The community WormNET server (henceforth, wormnet.net) will be the "main" WormNET server.
Services such as HostingBuddy and WormNAT2 will no longer be available via Team17's legacy WormNET server.
Users connecting to Team17's WormNET will be guided towards the wormnet.net server.
The wormnet.net server will be accessible in-game through the usual means, and also online on https://wormnet.net/.
Accounts
The WormNET server will track user accounts.
WormNET will not have its own authentication method (i.e. it will not store or request passwords). Instead, authentication will be delegated to a third-party platform/identity, such as Steam, GOG Galaxy, TUS, Discord, etc.
One WormNET account can be tied to one or more third-party identities (i.e. you can connect your Steam and Discord account).
The next version of the game will negotiate authentication capability and authenticate users to the WormNET server. For Steam / GOG Galaxy users, this should be transparent. Other authentication methods (using other third-party identity providers) will be supported.
Authentication will remain optional, but interactions between authenticated and non-authenticated connections may be restricted. (Exact rules are subject to change in the future, depending on impact)
Connectivity
The next version of the game will negotiate and enable-by-default WormNAT2-like reverse proxying with the WormNET server. This will allow everyone to host without setting anything up, and will protect their real IP address.
https://wormnet.net/ will allow you to read and send messages to WormNET channels as your own account.
Discord
Most likely, a new Discord server will be created in order to allow Discord users to interact with WormNET.
The Discord server will require meeting some high standard of validation to prevent abuse and lessen moderation pressure (e.g. either use Discord's phone number linking/verification, or link an existing WormNET account which is already linked to some proof-of-purchase for the game itself). Exact details TBD.
The WormNET server will be bridged directly to Discord (i.e. without needing to use a third-party bot).
Ranks
The WormNET server will display ranks for authenticated users.
Ranks will be tied to community-run competitive-play websites (e.g. TUS).
Custom ranks support.
No first-party ranked play for now.
TUS
In-depth WormNET (accounts, ranks, etc.) and TUS integration, details TBA.
