Server Startup-Shutdown

This page was last reviewed on January 19, 2025.

A server startup is when we open our in-game server so that people can join. However, there are things that you will need to know when starting a server and also when shutting it down.

Server Startup

The process for starting a server startup can be found below. The server startup command is !ssu Advisory The server can be started up after the times listed above. These times indicate the earliest possible starting time for initiating a server startup. However, it's important not to start the server at random times simply because they come after the listed times above.

Server Startup Guidelines

The server startup guidelines must be followed at all times.

• The server should only be started up around 11AM Eastern Time / 4PM British Summer Time on weekdays, and around 9AM Eastern Time / 2PM British Summer Time on the weekends.

• You should not be posting any inappropriate messages within the server startup channel when you run the server startup command.

• Only 1 staff member is required to start the server.

• There should only be one after-message posted in the server startups channel once the server startup command has been run. This message can be something like 'Join up!' or similar.

Server Startup Vote

A server startup vote is required before a server startup can occur. This process involves staff requesting other staff members to join them in starting the server, as a total of 2 staff members are required for the startup. The server startup vote command is !ssuvote Staff members will do a server startup vote within the corresponding channel within the Discord server. All server startup vote guidelines can also be found within that channel. If the server startup vote is successful, you will need to join the in-game server, start your shift, and then run the server startup command. When starting the server, you must join a roleplay voice channel, you cannot sit in public/staff lounges.

Server Low Command

There may be times when the server's player count drops to a level where you will feel the need to use the server low command. This is a secondary ping done within the server startup channel that reminds the community that the server is still up.

Server Low Command Guidelines

There are a few guidelines regarding when the low command should be used. The server low command is !low

• The low command should only be used if the player count drops to around 20 players. It shouldn't be used for a slight drop in the player count of the server.

• The low command should only be used once every few hours. The minimum time between low commands, including from a server startup command, is 2 hours. It cannot be used before this.

• The low command can be used if the server crashes and/or is restarted. Refer to the Server Restart section below for the server restart procedure.

• You should consider the use of the low command before you use it. If you feel like the server is going to be shutdown shortly then do not use the low command.

Server Restart

There may be occasions when the server needs to be restarted due to excessive lag or lag spikes. The process for restarting the server is simple and can be found below. An indication that the server needs to be restarted is when it displays as 'out of date' in the bottom right-hand corner.

Server Restart Process

1. You will first discuss with other staff members to confirm if a server restart is required.

2. If a restart is required, you will post the server restart message that can be found within the In-Game Messages section.

3. You will also post a server restart message within the server startup channel. A default message that is to be used can be found below <a:loading_a:1024367865920499722> **The server is being restarted** <a:loading_a:1024367865920499722> You must not re-join the in-game server until you're instructed to do so.

4. You will then use the :kick all command to kick everyone from the in-game server. You may need to run this command a few times to kick anyone who joins afterwards.

5. You will then ask all other staff members to leave the game and kick anyone who has rejoined. Once you're certain that no one else is joining, you will leave the server yourself. Once you have rejoined, and the server has been restarted, you will post a message stating that the server has been restarted and everyone can rejoin.

6. You may need to use the !low command, but that will depend on the circumstances.

Server Shutdown

The server may be shut down for various reasons, such as the unavailability of staff members or unforeseen events. In such cases, it's important to know how to shut the server down.

Server Shutdown Guidelines

You must follow the guidelines below before doing a server shutdown.

• The server can be shut down for the reason of 'low player count' if there are fewer than 10 players in-game consistently for an extended amount of time.

• The server needs to be shut down if you are the only staff member online and need to head offline, and you have done a staff request but received no response.

• The server can be shut down if you are given instructions from a management member and/or director to initiate a server shut down.

• The server can be shut down if there is a major outage that makes it impossible to join the in-game server. This also applies to any major server lag occurring.

Server Shutdown Process

1. You will check to make sure the server shutdown guidelines are met above.

2. If one of the guidelines above is met, you will release the server shutdown notice message that is situated in the In-Game Messages. section.

3. You will then wait a few minutes before posting the server shutdown message that is situated in the In-Game Messagessection.

4. You will then run the :kick all command and instruct any other staff members to leave the in-game server. Afterward, you will then leave the server yourself and will run the server shutdown command within the server startup channel. The server shutdown command is !ssd.