This is an extract from our server rules. I know many of you dissagree with this stance and this topic has probably been somewhat done to death but I call for those who agree with this opinion to speak up as well as all those who will no doubt flame the hell out of me for it.
This thread is intended to be about basecamping in all its forms and history, not about anything else such as TKing (which we all know is worse) or stat padding (which is completly different).
The =|DMZ|= position on base-camping:
The origin of base-camping
Since the advent of multiplayer FPS gaming there have been player spawn points. Some players have always exploited these spawn points, as they can be certain of finding targets around them. As a player spawns they typically have to orientate themselves, this leaves them vulnerable to players who have camped near the spawn point.
'Spawn camping' has become a major issue throughout the FPS gaming communities and as the games have developed so have the techniques. In the days of 'Doom' multiplayer (Deathmatch) maps would include several spawn points and locate them in out of the way areas in an effort to discourage the spawn-camper - this had only limited success. When later games introduced more player objectives such as 'capture the flag', camping extended to other areas. This was also frowned upon, but it was still the spawn-campers that were most hated. Later games (such as the Battlefield series) introduced 'bases' (clusters of spawn points that could be captured) which introduced 'base-camping' (waiting at an enemy base to target spawning players) and 'base-raping' (same as base-camping but with a power weapon/vehicle such as an attack helicopter).
The DMZ has a very clear understanding of what constitutes unfair behaviour in these situations in Battlefield 2.
Base-camping
This is not only permitted but actively supported. Many weapons in BF2 are designed for the task. Sniper rifles are a prime example, they are meant for targeting a location where targets are expected. This could be a friendly base that could be attacked, a popular route where enemy walk or an enemy base. The battlefield games have several spawn points within each base so any sniper will need to aim, this means that although they are base-camping they are not effectively spawn-camping (in the traditional 'Deathmatch' sense).
Base-raping
In Battlefield Vietnam helicopters were introduced to the FPS world. It became possible for a circling helicopter to effectively spawn-camp all spawn locations within a base. While this is not cheating it could be considered unfair. A counter argument to this is that it is possible to spawn at a different base if necessary. This led to many (sometimes quite complex) rules on servers in an attempt to make games fairer for all.
Helicopters in BF2 are of a different bread however. The game designers have made the flight physics more accurate (so it is harder to circle around a spot) and made them easier to damage. They have also introduced features to ease team-play which greatly helps combat these tactics.
In addition to both of the above BF2 has the commander function. Enemy troops and vehicles can be spotted by all but none more easily than by the commander. Snipers and campers can be located quickly and easily and their positions communicated to all. Attacking power vehicles can be spotted and targeted by many; making them vulnerable.
Artillery
Other BF2 servers enforce rules to stop commanders from using their artillery on enemy main bases. These are bases that cannot be captured by the opposite team (marked on the minimap by a line through a red circle graphic). The DMZ does not uphold any such rule. The artillery is there at the commanders disposal, and as the developers of BF2 had no intention of stopping this action, neither do we. If you dont like it - destroy their artillery - its not hard! It also takes long periods of time to reload the artillery, which gives you plenty of time to escape the main base.
To sum up - We at the DMZ do not have a rule prohibiting base-camping/raping or main base artillery strikes as we feel that with the developments in the game it is no longer a sufficiently unfair tactic.
Our MPs (server admins) will not punish players for actions that many would brand 'camping', however, be aware that they are likely to punish those who swear at, insult or in any other way abuse players for such actions (this includes calling people 'noobs' or the like).
This thread is intended to be about basecamping in all its forms and history, not about anything else such as TKing (which we all know is worse) or stat padding (which is completly different).
The =|DMZ|= position on base-camping:
The origin of base-camping
Since the advent of multiplayer FPS gaming there have been player spawn points. Some players have always exploited these spawn points, as they can be certain of finding targets around them. As a player spawns they typically have to orientate themselves, this leaves them vulnerable to players who have camped near the spawn point.
'Spawn camping' has become a major issue throughout the FPS gaming communities and as the games have developed so have the techniques. In the days of 'Doom' multiplayer (Deathmatch) maps would include several spawn points and locate them in out of the way areas in an effort to discourage the spawn-camper - this had only limited success. When later games introduced more player objectives such as 'capture the flag', camping extended to other areas. This was also frowned upon, but it was still the spawn-campers that were most hated. Later games (such as the Battlefield series) introduced 'bases' (clusters of spawn points that could be captured) which introduced 'base-camping' (waiting at an enemy base to target spawning players) and 'base-raping' (same as base-camping but with a power weapon/vehicle such as an attack helicopter).
The DMZ has a very clear understanding of what constitutes unfair behaviour in these situations in Battlefield 2.
Base-camping
This is not only permitted but actively supported. Many weapons in BF2 are designed for the task. Sniper rifles are a prime example, they are meant for targeting a location where targets are expected. This could be a friendly base that could be attacked, a popular route where enemy walk or an enemy base. The battlefield games have several spawn points within each base so any sniper will need to aim, this means that although they are base-camping they are not effectively spawn-camping (in the traditional 'Deathmatch' sense).
Base-raping
In Battlefield Vietnam helicopters were introduced to the FPS world. It became possible for a circling helicopter to effectively spawn-camp all spawn locations within a base. While this is not cheating it could be considered unfair. A counter argument to this is that it is possible to spawn at a different base if necessary. This led to many (sometimes quite complex) rules on servers in an attempt to make games fairer for all.
Helicopters in BF2 are of a different bread however. The game designers have made the flight physics more accurate (so it is harder to circle around a spot) and made them easier to damage. They have also introduced features to ease team-play which greatly helps combat these tactics.
In addition to both of the above BF2 has the commander function. Enemy troops and vehicles can be spotted by all but none more easily than by the commander. Snipers and campers can be located quickly and easily and their positions communicated to all. Attacking power vehicles can be spotted and targeted by many; making them vulnerable.
Artillery
Other BF2 servers enforce rules to stop commanders from using their artillery on enemy main bases. These are bases that cannot be captured by the opposite team (marked on the minimap by a line through a red circle graphic). The DMZ does not uphold any such rule. The artillery is there at the commanders disposal, and as the developers of BF2 had no intention of stopping this action, neither do we. If you dont like it - destroy their artillery - its not hard! It also takes long periods of time to reload the artillery, which gives you plenty of time to escape the main base.
To sum up - We at the DMZ do not have a rule prohibiting base-camping/raping or main base artillery strikes as we feel that with the developments in the game it is no longer a sufficiently unfair tactic.
Our MPs (server admins) will not punish players for actions that many would brand 'camping', however, be aware that they are likely to punish those who swear at, insult or in any other way abuse players for such actions (this includes calling people 'noobs' or the like).