Game Development Reference
In-Depth Information
server.mydyndns.org”. You then type that address into Minecraft's Add Server
page rather than an IP address. In many cases it's possible to configure the router
to talk to one of the more common dynamic DNS providers, but if not then you
will be able to download a small piece of software from the provider that will keep
the domain-name version of the address up to date and running smoothly even if
your Internet provider changes your external numerical IP address.
Finally, you should take some steps to protect the Minecraft server application to prevent
just anyone logging in:
1.
There's a small chat bar just below the main window log in the server's display.
Type in “/whitelist on”. This ensures only those people specifically approved to ac-
cess the server can log in. If anyone else tries they'll simply be disconnected.
2.
Add the account name (the Mojang or Minecraft account used to log in to the
game) for everyone you want to grant access to the server. Do this by typing “/
whitelist add [playername]”, replacing [playername] with the actual name. The
whitelist is a file contained in the server's directory. If you need to add a lot of
names you can do so just by typing them into the file itself using a plain text edit-
or, each name on a single line. You may need to type “/whitelist reload” to force
the server to recognize the changes to the file when you're done.
3.
Add yourself as an operator so that you can control the server from any Minecraft
client by typing “op [yourname]”. Again, replace the latter part with your actual
account name.
4.
Create a startup script that will automatically restart the Minecraft server if the
power goes down or the server hardware resets.
That'stheessenceofaMinecraftserver.Youcandoalotmorebesides,includingsettingup
a texture pack that will automatically download to anyone who joins, adding Bukkit mods
(see
wiki.bukkit.org
)
, and more, but I'll leave you to discover these on your own. There is
a wealth of material online and a large number of game configuration settings stored in the
server properties file in the server's main directory.
HostingacustomizedMinecraftserveris,perhaps,theultimateexpressionofnotjustplay-
ing, but also optimizing the Minecraft gaming experience and sharing it with others.
The Bottom Line
Minecraft is one of the most open games on the market. From skins to mods to hosting a
server, it's a malleable ball of clay waiting to be shaped by your deft hands.
