A virtual private server (VPS) is a web hosting system that splits a single server into smaller, separated parts. It is an ideal way for gaming communities to create and play together.
Users don't share RAM or storage space, and you're given incredible freedom in what you can install. But there are some things to consider before purchasing this service.
In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about owning your own VPS. We'll highlight the pros and cons, the dos and don'ts, ensuring you get the best value for money and the best experience for your gaming!
The advantages of VPS for gaming
Whether you play Minecraft or Rust, ARK or CS:GO, a VPS is a great way to help gather your community. It can help create a safe, reliable way to collaborate and play. There are many advantages to using a VPS, including:
1. Improved performance
Games require vast amounts of RAM and CPU to run optimally. A VPS offers you and your users dedicated resources. This translates into lower latency, higher performance, and guaranteed uptime.
A VPS can always be customized to your needs. If, for example, your server enjoys a sudden spike in activity, you can purchase more resources to maintain a high level of performance. Similarly, you can readjust your resources to reduce services or redistribute resources for a lower population of players.
2. Protection
A VPS gaming server will be isolated from other clients on the server, making it incredibly secure and private and more than capable of protecting your community's personal information and login details.
Although you must be vigilant in updating and maintaining your server, many providers offer managed VPS hosting to ensure the latest protections and maintenance are in effect.
3. Value for money
A VPS is the middle-ground between shared and dedicated hosting plans, making it an excellent option for small to medium-sized gaming communities keen to grow their population.
You can enjoy many services and features of a dedicated server without breaking the bank.
Similarly, you'll have dedicated resources that set it wildly apart from shared hosting plans.
Our advice? Start small and only invest more resources and upgrade features when your population grows, thus maximizing your return on investment.
The disadvantages
There are, of course, some things to consider when choosing a VPS. Be mindful of the following:
1. Location
The physical location of your VPS server can determine the speed and smoothness of your player's gaming experiences. The further away a player is, the longer it will take for information to be sent and received to the server.
This is important for fast-paced games like CS:GO, where low latency is critical to high-quality gameplay. When choosing a server location, pick a location close to the most people.
That said, using a cloud VPS might be a good idea if your community is scattered worldwide.
Players can then use your server, regardless of location, while keeping latency low and leveling the playing field.
2. Time & effort
Setting up a VPS does require a certain degree of technical skills to pull off. That's because you're given full root access to the server and are in charge of installing and configuring everything.
Additionally, you'll need to be comfortable monitoring and updating your server and be able to analyze server performance. That said, many VPS providers offer easy-to-install templates to accommodate the most common games like Minecraft, Rust, and more.
Also, remember that players will expect new content regularly. You must devote significant time to researching the latest plugins, features, anti-cheat technology, and more to keep players engaged.
3. Additional costs
Although a VPS offers a cheaper alternative to dedicated servers, it can still be an expensive option with hidden costs.
Take the operating system, for example. Systems like Linux are open-source and free to use, while others, like Windows OS, will require an additional license fee.
Also worth noting is that you may want a dedicated domain name to help users log in instead of using an IP address. You may need to pay extra for the URL and registration, adding to the cost of maintaining your VPS.
