I noticed a couple of maps in BG42 where the bots don't move, so I removed them from the map list: 4410-debrecen and 4406-pegasus_bridge. If anyone has the urge to try debugging the AI in those maps, by all means have a run at them.

After careful consideration, I have decided to bring TPU back online, with some changes. No punitive actions will be taken at this time, although that is still a possibility if things don't calm down.

The team ratio on all TPU maps is now 3:1 instead of 2:1. Since I cannot force players to play co-operatively or to avoid disrupting each other, I have decided to adjust the server parameters, with the hope that this will make co-operative play necessary in order to win. At the very least, I hope that this change will force players to break out of their habits and find new ways to play, win, and have fun on TPU.

I will continue to monitor the situation on TPU and will make additional changes if necessary.

Meanwhile, I'd like to encourage all players, especially the admins, to be more respectful of each other. Don't assume another player is trying to disrupt your gameplay. Instead, try asking them politely to play in a way that allows everyone to enjoy themselves. They may not even realize what they are doing is disruptive. If another player asks you to adjust your gameplay, respect their wishes, get creative, and find a way to win the battle while allowing everyone to have fun.

Finally, take a moment to think about the soldiers in WWII who never saw combat. Some soldiers in the 101st airborne in Europe never saw any action, despite being dropped into Normandy and Holland, and being in Bastogne. I'm sure some of these guys felt cheated. I'm sure some of them wanted desperately to see action, and I'm sure they talked about it. But did they accuse the guys who saw action of stealing their fun? I doubt it. Some jobs in war are less heroic than others. Someone has to man the artillery. Someone has to transport vehicles. Someone has to guard lonely outposts. If your team wins, you win, regardless of the way it happened and how many kills you got.

Here's Techdirt's take on a recent post at MediumDifficulty that describes one family's efforts to get past useless DRM just to play a game. Fun stuff.

TPU is down while I investigate a series of disruptions and possible admin abuse. If these issues can be resolved, TPU will be back up in a few days. Otherwise, it's down for good. Sorry about this.

The developers of Forgotten Hope 2 recently released a new set of server files (version 2.5.776a). There are a few bug fixes and a few changes that should make crashing less frequent. I've installed the new version on the TPU BF2 server. Let me know if you notice any problems.

By popular demand, TPU is switching from DCX back to DCFinal on Tuesdays, until further notice.

Apparently, Ubisoft has dropped the always-connected requirement for its future PC games. It's difficult to be certain of the motive for this welcome change, but the recent public backlash against the UPlay DRM probably had something to do with it.

Whether this is an attempt to stem the tide of negative publicity, or a genuine rethinking of DRM policies, remains to be seen, but the full Sep 5 RPS interview with Ubisoft execs seems to show that opinions are divided. In any case, it is encouraging to hear that at least some of Ubisoft's management has finally realized that DRM is ineffective at preventing piracy, and only serves to annoy paying customers.

Sisko recently pointed me to a BF42 mod I hadn't previously heard of: Silent Heroes. It's modern combat, with choppers and other modern weapons, between Sweden and Norway. It includes several new maps (all based in the warring countries) as well as modified versions of many of the classic BF42 maps.

Most of the maps have co-op support (bots), so this mod would be a good fit for TPU.

So, let's hear it. What do you think about the idea of trying this mod on a future Wildcard Wednesday on TPU?

I'm starting to lose track of all the boneheaded blunders coming from Ubisoft.

The latest fiasco? Apparently their pointless DRM software - aka UPlay - includes a security hole so huge that it must be some kind of record. With this software installed on your Windows PC (required if you want to play any of their more recent games), your computer is wide open to attacks from any web site. No special hacking skills required. Immediate and complete access to your computer.

Luckily for Ubisoft, this particular hole was easy to fix, and they issued a patch right away. Of course, you have to install the patch to fix the hole. But there's a larger issue: if Ubisoft feels it necessary to force you to install their DRM crapware, they should really hire competent programmers. Who knows how many other holes exist in this software? I'll bet the black hat hackers are looking at the UPlay code right now, rubbing their hands together gleefully.

Anyone who's been reading this site for a while may remember that I previously recommended boycotting Ubisoft games for the PC. Needless to say, that recommendation has not changed.

Additional details:

• Slashgear
• Seclists

The Road To Rome map Baytown was causing client crashes, so I reverted the server map back to the original, basic TPU mods, bumping up tank and plane spawns, and it seems to be okay now. If anyone is still having problems with it, please let me know.