Roadmap/WormNET (2023)

• Server
  • 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.