Halo 2 - connection host?

[Sodman74]

Hey, does anybody know What determines who is the connection host in online games of halo 2? It would be handy to know since its such a big advantage, but I have no idea how to be the host! I would be guessing it is based on who has the fastest upload speed, but that is just a stab in the dark to be honest.

[Shaldares]

I found an article on bungie's website about this, I have not played halo online but have played similar games, so I do not know if this only applies to matchmaking or to other types as well. Assuming that you are able to make your own game, I would assume that the connection host would be the same as the game host, as it is in most online games that I have played.

First, the matchmaking system determines the host automatically and invisibly (this is true for all Halo 2 games, not just matchmade). Second, the host of a matchmade game has no option to end the game, all he can do is leave the game. Finally, if the host leaves, powers off, loses his connection, whatever, a new host is automatically chosen and the game continues without him (we call this host migration).

The article does not state how this decision is made, only that it is made automatically and anonymously.

[Sodman74]

Thanks for the reply. I have a hunch it has something to do with connection, but its only a hunch. I dont think its random as i know people who get selected as host 4 times out of 5 in matchmade games, and people who are never selected as host. hmmmm

[YounGGunS 78]

Old topic, but just to give you a definate answer in case your still looking for it :

Host is decided on Halo 2 by the player(s) with the fastest connection at the start of each game...If you hold Back on your controller as the game launches in multiplayer the list of players will show up, the player(s) who's name comes up first without the Red X beside it is the Host...
I say player's because sometimes 2 Hosts are chosen if one is not sufficient enough to support a game. Ever noticed that sometimes when you are playing Halo 2 you get what they call the "Blue Screen" and it says something like "please wait while we establish a connection" or something along those lines, what that is, while in the middle of a game, is the host leaving and Halo searching for a new host in the game.

Hope that helped ya.

[Sixty_Niner]

YoungGuns is right, but just to clarify further, YoungGuns said the person with "fastest connection speed"... to be absolutely clear here, the UPLOAD and DOWNLOAD speed of each player is measured. The UPLOAD speed is actually the determining factor... because if you think about, assuming you are the Host, the if your XBOX is controlling the co-ordinates of you and 7 other players... it has to have the upload speed and bandwidth to send those 8 sets of game environment information to the 7 other players involved (in an 8 player game). Note.... Map information / player physics is not broadcast / controlled from the host xbox... just basic informtion like the co-ordinates of each player on the map... each players x-box is repsonsible for rendering that information in the map...

Ironically, even in a custom made game between you and your friend, which have set up and in which you are the party leader, you are still not guarnateed to be the host of that game. If your friend has a quicker connection speed (and especially an upload speed), he will host the game.

Finally, if you are in Rumble training (where Xbox Live players can bring guests) and if the other 7 players are legitimate players WITH guests and you are the only player without a guest, xbox Live will ALWAYS without fail, give you the host. Bungie have decided that you if you bring a friend onto xbox live with you, you will NEVER get to host a game. Therefore, if all other players in the pregame lobby have guests with them (and you dont), then you will ALWAYS get the host (note, this only happens in games where guests are allowed (team training, rumble pit etc.)



Hope this helps...
Ger

P.S. By cheating, you can ensure that you or your team mate will ALWAYS get host, by a process called "Bridging". Its not recommended, not easy to set up and I think Bungie will ban you from xbox live if they catch you doing it.

P.P.S. Gamertag "SharperKiller".... look me up and we'll have a few games. Not great at it mind you.