Part 2 - Gamespy Introduction |
WHAT IS GAMESPY?
So far Ive discussed what deathmatch is and how it works (on Quake 2 servers).
However I have not told you how to actually connect to a Quake 2 server. If you read the
information that is included with Quake 2 they give you some rudimentary information on
how to connect. To do it their way you first have to find some IP addresses of Quake 2
servers (e.g. 145.453.234.23), enter them in, connect, and pray that youre
connection is fast enough to play. There has to be an easier way to do that though, and
lucky for us there is.
Gamespy
(previously called "Qspy") is a Windows 95 program that goes out and
automatically searches for as many Quake 2 (and other 3D shooter game) servers it can find
and then returns with a list of them. The servers are sorted by fastest to slowest
relative to your location. Simply locate a fast server, double click on it, and Gamespy
automatically runs Quake 2, connects to that server, and launches your game! Now that is
easy!!
Even better, the program is shareware which means you can use it for free!!! The makers do accept registration of the program however (for a nominal fee), and registration lets you use some of the more powerful features of Gamespy like chat. However if you just want to use it for locating servers and launching games then you can do that for free.
DOWNLOADING GAMESPY
Before you download Gamepsy make sure that you have the latest version of Quake 2. I
discussed this in Part 1. After that youre ready to go get Gamespy. The links for
downloading the most current version of Gamespy are on my Download
Central page.
Once youve downloaded Gamespy run the program and it will install itself. The installation and setup program is very easy to use. They walk you through it nice and easy so you shouldnt have any trouble. When the program is finished installing, run it. The first time you run Gamespy it will have you setup a few things. Dont worry, it leads you through this part as well as it lead you through the installation process.
Now that youve got Gamespy, lets figure out how to use it! Click the link below to go to the next page.