Game Server Hosting in Ubuntu/Docker

Introduction

This project aimed to gain proficiency in setting up and managing game servers, enabling me to provide hosting services to others while facilitating private multiplayer game sessions for friends and family. The two game servers created for this project were for Assetto Corsa, a popular racing game, and Minecraft, one of the most played games of all time.

The deployment of these servers involved a combination of containerization (for Minecraft) and manual server setup (for Assetto Corsa). By utilizing Docker and Ubuntu, I streamlined the deployment process and ensured easy management of server resources.

Game Server Deployment

Minecraft Server (Spigot)

For Minecraft, I deployed a containerized Spigot server using Docker on my existing virtual machines (VMs). Docker made the process incredibly easy by automating the installation and version control. The containerization allows for rapid updates and easy migration of the server, making management hassle-free.

Assetto Corsa Server (ACSM)

For Assetto Corsa, I manually installed the ACSM server on a virtual machine. ACSM is a commercial software that provides an intuitive dashboard for server management, including user and mod control. This approach allowed for more control over hardware performance compared to paying for a dedicated server.

The manual installation process involved configuring the server to best suit the racing community's needs, including automating startup scripts to ensure reliable server uptime.

Tools and Technologies

1. Docker: Used for containerizing the Minecraft Spigot server, simplifying server management, updates, and scalability.
2. Proxmox: Virtualization platform used for managing VMs and containers.
3. Ubuntu: The operating system on which both game servers were hosted.
4. ACSM: A commercial dashboard for Assetto Corsa, offering powerful features for server management and mod control.

Community and Leadership

Beyond technical skills, this project played a vital role in fostering community engagement. Hosting game servers brought friends and family together for memorable multiplayer sessions. The experience not only enhanced my technical expertise but also helped me hone leadership and community-building skills, as I managed server uptime, mod updates, and player engagement.

Future Directions

This project ignited my passion for game server hosting. Moving forward, I plan to expand my skills to host servers for a wider variety of games. By leveraging my knowledge of Docker, Proxmox, and Linux, I envision creating a more reliable and accessible platform for gamers, scaling my services to a broader audience.

Conclusion

This project was a hands-on journey that enhanced my technical, leadership, and community-building skills. The combination of Minecraft and Assetto Corsa servers allowed me to explore both containerized and manual deployment methods. The experience has fueled my interest in expanding my server hosting capabilities for other gaming communities.