway house Loki did'nt have a business model. They regurgitate games to linux after a .5 year on WIndows.

These guys are doing it right.

By the way (very offtopic), but check out the First post. It's an ascii rendetion of goatse man. I saw it by looking at the first posters of this story. He was the only one. I guess I thought it was funny (like we havent been tricked into that link before ;-).

Re:NWN questions?

[dytin]

By the way (very offtopic), but check out the First post. It's an ascii rendetion of goatse man. I saw it by looking at the first posters of this story. He was the only one. I guess I thought it was funny (like we havent been tricked into that link before ;-).

Heh, I bet you're the one who made that first post... ;-)

Re:NWN questions?

[Anonymous Coward]

no it was me.

Re:NWN questions?

[Anonymous Coward]

I think you got it wrong. It was me.

Re:NWN questions?

[Hellkitten]

I assume you are simplly a troll. But since someone might take you seriously I'll answer anyway to counter the FUD

Windows as an OS is designed to make things easy for the user, linux is not. Linux is about giving you power and control of your system. With power and control comes resposibility, you have to know what you are doing first

So I called a friend who knows a small amount about Linux

You should have had your friend visit you and help you with the installation. It's always a good idea to have someone help you the first time you try something completely new. I bet it wasn't completely problem free the first time you installed windows

He told me that I would have to manually modify the MBR and also re-sys the Windows Disk. After 2 hours of coarse language, digging the bios of the machine and going over the disks with scandisk and fdisk, I finally got Windows 98 up again

If you had any idea about what you were doing that shouldn't have taken more than about 10 minutes. Again if you don't have a clue about how to restore a windows installation you shouldn't have attempted to install linux next to it.

Before this, I was a neutral in the Linux vs. Microsoft debate. Now I am 100% pro-microsoft and dead-set against Linux

So using the same argument: Since I'm not good enough a driver to drive a Formula 1 race car that must mean F1 cars suck?

I doubt that I will ever touch it again with a 10 meter barge pole!

Well if you usead a 10 meter barge pole this time it might explain some of your problems :)
Grammar aside, that's probably a good idea, until you learn a little more about how computers work you should stick to windows, at least if it suits your needs. If you ever try again I recommend having a friend (that knows linux) help you set it up the first time, you might also consider buying a book since tutorials often isn't quite enough, and the howtos tend to assume you already know a great deal about linux

Windows install?

[StarTux]

That does suck...And then throw in Install shield leads to a few issues :(. But this is good of course, thanks Bioware.

Oh well at least this is here!!!!

Next up, client!

Fuzzle

Re:Windows install?

[StarTux]

Long dfay at work...Meant to say tis good that Bioware like Linux, not so great that InstlalShield sucks :)

StarTux

Re:Windows install?

[EvilAlien]

Actually, you can extract the necessary files from the cdrom according to a post on the NWN forums and patch the game manually, however the easiest way to do it is copy the files from a Windows install of the game.

The big news remains that no Linux client is available, so anyone running a server will have very little they can do with it if they don't have a Windows box to create modules on.

Re:Windows install?

[StarTux]

Chck this out for the Toolset:

http://nwwine.beergeek.net/

Its being worked on through Wine.

StarTux

browsers

[ariel7]

well, since their website doesn't work properly with either Opera/Linux or Netscape/Linux, I'd say they have a commitment to Linux that scores about -1 on a scale of 1-10

4 black helicopters beneath your current threshold

Re:browsers

[Dunkalis]

Their website works fine in Mozilla, Galeon, and Konqueror for me. Something is wrong on your end.

Re:browsers

[lurwas]

Why dont you use: www.mozilla.org and really support the Open Source Movement?

Re:browsers

[Jugalator]

Looked fine last time I tried with Mozilla 1.0 on Windows. So unless Moz renders differently on Linux, it should look fine there too.

I hope you aren't talking about Netscape 4.x on Linux when you write "Netscape". :)

Re:browsers

[Johnny O]

Odd? I cant see the page in Mozilla 1.1a. Puzzled I copied the URL to Konquorer and it worked. Mozilla was blank.

Re:browsers

[Anonymous Coward]

I run mandrake 8.1 and Mozilla 1.1a and the nwn site works fine... no problems.

Proves they care?

[Saxerman]

The reason there is a Linux halflife server is not because they 'care' about the Linux community. Its because there are plenty of people willing to host servers on their Linux boxes even though they have no Linux halflife client. More servers equals more value added to their customer base.

Now don't get me wrong, I'm not saying Bioware doesn't care about the Linux community or isn't moving forward on a Linux client. But let's be honest here. They're releasing a Linux client for themselves and their windows players. I am, however, very thankful to rate second. That is infinately more attention then most game companies give us.

Re:Proves they care?

[btellier]

>But let's be honest here. They're releasing a Linux client for themselves and their windows players.

Wait a minute, that doesn't make any sense. I agree with what you said about HL, of course, but the fact that they're releasing a client completely disproves your point. If they only wanted more people hosting they would never bother to port the client, which is a MUCH bigger project than porting the daemon. What more could they possibly do?

Re:Proves they care?

[Anonymous Coward]

I'll believe they ported the client when I see the client. Until then, let's say they have not ported it completely, but are planning on it. There's been too many companies lying lately to be completely reliant on Bioware to tell the truth.

Linux on the desktop

[dytin]

The signs are all here. Linux on the desktop is coming. First, walmart selling linux pre-installed. Second, (and this is just a personal observation, nothing scientific) more and more people seem to know about Linux. More of my non-geek friends and people I know seem to know what Linux is. Third, gamemakers are starting to actually make Linux versions of their games. And its not some other company (like Loki). The actual company that made the game is making a Linux client. They do this becuase they know that there are now enough people actually using Linux on their desktop, that the money to be made from developing the Linux version outweighs the cost of making the Linux version. I say in another two years, we'll see Linux reach a critical point and have about 10% of the desktop market share.

Re:Linux on the desktop

[Dunkalis]

Well said! Linux is advancing as people become frustrated with MicroSoft's new policies. And, you are right, most people know what Linux is. Now, advertising with commercials like:

RED HAT: Where do you not want to crash today?

Sorta like the new Apple commercials. Very good advertising on their part, Linux can do the same.

Re:Linux on the desktop

[LordLucless]

Well, it also depends somewhat on how well MS succeeds in trying to ruin linux through strategies like Palladium and such.

As general interest in Linux grows, so does its threat to MS' user base, and MS doesnt like threats.

Re:Linux on the desktop

[back@slash]

I say in another two years, we'll see Linux reach a critical point and have about 10% of the desktop market share. People were saying that at least 5 years ago when I first started reading /. I'm not doubting that linux is (slowly) gaining momentum. However it might be just me but it seems like 2 years always flys by and people are still chanting the same "linux on the desktop is coming."

Re:Linux on the desktop

[Anonymous Coward]

Dream on dude,

I think Bioware is faking the creation af a linux client to get more attention to their game. Remember Blizzard.

Re:Linux on the desktop

[Anonymous Coward]

Let us count the number of hot selling or highly anticipated titles being built with linux in mind... yep, that was quick, zero. There are a few companies doing parallel client development, but they are a rariety and often times you find that they dump the linux side after a while.

Why? Sound and graphics. It's simple... there is, just like everything else about linux, no decided standard for these two critical elements. It's a major driving reason why Loki couldn't churn out games faster and why there are/were not more companies like Loki.

I bet it takes at least a year for the NWN linux client to come out.

As to the walmart 'puters... they are not exactly speeding off the shelves, and alot of users are buying them and re-using their licensed copy of 95/98/2k/XP.

Yep, more and more people know the name Linux, and a few more may even have tried it... but to the massed numbers of average every day, non-geeky computer users (translation - majority) they just don't care and won't use it because it is not as good as MS in the end user experience or the learning curve.

Face it... MS sucks, but XP is a solid OS that hardly ever crashes or has any kind of problem. It runs, it's easy to use, and it is very nearly idiot proof now. Linux can't touch that, not one single distro or gui is as good or even close (with possibly the exception of MacOSX, but then again, you have to take the word of the hardcore Mac posers who would say that the shit out of Steve Jobs ass smells good too).

Re:Linux on the desktop

[Anonymous Coward]

+1: Insightful

Some random thoughts on Linux Neverwinternights

[Kasmiur]

They dont list the requirements. I have a old machine that could run nwn but it would be slow. I wonder what the requirements for a server would be. Dont imagine it to be that high but no clue. will have to try it anyways.

Also instead of doing a full install on the machine(HD is too small for win +nwn +linux +linux nwn) I think I will burn those directories to a CD so if I have to wipe and reinstall the linux multipule times or decide to play with it on different linux machines it would be quicker to do.

Though I wonder if running a dedicated linux server will take up your CD key? If I have the server up could I then connect to it with my other machine even though both will be installed off the same CD key. Either way this should be fun.

Re:Some random thoughts on Linux Neverwinternights

[Thomas A. Anderson]

I read on the bioware site that the server does not use up a key...

Re:Some random thoughts on Linux Neverwinternights

[Kasmiur]

Kickass.

Now to try and see if it will run on my K6/2 350 64m RAM 2g HD:-)

Re:Some random thoughts on Linux Neverwinternights

[prockcore]

"Though I wonder if running a dedicated linux server will take up your CD key?"

No it wont. The CD key isn't required to run the server.. just the client.

Re:Some random thoughts on Linux Neverwinternights

[davehaas]

Though I wonder if running a dedicated linux server will take up your CD key?

Nope. I set up a Linux server last night and successfully logged in and played an internet multiplayer game on it with a buddy of mine. Worked great! =)

Have fun! =)

Re:Some random thoughts on Linux Neverwinternights

[Maul]

They dont list the requirements. I have a old machine that could run nwn but it would be slow. I wonder what the requirements for a server would be. Dont imagine it to be that high but no clue. will have to try it anyways.

That is a good question, since they didn't seem to post any requirements at all for the game. The Linux server runs great for me on my Red Hat 7.2 machine.

I'm not sure if they are assuming you have a 2.4 kernel installed or not. I guess we'll see over the coming days how it runs on a variety of systems.

As far as the server hardware requirements, that is also iffy. As far as I can tell from the posts on Bioware's site, the main resource hit will be in the RAM department, because the game needs to keep areas open and scripts running. I would assume that you'd probably want at least 128 megs.

needs a windows install...

[Thomas A. Anderson]

Okay, per Bioware's site - the first step is to install NN into windows (to create some files that will be copied to the linux partition). I think this is similar to what Loki did in the past - create a linux binary of the game (or in this case, the server), then write an installer to get the game files from the cd (cause they are packed up somehow). The question is: will bioware allow us to write an installer for linux that avoids having to install into windows and copy files over.

The windows cd would still be required (as it should be) - I'm not trying to circumvent that at all - I just wonmder what's involved in unpacking the files from cd and "installing" (copying) to disk...

I only ask because I don't have windows installed anywhere in my home or business.

Another option would be winex...

Re:needs a windows install...

[Afrosheen]

Here's your linux installer

#!/bin/bash
cp /mnt/win_c/Program\ Files/Neverwinter\ Nights/* /usr/local/games/nwn

done.

Re:needs a windows install...

[iainl]

According to the site, this is just the dedicated server at the moment. So if you actually want to play it, you'll be needing a Windows box anyway to install the client on as well. I'd hope that when they manage to get their Linux client (which they do say they are working on) up and released it will also be able to do an install from the CD, rather than having to have files copied from the Windows partition.

Re:needs a windows install...

[cyborch]

now... I don't know what your /mnt/win_c is mounted to but I guess it's your Windows partition. But I do not own a Windows license and do not have a Windows partition. What am I to do?

Re:needs a windows install...

[drsoran]

The windows cd would still be required (as it should be) - I'm not trying to circumvent that at all - I just wonmder what's involved in unpacking the files from cd and "installing" (copying) to disk...

Maybe I'm missing something, but why should the Windows CD be required to install a dedicated Linux server? You seem to be understanding and justify that. There's no reason they can't do the same thing Valve does with Half-Life and release a dedicated Linux tarball of the server and all the files it needs to run. You don't even need to own Half-Life to run a dedicated server. Maybe you want to setup one for your friends and you don't have Windows and don't care about even buying the game?

Re:needs a windows install...

[snkline]

Ummm, well you need the modules and data files for the server to serve to the clients. How exactly does the Half-life server, serve maps wihout the appropriate data files? You see if Bioware distrubuted the appropriate data files with the server for d/l, there would be no need to buy the game for people who use Linux, because they would have everything they need for free.

Re:needs a windows install...

[Anonymous Coward]

Perhaps you should get a life.

Re:needs a windows install...

[Brackney]

I don't see why the NWN install would be much different than the one Tuxgames came up with for RTCW. You run a Linux installer to extract the Linux binaries and libraries, run the Windows setup with Wine, then copy the game data files from /home/bongo/wine/fake_windows/whatever to /usr/local/games/nwn. That's not so difficult IMO...

Re:needs a windows install...

[Anonymous Coward]

How exactly does the Half-life server, serve maps wihout the appropriate data files?

Quite simple, it only includes the files needed to serve games, not the files needed to play. (As the original poster said.)

A server doesn't need the video drivers, or the data files that actually draw the models, because it doesn't actually draw the stuff on the screen. Take a look at the HL (or UT) dedicated servers some time, and you'll see that it's slightly smaller than the game client.

Re:needs a windows install...

[Moridineas]

Well, since the client is windows only as of right now, I'd say that you're out of luck, and do nothing.

Re:needs a windows install...

[Archie Steel]

I haven't tried this yet (I'm waiting for the client to come out before buying the game), but it seems to me you could just install it using WineX or even Wine...you don't need to actually get it working with Wine/X, only install it! So it should work...if InstallShield doesn't crap out on you, that is.

Has anyone tried this?

Re:needs a windows install...

[TRACK-YOUR-POSITION]

The windows cd would still be required (as it should be) - I'm not trying to circumvent that at all - I just wonmder what's involved in unpacking the files from cd and "installing" (copying) to disk...

Heh Heh, I installed NN for windows, yet the darn thing wouldn't work at all--it installed fine, but when I went to play the game, the logo would appear, and then I would get kicked back to Windows. I tried everything to get it to work, hours later I finally installed the no-CD crack, and now it works perfectly (though I haven't tried to play online, maybe now I'm totally screwed as far as that goes.)

So I guess I'll have to wait until someone cracks the Linux version to play under Linux ;).

Re:needs a windows install...

[_UnderTow_]

The windows cd would still be required (as it should be) - I'm not trying to circumvent that at all - I just wonmder what's involved in unpacking the files from cd and "installing" (copying) to disk...

I disagree with this. Making it mandatory that the CD be in the drive while you play is the stupidest form of copy protection there is. This is a perfect example of screwing over the majority of customers just to stop a few incompetent people from copying a CD. Anyone with any brains at all can download a crack from any number of sites to remove the CD check. I do it all the time with games that I have paid for.

I've copied plenty of games and given those copies to my friends in the past. In my experience the only thing that has kept me from doing that is when the game ships with a CD key that you need to play online. I'm not going to give someone my cdkey and then run the risk of not being able to play whenever I want to.

Re:needs a windows install...

[colmore]

Actually, it seems like you're screwing over the majority of custormers... if you and people like you weren't pirating software, they wouldn't be taking such (irrational) steps.

Re:needs a windows install...

[sircrown]

When Tribes 2 first shipped it didn't require the CD to be in the drive to play. However one of the very early patches (within a month of release I think) added this requirement. The reason? Sierra/Dynamix apparently got a *lot* of complaints from retail stores of users returning the game a day or 2 after buying it. They were installing the game, writing down the key, and returning it. They probably copied it too while they were at it...

Re:needs a windows install...

[Thomas A. Anderson]

Um, I think if you re-read my post - you'll see I've said nothing about having to have the cd *in the computer* while playing - only that one needs to have the windows cd in order to have a linux server/client. I in no way want Bioware's experiment with linux to leave a bad taste in their mouth - which means we pay for the game just like the windows server/clients...

That was my point...

Re:needs a windows install...

[Thomas A. Anderson]

My guess is the number of folks who want to set up a server without actually playing the game is... well...nill. Buy the game - support bioware for porting to linux.

Re:needs a windows install...

[snkline]

Well the difference with NWN is that you don't need the module to play on someones server, everything is streamed to you during play.

Re:needs a windows install...

[Anonymous Coward]

If you don't have windows installed anywhere, then why are you going to install the server??? You can't even play the game then.

Re:needs a windows install...

[IOdine]

>Buy the game - support bioware for porting to linux.

This is the dumbest thing i've heard in a while. Buy
the game and pray they port it to Linux (in a timely
fashion, not Loki's ten years too late). Why?

How about you wait until they release a Linux port
and *then* buy the game? Wouldn't that be a more
effective tool to show BioWare that you appreciate
their Linux port?

Re:needs a windows install...

[Thomas A. Anderson]

I never said buy the game now you dolt - wait until the linux port is released - that's fine. But buy the game - don't steal/copy it - that's my point.

You sound usire bioware is going to release the linux client - I'm not that cynical yet...

Re:needs a windows install...

[Thomas A. Anderson]

Whhhhaaaaaaaa? (spoked in a John Stuart-type vioce). Stop taking drugs boy!

I think you missed the point of my original post - which is that both the client and server *supposedly* require a windows install - but, like all the loki games, maybe this can be worked around... (not work around needing the windows cd, just the windows install)

it requires a windows installation because

[atari2600]

from the article

4. Transfer the following files from your Windows installation to a directory in Linux:

Required Files:
data/*
override/*
chitin.key
dialog.tlk

Recommended Files:
nwm/* - Official campaign modules
modules/* - User modules
hak/* - Hak paks
patch/* - Updated files
nwnplayer.ini - User settings

So once you get these files, someone make a tar of them and keep them for peeps to use and mention the configuration of the windows thing (like what kind of install was used) and there you go - you dont need windows no more :)

Re:it requires a windows installation because

[Anonymous Coward]

yeah, that'll get them to support linux in the future.

Re:it requires a windows installation because

[Jace of Fuse!]

You go right ahead and copy the data-files off of someone else, as long as you bought the original you are complying with fair use.

The problem however, is that CHITIN.KEY -- Assuming that of course IS the Keyfile. You see, every copy of Neverwinter Nights has a unique Key associated with the user who registered at Bioware for multiplayer gaming.

I sure as heck wouldn't want to be the person whose key is tagged as "pirated", since I paid enough for this game I'd actually like to play it.

Oh, and since I fully intend to host a dedicated server running the MUD-LIKE opened-ended module I'm writing, I'd also like to have my friends to be able to actually log into my server and play.

Assuming the Linux people play fair and don't take Bioware's generosity as an opprotunity to "stick it to the man", I think the Linux client is an absolutely awesome thing. Unfortunately, I fully expect warezed copies of NWN to ruin things for a whole lot of people.

Re:it requires a windows installation because

[prockcore]

"The problem however, is that CHITIN.KEY -- Assuming that of course IS the Keyfile. You see, every copy of Neverwinter Nights has a unique Key associated with the user who registered at Bioware for multiplayer gaming."

Lucky for you, I know a thing or two about how both the Aurora engine and the Infinity engine work (the key/bif format is the same for both). Worry not, young warrior, CHITIN.KEY is not a key file. It's a hash index for all the resources used in the game (look up a specific resource in the key file and it'll tell you which .BIF the resources is in, as well as where in the .BIF it is)

Re:it requires a windows installation because

[Simon Brooke]

from the article

4. Transfer the following files from your Windows installation to a directory in Linux:

Gee thanks. That's all we need. They haven't even released the client for Linux yet, and already you're telling people how to rip them off. How many companies do you think are going to waste time developing games for Linux if that's the attitude of the Linux gaming community?

For the record, I want this game, and I'm going to buy it; and I would probably buy it even if I didn't want it, because anyone who's prepared to ship a commercial game for Linux needs to be rewarded. Financially.

Re:it requires a windows installation because

[BJH]

Well, since the installer requires Windows, I think this is a perfectly valid suggestion - as long as you buy the game yourself too.

I've got no Windows boxes at home, so unless I get the necessary files from somebody else, I've got zip chance of getting the server installed.

I bet the client requires the same procedure as well... :(

Re:it requires a windows installation because

[Rohan427]

For Simon Brooke: Buy it, you'll like it if you like RPGs and/or D&D.

For those who love to comment without knowing WTF they're talking about:

I have the game, and am running it on Winsucks ONLY because I want to play it more than I want to wait for the Linux client. I will convert to 100% Linux when the client is out.

In the mean time, I have been following the forums and keeping up to date as much as possible on what's up. My take is that it requires a Windows installation because it is in sync with the latest Windows patch, 1.19. In order to get the patch, you must update the game online, and in order to do that, you must have a client. There is no Linux client, so the ONLY way to update is via Winsucks.

So, you update the Winsucks version, copy the necessary files to Linux, install the Linux server, run the check program (fixinstall), and you're all set.

Many people have purchased the game because it supports Linux. There has been a LONG thread in the NWN forums, and given that only about 1 out of 1000 people will actually take part in an online discussion, statistics say that Bioware stands to make (and has made) a load of $$ from Linux gamers like me.

I now have the server installed and running, and I can connect to it from my Winsucks box. Once I get the Linux client, I will be using the Linux version exclusively. I just hope the toolset will be ported to Linux as well (I've heard it's supposed to be) so that I will have no need for Winsucks NWN at all (the damn thing is unstable as hell on Winsucsk, like everything else I have is.)

For those saying that someone should tar up the game after installing on Linux:

I say you need to be flogged and your Linux privledges removed. Linux needs more game companies like Bioware/Atari/Infogames supporting it, but if this is the attitude of Linux users, than it serves us right if we never get another game for Linux ever again. Oh, and please refrain from D/L my game engine. Though it is GPL, I shudder at the thought of you (and you know who you are) tainting it with your electronic touch.

PGA (AKA Rohan)

Re:it requires a windows installation because

[Anonymous Coward]

Many people have purchased the game because it supports Linux

Technically, this isn't true, as it doesn't support Linux. Yet. It promises to support it, at some unspecified date in the future, but it doesn't yet.

Re:it requires a windows installation because

[afidel]

Actually I doubt Bioware cares if someone tars up the install and makes it available for D/L. The only potential problem is that these "rogue" servers would not have to abide by the EULA, something they have put much work into crafting. The reasoning is the same as every other multiplayer game, the more servers the better the end user experience, and hence more sales. I know that for me the availability of servers longterm was a major selling point, and since people have already been bitching up a storm about memory leaks and having to reboot to clear some dll's memory space the only viable server platform as far as I see it is linux.

Re:it requires a windows installation because

[Anonymous Coward]

statistics say that Bioware stands to make (and has made) a load of $$ from Linux gamers like me.

You aren't a Linux gamer, you bought the Windows version. Bioware has $0 to earn by releasing a linux version to you. You already gave them your money.

Linux needs more...

Actually, what the linux community needs is less people who insist on calling Windows "Winsucks" and yet go ahead and dual boot so that they can play their games. Admit it, you are a Windows user (too) and insulting the OS that you depend on doesn't make you any less dependant. Go write some Linux code and make a real difference or keep your insults to yourself.

Re:it requires a windows installation because

[Dimensio]

Well, someone else commented on the CHITIN.KEY's non keyfile nature. I happen to know that the actual keyfile is not encrypted -- it is a plaintext file. As such, if you are transferring a keyfile you can simply open it up with emcas or pico and swap out the old with the new.

Re:it requires a windows installation because

[Anonymous Coward]

Dude, are you for real? The data directory alone has 1.2gb of data in it. That's a pretty big tar file!

Re:it requires a windows installation because

[Anonymous Coward]

> Unfortunately, I fully expect warezed copies of NWN to ruin things for a whole lot of people.

There will likely be much piracy, with or without Lunix.

Re:it requires a windows installation because

[Anonymous Coward]

chitin.key is an index into the resources stored in the bif archives under data.

Re:it requires a windows installation because

[ceej]

Gee thanks. That's all we need. They haven't even released the client for Linux yet, and already you're telling people how to rip them off.

Er, those are the instructions from Bioware's own readme for the Linux server. Doing this is required for getting the Linux server going. Only the server is out, not the client, and the server does not require a CD key or a separately purchased copy. One assumes that, like Valve and Id, Bioware realizes that having a lot of free Linux servers out there is good for the paying clients on Windows, Macintosh, and Linux.

So relax already.

Re:it requires a windows installation because

[Rohan427]

Before you speak, know what you speak about, and stop trolling.

I do not "depend" upon WINSUCKS, and I barely tolerate it (more often I don't). Based upon your misinformed comments, I have probably written more Linux code in my life than you have even seen. I have written Linux code for Crystal Space, for the Torque engine for Linux, Quake II for Linux, ported Quake II into a complete 32-bit engine for Linux, have tweaked the Linux kernel so it would work with dual Athlons, worked for almost 2 years in a Real Job(tm) as a Linux programmer and administrator, have had more than a couple software contracts for Linux, have an 11 computer Linux LAN in my home office, and continue to write Linux code today.

Bioware has more to earn from me, and those I know, and many I don't know, than you or they may think. If the Linux client is NOT released, I will seek a refund (fat chance I get it, but that won't stop me and others from trying :). In addition, I do not have to ever purchase a game from them again. I have not purchased BG2 because it is WINSUCKS only, nor will I purchase any other game that does not or will not support Linux. In addition, when I purchased NWN, the advertisment said "...Windows, Mac and Linux." I purchased a Linux game, and got a WINSUCKS game so far (aside from the server, which runs FAR better on Linux than on WINSUCKS, and if it does crash it doesn't take the entire OS down like apps do on WINSUCKS).

I have exactly 2 games on WINSUCKS, compared to 11 on Linux. I do all my development on Linux, and 0 on WINSUCKS. I do all my e-mail, browsing, responding to misinformed trolls, and documentation on Linux. I make money off Linux related work, and 0 from that other OS.

Now tell me again how much I depend upon WINSUCKS. Tell me again I'm not a Linux gamer.

Oh, and next time have a little guts and don't post anonymously when you're trolling. :)

'nough said on my part.

- Rohan

Is this what the client install will be like?!

[IronTek]

Why do I get the feeling the client's not going to be the easiest thing in the world to install?!??!

It'll be like:

To install the Linux NWN client:

1. install NWN in windows (do'h)
2. transfer files from windows computer to linux box
3. delete windows partition you just created soley to install NWN on a real operating system.
4. curse at BioWare until game starts...then, you will thank them!

Re:Is this what the client install will be like?!

[Kasmiur]

Here is what I am gonna try and do.

with machine running win(have two machines)
instll NWN and update.
burn select directories to CD
walk Cd over to linux machine.
copy files and add linux update.
run.

Keeping the files on CD will also make it easy on myself if the HD was to fail on the linux box(old drive) or if I choose to wipe and reinstll a different distro.

Re:Is this what the client install will be like?!

[cyborch]

Since I'm a poor schmuck I hope that:

1. install NWN in WINE

will work...

Re:Is this what the client install will be like?!

[JanneM]

Since I'm a poor schmuck I hope that:

1. install NWN in WINE

will work...

It doesn't.

/Janne

Re:Is this what the client install will be like?!

[Anonymous Coward]

and mod ignorance strikes again.

I can't stress enough, you dolts, that just because you may not like or agree with something does not mean that it is a bad comment.

That, and you should get a fucking dictionary.

Re:Is this what the client install will be like?!

[sharkey]

You left out a few steps:

Buy Windows.

Backup data.

Repartition your disk(s).

Install Windows.

Repair damage Windows did to boot sector.

Your list

Repartition disks to preferred scheme.

Post Windows on EBay.

Re:Is this what the client install will be like?!

[Archie Steel]

You mean, it doesn't install, or it doesn't run once installed? Because if you want to copy the required files for a subsequent Linux install, all you need is a successful installation, not to actually get NWN working under Wine. Also, did you try with Wine or with WineX (AFAIK, WineX has better support for InstallShield).

java nwn client

[Anonymous Coward]

There is a Java client, capable of rendering nwn terrain tiles and avatars. It is part of a larger project to create a Java MMORPG. It can be found at http://xmud.sourceforge.net.

Re:java nwn client

[Anonymous Coward]

I bet it is slower than shit.

argh site.

[den_erpel]

arg!

And if the site of the game were to be readable with Mozilla instead of giving a black screen...
That would really show their care for Linux users.

Oh heck, perhaps more initiatives like http://www.openstandaarden.be might move the site developers in the right direction (instead of IE only sites).

Re:argh site.

[Anonymous Coward]

This site is readable with mozilla, both win32-mozilla and linux-mozilla. Some people also say that konqueror works as well.

/jarek

Re:argh site.

[Jugalator]

Apparently this is either a Moz bug on some systems or a problem on your end, since it has been reported to be fully functional on Linux running Mozilla.

Re:argh site.

[KeyserDK]

It really is readable here, the newest Galeon release (1.25).

The site can be very slow at times, especially the forums.

Re:argh site.

[Anonymous Coward]

Mozilla works dude.

I viewed their site and it works wel.

As for linux, i don't there wil be a client, its just some form of creating a hipe around something none existant.

No linux clients means, don't buy the game, that wil make them think a gues.

Greetings,

Earthling

Re:argh site.

[amunter]

Running mozilla-0.9.9-12.7.2 from RedHat here (I know, I am too lazy to update yet, and this one works fine for me so far), and I have been visiting the site regularly. It works great for me. The forums all look right, and even the javascript rollover jobbies on the front page work as expected. The biggest problems I have with Mozilla are with fonts (not really Mozilla's fault probably) and even those look all right on bioware.com.

Re:argh site.

[den_erpel]

my fault my fault my fault my fault ...

It just took a while (with a black page) before mozilla rendered the site.

scsi (and thanks for the feedback)

Very good news.

[Anonymous Coward]

Now that a server can be installed on a proper system I can install a 1U server with it :)

Not a client for NWN, tho...

[TrentC]

... you can just use the NWN toolset to create terrains and areas for it. (A lot easier than writing their own toolset I bet!)

Dumb questions...

[wrinkledshirt]

It requires a Windows install to use, but it definitely shows that they care about Linux users and are making progress towards the Linux client."

Not too sound too much like a naysayer, but...

1. How much progress can they be making if they can't distribute a proper Linux install? I know deployment is tricky, but come on, that really sounds like a hack job.

2. How do we know that the Linux server thing wasn't a plan all along? They might have just seen all the Linux servers for CounterStrike et al. and thought it was a smart idea. Linux is a great server OS, and while I do think it's also a legitimate gaming OS myself (no, seriously!), it's not exactly a trivial matter to port over a 3D game from Windows to a non-DirectX system, so all their talk might still be just talk...

Sorry, ever since the downfall of Loki I've taken an I'll-believe-it-when-I-see-it attitude to companies professing intentions for Linux.

(That's probably only one step removed from trolling, heh.)

Re:Dumb questions...

[Martigan80]

Well think about it. Bioware just make the game. Infro is publishing it. So they kinda have to bend with the publisher to get the game out. And we all know most game buiz come's from windows. Since it has been delayed soooo long they decided to release it before too many people get pissed. So they opted to produce the binaries later. Beside if you look at the change log of the updates you will notice that they are indeed working on the linux version as well.

Re:Dumb questions...

[Hellkitten]

Since you can't run a client (yet) without windows they can safely assume that most people that will be running servers right now will have access to a windows machine. They could probably make a program/script to extract the files from the CD, but if that takes time then I believe they have done the right thing. Once a linux client is available they should have an installer for the client and the server that doesn't require windows though, but right now this solution is better than making people wait longer for the server

FreeBSD?

[Anonymous Coward]

What about FreeBSD?

They care? Like Valve..

[Anonymous Coward]

"but it definitely shows that they care about Linux users and are making progress towards the Linux client." How so? By making a server for Linux that is useful only to serve Windows players? Yeah, and Valve cares about Linux, too. ;)

Serious Question --

[Jace of Fuse!]

I run FreeBSD --

I'm very seriously considering hosting a dedicated server on my BSD box...

...

My question is, does anybody know if FreeBSD's Linux Compatibility will actually run the NWN Dedicated Server?

If nobody can tell me, I'm sure I'll find out here shortly.

...

Re:Serious Question --

[satanami69]

you'll need to change some of the binary's so that FreeBSD understands them
man brandelf
probably something like:
brandelf -t linux /path/to/file

linux_enable="YES" for rc.conf

Re:Serious Question --

[Anonymous Coward]

Just tried that,
./nwserver: error in loading shared libraries: libstdc++-libc6.2-2.so.3: cannot open shared object file: No such file or directory

no go.... :(

Re:Serious Question --

[sedawkgrep]

I haven't tried running Linux compatibility under FreeBSD, but it looks like you're simply missing a required library.

I would imagine the error would be something different than "No such file or directory" which is a standard error if it truly wasn't working.

Re:Serious Question --

[jschauma]

Well, given that it runs on NetBSD under linux emulation (see this message to netbsd-users), I wouldn't be surprised if it works under FreeBSD as well...

Re:Serious Question --

[satanami69]

what's your output from kldstat?

Re:Serious Question --

[bwulf]

Yes, works flawlessly (with linux_base 7.x).

Re:Serious Question --

[DrSkwid]

brandelf -t Linux /path/to/file

(case sensitive)

Tuxgames

[Joe Tie.]

Does anyone know if tuxgames will be shipping out boxes now, or if they'll be waiting untill the client is released as well?

I doubt anyone reading this wouldn't at least be aware of the option, but I think it's extrealy important to support Linux as a viable gaming platform by ordering from tuxgames. Show bioware that even if a low percentage, they can still get a chunk of money from us, and get some cash flowing to a good Linux related store in the process.

Re:Tuxgames

[Anonymous Coward]

Mike Simms from tuxgames said something along the lines of:

He'll ship NWN when the linux client is released. If for some reason NWN doesn't get a linux client, he'll refund everyone the money they put on pre-order as he does not sell windows games.

Re:Tuxgames

[Karn]

Mod this up!

He's right. We need to let these guys know that there are people buying the game that are interested in playing in Linux.. I

Re:Tuxgames

[michaelsimms]

The way we will be doing it is we will be waiting till there is a Linux client before we ship. This is for two reasons:

a ) Most people who order from us are not interested in the Windows client, so shipping twice is just a waste of money for us (we will have to eat the cost of a second shipping, and that is not a negligable cost based on how many copies we have sold).
b ) We have news that there is a possibility of an actual Linux release - instead of a downloadable addon to the Windows version. If this happens, then the Windows version WILL NOT WORK for Linux.

However, if one of our customers wishes for us to ship the Windows version, we will do so anyway, on the condition they understand that the game they receive may never work under Linux if a dedicated Linux version IS released.

Re:Tuxgames

[Anonymous Coward]

I can't imagine that they would screw us over like that, most of us have already purchased the Windows version, waiting for the GNU/Linux binaries to be released for download, and many have made that clear on the Bioware forums. They can't make yet another hard turn, a dedicated Linux version would make all our NWN Windows versions useless, and we won't be able to return them. Treating people like that will lead to a heavy loss of customers (for Bioware/Infogrames).
We may not be as large as the Windows gaming scene, but we can be loud, If Bioware would screw us like that, I would urge everyone not to buy anything from them EVER AGAIN.
Where did you hear this news? Of the dedicated Linux version that is.

Re:Tuxgames

[Anonymous Coward]

straight from www.neverwinternights.com:

8.04 Will there be a Mac/Linux/BeOs version? (Back to Top)

The BeOS version of Neverwinter Nights will not be completed. The Linux dedicated server will be distributed freely online, as close to the game being available in stores as possible. The Linux client will follow shortly thereafter. Linux users will need to own a Windows copy of Neverwinter Nights, as the Linux executables must import certain resources from those Windows CDs. All users will need to register their CD Keys (Linux users register the Windows CD Keys) at the Neverwinter Nights community site (www.neverwinternights.com). The Macintosh version will be available later in the fall (BioWare is completing the Macintosh Neverwinter Nights client and server programs, MacSoft is completing the Toolset). On the PC, Neverwinter Nights will run under Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows 2000 Service Pack 2, and Windows XP. Other systems specifications will be announced.

I would consider any change a breach of expecatation and the game to be fully refundable.

Installing through WINE

[PsyQ]

Is there no way to get the InstallShield to work, save using Transgaming's WineX?

I'm compiling wine-20020605 (upgrade from wine-20020228, which failed to run the installer) to get the danged files off the CDs. If all else fails I'll install on a Windows box at work and just burn the directories the server needs to my own set of CDs :P

What linux gaming needs

[SilentStrike]

As long as that attitude includes I'll-wait-at-least-a-month-for-a-Linux-release-bef ore-getting-the-windows-version-and-forgetting-abo ut-it, then it's fine. While I am not really interested in this game particularly, I am going to hold out for a Linux version of Unreal 2003, or simply not get it at all, despite absoluetely loving Unreal Tournament.

Dedicated? Linux? Are they REALLY sure?

[BigWhale]

Bioware has released a dedicated Linux server for NeverWinter Nights. It requires a Windows install to use,

Wait... Dedicated Linux... but... well... Windows install... oooh.... Funny... :)

For a few files more.

[Performer Guy]

It seems that this requires windows JUST so you can copy a few files over from the installation.

Why can't they make these available as another download or even part of the Linux download?

Re:For a few files more.

[Mark Imbriaco]

Perhaps they will in the future, but the group of files that they "recommend" you copy over for a Linux dedicated server runs into 700MB compressed. I suspect they don't want to take the step of hosting a download that large if they can avoid it,b ut I could be wrong.

Re:For a few files more.

[nick_davison]

"Why can't they make these available as another download or even part of the Linux download?"

On a very simple level, [almost] anyone who's planning on running a server should have easier access to the installed Windows files than they do to Bioware's FTP servers. The server itself doesn't let you do anything other than allow players to play the game on their clients. If you don't have the game, there's almost no reason, beyond staggering generosity, to tie up around a lot of bandwidth for a 64 player server that you can't use, can't charge for and, as you don't play, you probably don't understand the subtleties of configuring anyway.

Sure, there're a few cases you can come up with, like you want to install the server at work and play at home (I miss the dotcom days), but by and large, it just doesn't justify the cost to Bioware of providing a hundreds of megs/copy FTP server when 99% of their users are fine without it.

It's an interesting concept to look at: Is the relative scarcity of Linux games because there aren't enough Linux would-be-gamers, or is it more to do with Linux would-be-gamers believing that everything should be free-as-in-beer and therefore a hell of a lot more hassle to sell to than nice Windows using sheep?

Re:For a few files more.

[beme]

It requires windows because the latest patch needs to be installed prior to moving the files over. At the moment, there's no way to patch the files from Linux. Here's hoping for a better situation with the client...

Re:For a few files more.

[Syowr]

the files needed to run a dedicated server are only aprox 500Mb uncompressed

130 or so in a rar.

I have crappy old win2k box that just runs a nwn server atm

There was a post on nwvault.com about what files you need and dont need..

__Syowr

WARNING! Trust your server admin!

[KeyserDK]

I really recommend _not_ to play on public servers, since the admin can see your cd key _VERY_ easy.

I cant believe what bioware is thinking of, with the mix of:

1) the server doesnt require key.
2) the server admin can see the players key.

This is going to cause quite a lot of problems.....

Re:WARNING! Trust your server admin!

[Anonymous Coward]

"I really recommend _not_ to play on public servers, since the admin can see your cd key _VERY_ easy. "

Every key has a public part and a private part. Admins can see the public part of the key. This is so the admin can ban a specific key tied to a specific player

Re:WARNING! Trust your server admin!

[orcrist]

I cant believe what bioware is thinking of, with the mix of:

1) the server doesnt require key.
2) the server admin can see the players key.


Can he? Where was that? I'm not doubting you, I'm just curious if you read that somewhere, or if you're assuming that...

-chris

Re:WARNING! Trust your server admin!

[KeyserDK]

Download and read the documentation.

It's probably because they though the ability to ban by CD-KEY was good. I think it was "clientinfo" that states the CD KEY. That's what the readme states.

Havent tested it myself so they might leave out parts of the cd key while still being unique

Who knows. =)

Re:WARNING! Trust your server admin!

[jhill]

When I ran my server last night, I had two of my buddies connected, including me, and we all have seperate versions of the game, the key that was displayed to me was not the 30 key monster you had to enter when you installed, it was only 8 characters long ( may have been 10 )

Re:WARNING! Trust your server admin!

[Maul]

And I think it is only HALF of the CD key as well, not all of it. According to Bioware, there is a public part of the CD key, and a private part of the CD key.

Banning by CD key IS a good idea for the most part, except that there is always the problem of someone banning a stolen CD key... and blocking the legitimate owner of that key.

Re:WARNING! Trust your server admin!

[Anonymous Coward]

I'd imagine that the keyspace is large enough that this is highly improbable.

Re:WARNING! Trust your server admin!

[Anonymous Coward]

Only one Bioware account name can have a CD Key. Therefore, a stolen CD Key will never actually get a chance to even login to the bioware server list, let alone your server. The only danger here is that somebody may have used a keygen to reserve your CD Key before you bought the game.

Buy this, y'all

[YeeHaW_Jelte]

Let's all let our money go where our heart is, and make it pay for them to do the linux release. It's the only way we're gonna get more l33t gamez for our boxem. =)

Re:Buy this, y'all

[PapaZit]

Personally, I plan on buying it the day the linux client binaries are released. I want CompUSA (or wherever) to be wondering why the hell NWN sold an extra 10k copies that day.

Anti-Piracy

[Anonymous Coward]

This could be a simple anti-piracy measure. The Windows installer probably checks to make sure you have the game installed and the play disc in the drive, then it probably spits out the linux tgz/rpm/deb/shar or whatever. After spending years creating this game, I'm sure the programmers could take the 2min it takes to learn how to make a simple .shar even.

Don't kid yourselves into thinking that Bioware is just a bunch of idiots and you know ever simply because you don't know their reasons for this. Which, as I said, is probably to help prevent piracy of their game. No one, except perhaps a paid QA staff, is required to try this. They said they'll release a Linux client and they probably will. If they don't send am an email stating that you'd purchase the game if they make a Linux binary. If you do buy it because it has a Linux binary, make the fuck sure they know that is the exact reason you purchased it. I bet they Bioware will use this to test the Linux RPG waters. They probably have fairly low expectations too. So hopefully all the Linux gamers will purchase this -- I know I will providing a Linux binary is released. END RANT

Concerns about neverwinternight:

[imr]

1/ They said a linux client was going to be in the box.
It is not.
2/ suddenly you need windows installed to install linux things.
I don't have that.
3/ the eula:
I've read it and section 5 wich grants infogrammes rights to publish MY work without MY concent is illegal in MY country which happens to be Infogramme's country too.
you hereby grant back to Infogrames and BioWare an irrevocable royalty-free right to use and distribute such Variations by any means, and to make such modifications thereto as Infogrames and/or BioWare deem are necessary to package, combine, and otherwise distribute such Variations.
This starts to smell bad.

Re:Concerns about neverwinternight:

[barzok]

You neglected to mention that the EULA has been revised.

Re:Concerns about neverwinternight:

[imr]

And, unless there is another new eula, you forgot to read it as this is still in the eula:
Here is the link for the new eula from bioware site.
Extract:
We have tried to address your concerns and here is the new EULA.
.......
5. Infogrames' and BioWare's Use of Variations. If you Distribute, or permit others to Distribute, your Variations, you hereby grant back to Infogrames and BioWare an irrevocable royalty-free right to use and distribute such Variations by any means.

And this is still illegal in my country where the original work of an author is protected and his rights in court are "souverain". Which means that if someone distribute any original work of an author without his written concent in a legal contract, his work is still his and a contract and repairs have to be done and paid that must be the most favorable possible to the author.
And this country is still infogramme's country.
On the other hand Infogramme is famous for having acquired a lot of works at incredible low rates wich then made incredible sales. Try to find what the author of "alone in the dark" say about his cooperation with them. His name is Frédérick Raynal.
(in french it's here.)

Re:Concerns about neverwinternight:

[Anonymous Coward]

I've read it and section 5 wich grants infogrammes rights to publish MY work without MY concent

No. You consent to them republishing YOUR work by agreeing to the EULA.

Re:Concerns about neverwinternight:

[zbuffered]

2/ suddenly you need windows installed to install linux things.
I don't have that.

If there is currently no Linux client, you're going to have to have a windows computer with NWN installed to play the game, so unless your sole purpose in life is to host others' NWN games, you're likely to have it installed yourself, making copying files not such a big deal.

My question to you is this: Why are you interested in hosting a server for a game you can't (yet) play?

Re:Concerns about neverwinternight:

[retinaburn]

Original work ?

Correct me if I am wrong but you are using their tools, and their engine and their graphics, sounds, etc to create your work. While it is your work you are using their licensed material. And they just want to make sure you can't charge others for your 'original work'.

Re:Concerns about neverwinternight:

[flend]

Yeah.

The most significant point as I see it is that the new EULA no longer means that Bioware/Info immediately own all rights to your work and can tell you to stop distributing it.

I don't particularly have a problem with Bioware selling anything I make - I'm unlikely to do so, providing I hold onto the IP rights.

Re:Concerns about neverwinternight:

[juhaz]

If there is a part in EULA that is illegal, or otherwise unreasonable, the law you keep whining about probably gives you right to just ignore it. Infogrames probably knows that the EULA wouldn't hold in court, it's just there for those people that don't know it can be denied, or maybe for countries that doesn't have that kind of protetction as written law.

Re:Concerns about neverwinternight:

[dorward]

the eula

I've read it and section 5 wich grants infogrammes rights to publish MY work without MY concent is illegal in MY country which happens to be Infogramme's country too.

I would have thought that agreeing to the EULA would be giving concent. Am I wrong?

Re:Concerns about neverwinternight:

[StarTux]

"1/ They said a linux client was going to be in the box.
It is not."

They said they planned to have all three included in one box, plans unfortuantly can and do change. At least the Windows users got to beta test it for us.

"2/ suddenly you need windows installed to install linux things.
I don't have that."

Yeah, but the client once out will extract those files, if not I am sure that Tuxgames will make an installer for it themselves that requires no damn Windows.

"3/ the eula:
I've read it and section 5 wich grants infogrammes rights to publish MY work without MY concent is illegal in MY country which happens to be Infogramme's country too.
you hereby grant back to Infogrames and BioWare an irrevocable royalty-free right to use and distribute such Variations by any means, and to make such modifications thereto as Infogrames and/or BioWare deem are necessary to package, combine, and otherwise distribute such Variations. "

Someone already pointed out that this changed...

StarTux

Re:Concerns about neverwinternight:

[imr]

Here (in France) authors rights prevail upon copyrights. This mean in our case that clicking on an eula (aka not a fair contract where both sides have agreed on every terms) does not suppress my rights on my work as long as it is a creative work and certainly gives NO rights to the provider of the tool used. It's very special to creative work, as it is considered a very special area of human activities.
What is really annoying to me is that it is a french company that goes in that direction, that is against everything our society has been evolving toward.
To be honest I will have to check the french version of the eula to see if they have kept those parts.

If your server has a copy of Windows installed...

[cnelzie]

...on a FAT32 partition. Simply mount up your Windows partition, which you probably have had to do anyway to be able to copy the Windows Install...

Now, simply symlink those files from the Windows partition to the Linux partition. The only problem I forsee is that the "fix" file could "corrupt" your Windows version of NWN.

It is worth a go...

Anyway, I used to use that process for QuakeIII Maps, Skins and some mods. It worked great and saved me an additional GIG of hard drive space, I am into collecting maps, skins and mods...

Hope that helps...

-.-

My experience with the NWN Linux server

[PsyQ]

Here's a console log:

[nwnd@despair nwn]$ ./nwserver -module Chapter1
Neverwinter Nights Server
Build:6722
Copyright BioWare Corp 1998-2002

Server: Loading...
Server: Running...

Server: Loading module "Chapter1"..Segmentation fault (core dumped)

This is on a "stock" RedHat 7.3 machine. The strace shows that it IS loading something from the "Chapter1" module file, but then gets killed. Don't ask me why, I'm not a coder. I can't post the strace output because /. complains about "junk characters" :(

Re:My experience with the NWN Linux server

[Anonymous Coward]

I note the instructions require not only the Windows install but patching of the Windows installation under Windows via the autoinstaller to bring the NeverWinterNights version to 1.19. ( first round of patches was to 1.18 ) The 1.19 patch came out yesterday 6/27.

Could be the 1.19 fixed an issue for the linux server as well since the release of the linux server follows on it's heels. I saw on their site forums reference to a manual patch d/l and apply process so that's worth a search if you can't use autoupdate under Windows.

Despite the misteps this is a good thing for Linux.

Re:My experience with the NWN Linux server

[PsyQ]

I updated my copy of NWN on the Windows box before copying it over to the Linux machine. Used FTP to copy it all, so things should not have been damaged.

As the strace shows, nwserver _can_ get inside the Chapter1 module file, it even lists read() accesses with several names of waypoints, persons and equipment from inside the module. The problem isn't with the patch, I think :(

Re:My experience with the NWN Linux server

[Maul]

Hmn. Modules seem to load just fine for me. I'm running Red Hat 7.2, so I don't know if it is a particular problem in 7.3.

I guess I'd check to see if anything was missed.

Re:My experience with the NWN Linux server

[Thrikreen]

Read the NWN forums, it's the nwn.ini file with it's aliased directories for where the data files are, which are of course, pointing to DOS/Windows paths and screws up under Linux.

The only ini file you need in the directory is possibly the nwnplayer.ini for server settings (rules, local/server vault, autosave duration, etc.), but you can remove the other sections (Game options, key bindings) which are obviously only used in the client.

This is good news

[glsunder]

Some people are gonna bitch about the EULA or other things, but the fact is, if we're going to have a choice in the future (given recent events), there's going to have to be good entertainment software available for linux. And it needs to come sooner than later.

Operating Systems

[Rydia]

Yes, I know this is late and no one cares anymore, but I WOULD like to point out that Bioware has done an incredible job at least trying to justify and make this game work cross-platform. From the very start, there were supposed to be FOUR versions of NWN, one for Windows, MacOS, Linux and finally BeOS. Come on, any company that would seriously consider developing for 4 completely different platforms (including one that was never popular in its prime) is at least making some sort of effort. You must also remember, the chunk that Bioware bit off would be a far sight more than a lot of companies could chew. Most would slack off and cut features, or in the least cut corners with gameplay elements, which Bioware DID NOT do. This sizable undertaking took them FOUR YEARS to complete. Since then, the BeOS port fell to the wayside (they couldn't justify writing for a dead OS), and my thinking on the Mac client is that they were not adequetely prepared for the (decently drastic) switch between OS 9 and OS X. As for the windows client, it was rushed to market before they were completely satisfied (there was a patch available the day it was released), probably to appease Infogrames (which bailed them out when they got in that big spat with Interplay, if you recall). I mean, what kind of game has a beta that lasts less than a month? That leaves the linux client. They promised it at launch, but when they bumped up (or didn't delay, rather) the windows client, I assume they didn't think it would be worth it to rush the linux client to market, and wanted to do things right (a pretty big assumption, granted, but I do believe Bioware is that kind of company. If they didn't have to worry about publishing they'd remind me a lot of Nintendo.) So, we get the linux server (albeit a bit late), with promises for a linux client "soon," but if you really look at it, I think you have to respect the great effort these people put forth to make this game available for EVERYONE, with full cross-platform compatibility. As for the windows install required for the linux applications, that probably wasn't there not so long ago. The plan was to release all 3 clients (and then later just the 2) on-disc, out of the same box. My best guess is that all that got ripped to shreds when they decided they wouldn't want to release a new edition with the windows and linux clients in stores so soon after the initial launch, so they decided to leave the client all by its lonesome online and grab the libraries off the windows install. True, that doesn't justify the absence of a proper linux install, but it at least might explain why they chose to go this route. Either way, becrying their tactics as valvian is, I think, rather off the mark when you consider what they at least tried to do.

Re:Operating Systems

[Rydia]

Holy mother of forgetting to HTML format it. Sorry :(.

Re:Operating Systems

[swv3752]

They LIED to us. Spin any way you like, but they lied to us. I understand dropping BeOS support. But they screw over Linux and Mac people. I shudder to think about the few Linux PPC users out there. Up to a few weeks ago it was to be a trirelease in the same box.

I preordered this game because it was to be a Linux game. I feel betrayed that Bioware chose to do it this way. I still bought the game, as other wise that preorder money would have been down the drain. I doubt I will ever buy another Bioware title again, unless they somehow manage to win back my trust.

Re:Operating Systems

[Rydia]

When the hell did they lie to us? How did they screw us over? They delayed the product to make it better. Everyone does it. The only difference is they didn't bump back one of the versions because, most likely, their publisher told them 4 years was enough. You're getting the game, the same way. The only difference is you need to cart over some files and wait a month or whatever. Lying to us would just be canning the game outright.

If you boycott every company that delays a game, then you're not going to be playing a whole lot, methinks.

Re:Operating Systems

[Schnapple]

If they lied to you (Linux & Mac people) then they lied to 5% of the market. That's it. Sure, there's yet to be a game released with all three in the box or with all three ports separately at launch so we don't know how a title under those conditions would sell but based solely on previous market performance (Quake 3 is usually the standard since it was the closest, most recent example) they decided to cater to 95% of the market and leave the hardcore niches for later. Sorry, but if you put all the Slashdot Linux Zealouts together (even the non-gamer ones) you wouldn't have more than 1-2% of the market. The numbers simply aren't there.

The only way around this is to do like many here have said, buy the game when the Linux client binaries come out (and not before), check "Linux" on the registration card, and hope for the best. There's nothing else you can do, and publishers run on dollar figures alone, period.

WOoooohhhooooo!!

[friedmud]

I'm putting mine up as I type!

I have been waiting for this!

Thanks, Bioware! Now get that client out!

Derek

Are they planning on releasing the source?

[Anonymous Coward]

It would be great to be able to port this to QNX or another OS

OSes and Porting

[CmdrKrev]

A little more accurate picture of what has happened to the four versions of NWN (To fill holes):

Windows - Late, but available
Linux - Later, but getting available
MacOS - Handed to MacSoft to finish, even Later.
BeOS - Not gonna happen.

What I find the most funny part of all this is that by handing the Mac version to MacSoft, Bioware essentially just handed over tens of millions of dollars of profit over to them as well (Since MacSoft won't port if they can't make money off of it).

I see complaining about this type of practice: leaving ports to other companies that release it later. To be honest, this is how the Mac gaming market has become over the past 5 years as formerly Mac-centric game makers have gotten eaten up by PC-centric companies like the Maxis -> EA sellout (and EA used to have a good Mac dept too) and the Bungie -> MS sellout. Loki wasn't the greatest, BUT a business model around porting games to other OSes can be very profitable. MacSoft, Aspyr, Westlake, OmniGroup and others have made a decent living from doing this, as well as doing some decent-quality ports. (OmniGroup ported Oni to OS X, in Obj-C, releasing the update for free online simply because the Carbon version was buggy under OS X... that takes some guts)

Outsourcing ports like this isn't a bad thing (although it prevents the one-box idea), since I would more rather see more porting to Linux/Mac happening. If the company that makes the game says no internally, they might be willing to say yes to another company. If that company starts saying yes to other companies, then more games will reach your hands if you prefer to use Linux/MacOS

Re:OSes and Porting

[Rydia]

Very true on all points. I'm just pointing out that we can't be too critical and say they don't care. It seems they do care, all their plans spawned from that kind of just fell apart.

x86 only!? BAH!

[Giggles Of Doom]

But I want to run it on my UltraSPARC damnit! Stupid mainstream hardware.

Why you need Windows to install Linux Server

[jaaron]

Right now one of the main reasons you need a Windows install for the Linux server is because the Linux server needs the 1.19 patch. Currently, the only way to get the patch is to use the in-game update. The patch files have not yet been released for manual patching of the game. Hopefully these will be released soon. When they are released, then it will probably be possible to extract the other files needed from your CD (no guarentee here). My point is, if you can be patient for a little longer, those without a Windows partition are probably going to be able to install this.

I know that despite the release of the server, some people are still upset with Bioware about the delayed Linux support and/or the EULA. I'd just like to point out that this is still a significant step for Linux gaming. That a Linux client was even considered from the start is significant. Bioware has been incredibly open with this game. The toolset is amazing. You can even open up Bioware's own modules to see how they wrote the NWN chapters shipped with the game. The situation is not perfect, but I have to give Bioware more credit than many other gaming companies.

Re:Why you need Windows to install Linux Server

[btellier]

>Hopefully these will be released soon.

It's a simultaneous release, check here.

Re:Why you need Windows to install Linux Server

[Anders H�ckersten]

Well the manual patches are available from the following directory:
http://nwdownloads.bioware.com/neverwinternights/p atch/
But this is not listed on their homepage, so I can't be 100% sure they work (I've already updated my version so I can't try them out either).

Re:Why you need Windows to install Linux Server

[Anders H�ckersten]

Well if you had actually checked a little closer yourself you'd seen that the 1.19 patch is not available for download from that page - only 1.18.

OS X Version?

[BigJimSlade]

I was really hoping for an OS X version to be released simultaneously (preferably in the same box). Does anybody know when we can expect a version for Macs?

Re:OS X Version?

[jaaron]

Infogames will be doing the port to Mac in the fall. Press release at http://www.bioware.com/bioware_info/press_releases / wnmac/

Dublicate key

[Anonymous Coward]

Just wonder, if you run server on linux, and you run client on window (... some how ,but you want to play) will it give you dublicate key found.
Will linux server requer it is own key, then window instalation, from you had copy files?

Bioware is just doing some temp. hacking..

[dmouritsendk]

when the linux client comes out, you wont need a windows to install it.

You forgot to run the "fixinstall" script

[Blackwulf]

This basically converts all the files from DOS to Linux after you have installed them. I forgot this step too, until I reread the directions very carefully. It's step 4 in their 5 step process.

So...Run fixinstall, and THEN nwserver. :>

Re:You forgot to run the "fixinstall" script

[PsyQ]

I had already done that, but what I forgot was deleting the nwn.ini file (and nwnplayer.ini too, I think) because that makes the server choke and die.

If you delete that and rerun ./fixinstall, everything's fine :)

Silly of me back then..

[Anonymous Coward]

..to think I should've supported BioWare.

Linux out of the box, eh? Heh. I should've known better.

Now, a server? Please. They'd have been stupid not to. Look at all the FPS games running off of Linux boxes. Many gamers already use Linux for serving.

No Linux version out of the box. Bug ridden MS Windows version. Ridiculous system requirements.. (2 players max on 56k.) Sounds symptematic of a game that shouldn't have been released yet.

BioWare, don't write checks that your ass can't cash.

Re:Silly of me back then..

[schon]

Ridiculous system requirements.. (2 players max on 56k.)

Why is this ridiculous?

How many UT, HL, or Q3 clients can a server support over a 56K dialup? (Considering the upstream of a 56K line is around 33.6K)

You got it all wrong...

[Anonymous Coward]

To install the Linux NWN client:

1. Purchase a windows copy of NWN
2. Download all 1.2 Gigs of the Linux install from the BioWare website.
3. Using a PC with a real operating system from MS, install the Windows version of NWN.
4. Set up and install a linux distro on a seperate partition on the same computer that you just installed NWN on.
5. Try and configure a solid and stable dual boot environment.
6. Purchase and install WINE on your linux partition.
7. Install the Linux NWN client on the Linux partition.
8. Recompile ALL executable archives. Approximate time 2.7 days on the average linux computer.
9. Find and reinstall a dozen different 3D graphic card drivers until you find one that works for your Linux install. Repeat for your audio card.
10. Copy files from the stable windows partition to the Linux partition for NWN.
11. Patch your WINE and drivers again, as well as the kernel since they are so unstable.
12. Run the NWN exe. Take note of the 2-7fps and massive graphic and audio instabilities.
13. Switch to windows and have fund gaming in NWN
2. transfer files from windows computer to linux box
3. delete windows partition you just created soley to install NWN on a real operating system.
4. curse at BioWare until game starts...then, you will thank them!

CD Keys easy to get now?

[Anonymous Coward]

Based on this console command:

clientinfo - Displays details on the client identified by ID, CD Key, or Player Name.

A "rogue" NWN server can get the CD key for any client attached to their system. Great. I won't be connecting to any new systems now.

- Even

Re:CD Keys easy to get now?

[Yngwarr]

Public CD key, not private CD key.

my question

[Jonny Ringo]

First off I'm super disappointed that they didn't release this games like they said they would mac/linux/windows out of the box. I would have purchased it by now since I have a windows work computer, OS X at home, and a soon to be linux box.
They have made this promise for a REAL long time. Can't follow through, don't make the promise or for God's sake make it clear way before the launch.

Now you have to pay for the Mac version seperate. That just freakin sucks. So my question is can I get the linux binaries if I buy the Mac version?

Why all the hype?

[Anonymous Coward]

Blegh... I just went to look at the screenshots of this game. More ugly, angular 3d crap. Why are these sorts of visuals considered 'pretty' or 'good'? The game might be great, from a gameplay perspective (I dunno, I haven't played it yet), but it sucks from a visual perspective, from what I see in the screenshots.

Until 3d games can get close to or equal Shrek, they should stick to static hand drawn icons... those at least can look smooth and pretty, even if we only get to see one angle.

Re:Why all the hype?

[Viper118]

You, dear sir, are truly brilliant. I think games should simply stop being made for about 8 years. Then they can start making games that look as good as Shrek. Brilliant...truly.

OK, I'm done ranting. Honestly though, the NWN engine is excellent. It looks good and runs good. Most of the screenshots just do not do it justice. Also, graphics are not the primary aspect that makes a good. It's all in the gameplay. Graphics and sound simply enhance it.

Walk through the Charwood forrest with sun rays pouring down and deer walking by and then tell me it's ugly. :)

Non-Windows gaming

[TheMystic]

Setting aside for the moment how angered I am by Bioware breaking their promise to both the Linux and Mac communities, I would like to remind folks:

Your dollar is your vote.

If every person who is displeased with the fact that Bioware didn't do the simultaneous release they had promised would write an e-mail to the company, chances are that Bioware would take notice.

Even more effective would be to pointedly refuse to buy the game until they release a shrink-wrapped Linux or Mac version. Being truly serious about wanting Microsoft to disappear requires that I never settle for using their software or any that depends on it.

If every geek who wants to run their games under Linux would both tell (with e-mails and such) and show (with actual sales, real money) the game companies that Linux games are in demand, the market would respond accordingly.

Want proof that we have a voice? Check out this article about what happened to the Winmodems in the Wal-mart OS-less PCs after /. and Newsforge folks raised a stink about it.

Re:Tuxgames-not off topic

[Joe Tie.]

OK, for people not aware of the situation, there's a company called tuxgames which sells games for Linux. Right now one of their highest selling items is a game called, yes, neverwinter nights. But, they're not shipping the windows version of neverwinter, which is needed to play the linux version of neverwinter until bioware releasses Linux binaries. This is good because it isn't rewarding bioware for not releasing anything for Linux, which is what happens if Linux users order from anywhere else.

My question was regarding the release mentioned in this article, for whoever was ignorent of the situation and still thought it'd be fun to mod just because they could.

I know it's bad form complaining about moderation, but I'm tired of people coming home drunk late at night and moderating articles they're ignorent of! Now this reply would be sutable for modding down, or up, whatever, but not the parent!

Complaining about windows install

[Anonymous Coward]

Why is everyone complaining that they have to install it on Windows first? You have to play the game on windows anyways, so how hard is it to copy the files that you already have in your windows box?

My NWN Lniux Server is running

[rossz]

Passworded, of course, because I don't want strangers on my realm. It's just for me and my friends.

There are hints of a remote admin utility in the works. Specifically, one of the configuration options is for a remote admin password. Unfortunately, no hints on when this tool will be available. Since my server is headless, I am using "screens" to be able to reconnect to the NWN server interactive mode at will. This solves the problem of my client box not running 24/7 like the server. My wife hates my client box, big ass volcano 7 fan which is rather noisy and right next to our bed. The server is nice and quiet and tucked away in a closet.

Only one major problem really remains. My router, smc 7004abr, doesn't have a good way to redirect a large block of ports. I tried using its "special application" port settings, but that didn't seem to work. Forwarding by specific ports is very limited on the number it can handle.

Re:promise not to tell anyone?

[Anonymous Coward]

Dear YMFT,

Fuck off you pitiful loser.

Kindest regards,
That Guy Who Just Replied To Another Post By You

Help with NWN server

[Anonymous Coward]

Hi everyone. I'm trying to set up the NWN server on my linux box, but it has a slightly older version of GLIBC and i am unable to run the server. I tried making a soft link to the glibc that i'm using but it fails. I tried copying the libstdc++-whatever that it wants off another machine with a newer glibc version and having it use that but it STILL doesn't work. Any clues?

Underestimation

[kosamae]

Reading alot of these posts, I think that alot of you guys are underestimating the linux gaming community, and its size. I mean, look at how many people are transgaming members. They're shelling out good money along with the money the already paid for the games, to be able to run them in Linux. I'm sure most of the guys (other than the idiots who ask questions on the LinuxGames forums that go something like this- "How do you get Quake3/RTCW/UT to run in WineX?") would jump at the chance to be able to play games without the loss of performance, and to not have to pay beyond what they already paid for their games (yeah, I know, you can download the source code for free from SourceForge, but I have personally had trouble compiling it, and getting it to run properly, and I've heard of other people having the same problems). I read someone post that said something to the effect that Linux gamers are about as important to game manufactors as Women over 50 (I think this might have been in the OpenGl 2.0 discussion), and I think that just the fact that companies make a fairly big deal when they release Linux binaries for a game proves that that is not true. Just the fact that MandrakeSoft was actually able to release a "Gaming Edition" without it being a 100% failure proves that we have some power. And plus, the Linux community is a lot more vindictive than the rest of the computer community. When a company does makes some special deal with Microsoft, or does something equally offensive, you have a whole hoarde of Linux people saying not to buy/use/touch/look at their product, for the sake of making a statement or something. I don't think that Bioware is going to want to be smited by the wrath of a few hundred /.ers, and other assorted angry people.

also

[DrSkwid]

I just ran is successfully but hit CTRL-c by accident (windows copy in wrong window!)

When I tried to restart I got an ASSERT error

the server makes a few .something directories and dies if they aren't in a good state

can't tell you which ones, I dumped the whole directory and strated from scratch before I noticed