Manage game server update installations by rebooting the OS

[jalho]

The game server seems to have a lot of memory leaks and unpredictable behavior when it comes to trying to terminate it in a controlled, graceful manner. Maybe the only viable way to host a server is to manage installing the updates and restarts via rebooting the OS and letting systemd do them. I.e., when no players on the server and update is available, reboot the OS and let systemd install updates and start the game.

[jalho]

Roadmap

A plan for an incremental rewrite.

revision	description
2025-12-27	Initial roadmap for an incremental rewrite.

0.1.0

• At OS startup, update and launch game server as a systemd managed daemon.

• Out of scope:

  • Web server
  • Database
  • Game server plugins

0.1.1

• Launch game server using parameters read from a database

• Out of scope:

  • Web server

0.1.2

• Serve web app with Steam authentication

• Out of scope:

  • Game server management

0.1.3

• Game server management via web app

[jalho]

Eventually make the server community managed. Track players's activity, and allow some number of sufficiently active players punish some bad behaving player by making an initiative or by voting in one. Collect audit log to keep the players accountable for their votes.

Lehitimacy giving activity could be measured as moved distance per hour on the map during 5 consecutive hours for example. Someone who has played actively for many days should be considered more powerful community member than someone who is just AFK at base.