What is the TWGS?

The Trade Wars Game Server is a stand-alone TCP/IP server that will run Trade Wars 2002 v3 and Trade Wars Gold*.  With this server, Trade Wars will finally leave the confines of the BBS and become an Internet-based online game.

* TWGS requires a specially compiled release of Trade Wars 2002/Gold.  This special version is included with the TWGS distribution.  The gameplay is 100% identical to that of the popular BBS door and the same registration codes can be used in both the BBS door and TWGS releases of Trade Wars.

How can I use TWGS?

Players, gameops, and 3rd party TW developers can use the TWGS.

A player can use TWGS for practice in the safe confines of his/her home PC.  Since TCP/IP-capable helpers can connect to TWGS on a local machine (see the TWGS Client Software list), players can learn a helper's features and test out new strategies before jumping into the fray.

Gameops can use TWGS to offer a set of Trade Wars games to a group of players who connect via an intranet or the Internet.  Although a BBS is NOT required to run TWGS, BBS sysops may wish to offer a TWGS-based game alongside or in place of the BBS door.  The gameplay is the same, but the windows compile of TWGS Trade Wars is much more efficient than the 16 bit DOS door.  Configuration is also MUCH simplified.  Only BBSs with TCP/IP capability can connect users to a TWGS (Wildcat 5, MBBS, etc).

3rd party developers can use TWGS as a test-bed for the development of Trade Wars clients/helpers and external player and gameop utilities

How many sessions will it run?

The maximum number of simultaneous connections that TWGS can handle will vary depending on the operating system and hardware used.  Maximum nodes by operating system are:

Win95/98 - 100 nodes with v1.01+, 16 nodes with v1.00
WinNT4 - 100 nodes

The actual number of nodes that a TWGS can handle concurrently may be limited by the computer's CPU, memory, or bandwidth.

What is TWGS Lite?

TWGS Lite is a special release targeted to players and casual gameops.  The only difference between the TWGS and TWGS Lite is the maximum nodes limitation.  TWGS Lite will only allow 4 simultaneous TCP/IP connections.  This is plenty for players who are honing their skills on a local or intranet game, and for gameops running small games.  More serious gameops may find 4 nodes too limiting.

What equipment will I need?

TWGS is written for Win95/98/NT4.  You must have TCP/IP installed to accept local, intranet, or Internet player connections.  Intranet and Internet-based games require a static IP address assigned to the machine that will host the server.  Internet-based games require a connection from the host machine to the Internet (recommend 56K or better connection).

Minimum recommended machine:

Pentium 75
16 Meg Memory
56K Modem
Win95/98/NT4

How much will it cost?

The Trade Wars Game Server itself costs $25 (for TWGS Lite) and $45 (for full TWGS).  If you already own registrations for Trade Wars 2002, then you need only register TWGS.  If you would like to register Trade Wars 2002 or Trade Wars Gold when you register TWGS, you may do so at a discount.  For example, purchasing TW Gold and TWGS separately would cost $90.  Purchasing them together costs $80.

NOTICE TO MARTECH CUSTOMERS:

EIS has acquired the rights to Trade Wars 2002 from Martech.  We will honor Martech's promise of free upgrades.  If you have EVER registered Martech's Trade Wars 2002, contact us about your free upgrade.

See the ordering information for details about the cost for a specific TWGS package.

Can I test it?

TWGS may be installed in demo mode.  This will allow you to sample the server's performance on your system.  TWGS v1.01 demo mode limits game and edit sessions to 3 minutes, but allows an unlimited number of connections.  Also, 4 nodes can be active at one time.

You can download TWGS v1.01 Beta from this web site.  TWGS v1.00 is no longer available.
 

How can I order TWGS?

You may order TWGS either online via the PayPal.com service, or via normal mail.  Download the order form or use the Order! command under the main TWGS menu. 

Online orders will be processed within a day or two.  Mail-in orders may take a week or more.

Notes about Trade Wars registrations:

Many of you will already own valid Trade Wars registrations.  In this case, only the TWGS registration code must be purchased.  If you do not have your registration code on hand, or you registered an earlier version, contact us about getting a valid v3 code.
 

Links