Today's update introduced a new version of quickplay.  It is currently in beta.  A small percentage of players will be asked if they want to try out the beta, when they press the "Start playing" button.

Here's what you need to know as a server operator:

*         Eligibility rules, maps, etc. have not changed

*         The new system does not utilize the server browser.

*         You might see some extra console spam.

*         Your server must opt into this potential stream of traffic by setting "tf_mm_servermode 1"

*         Regular joins through through other means can coexist with joins through quickplay beta, with one significant shortcoming:  If the first person to join your server joins outside of the new matchmaking system, the system will treat your server is "full".  If the first person to join your server comes in through the matchmaking system, your server will accept players from either source.  This shortcoming will be addressed soon.

So, basically:

*         Set "tf_mm_servermode 1" to avoid missing out on any traffic from the beta matchmaking system.

*         If it causes any problems, then opt out!  That's why it's called "beta!"

From a player perspective, the new system offers two main features:

*         Form a search party with friends and find a server together.

*         Never get matched into an empty server by yourself.  A server will always be seeded with at least N players.  (Currently N = 2 since there will not be many players using the system, but we will increase that over time.)

Thank you!

Your humble servant,
Fletch