[crossfire] Metalforge server RC v1.12.0 EoL (approx: Jan-2025)

[Rick Tanner]

**Metalforge Server RC v1.12.0 Update**

**September 2003 – January 2025**

The current Metalforge Crossfire Server is scheduled to go offline 
around January 2025.

Changes in hosting requirements have made it impossible to continue 
running the server in its current form. The v1.12.0 code base depends on 
outdated packages and an operating system version that no longer meets 
the minimum requirements of the updated hosting architecture. 
Furthermore, new hosting policies prohibit the use of these older 
software components.

I am currently exploring the possibility of migrating existing player 
files to a new server. However, transitioning to the latest Trunk 
development code base will introduce the following changes:

- **Guilds**: All guilds will be purged and reset.

- **Skills and Experience Levels**: Players will lose a significant 
amount of experience and levels (the exact amount is yet to be 
determined).

- **Apartments**: Some apartment maps may experience issues. Updates to 
movement code and the use of outdated archetypes could result in tiles 
blocking player movement (e.g., grates that previously allowed movement 
may now block it). These issues will need to be addressed on a 
case-by-case basis.



These compatibility issues have been documented on the website:

http://www.metalforge.net/compatibility/index.html)



Further updates will be posted as progress is made or in response to 
questions here.

- Rick Tanner
leaf at real-time.com