Vidensdatabase

As we prepare to sunset our operations, we understand that migrating to a new hosting provider can be challenging. To assist you in this process, we have compiled a list of recommended MUD hosting providers that you might consider for your new home. Each provider offers unique features and services that can cater to different needs.

1. Vineyard MUD Hosting (Our Recommended Provider)
   • Website: https://vineyard.haus 
   • Details: Vineyard MUD Hosting is owned and operated by a Third Generation patron and active community member, Opie, who we highly recommend. His MUD hosting service provides a relatively similar experience to Third Generation's control panel environment providing support for codebases in addition to your websites. Opie is actively engaged with the MU* community providing excellent support in addition to migration assistance for customer's moving to his service. Vineyard Hosting is dedicated to ensuring a smooth transition for our clients.
     
     
2. Genesis MUD Hosting
   • Website: https://www.genesismuds.com
   • Details: Genesis MUD Hosting specializes in providing tailored hosting solutions for all genres of MU* games. One of the oldest active remaining MU* providers, Genesis MUD Hosting ensures a smooth and uninterrupted gaming experience for players. They offer a range of hosting plans that can accommodate both small and large MUD games, with flexible options to scale resources as needed. Their support team provides knowledge and experience as they've been a long-term involved community member.
     
     
3. Dune Internet Hosting
   • Website: http://www.dune.net
   • Details: Dune Internet provides premium Linux-based mud hosting and talker hosting services at reasonable rates. Whether you are looking for a reliable, scalable host for an existing mud or talker, or just looking to start a new adventure, Dune Internet has affordable hosting packages to suit your project.
     
     
4. WyldWare Hosting
   • Website: https://wyldware.com
   • Details: WyldWare is primarily a MUSH host provider who offers detailed insight and experience for TinyMU*, PennMUSH, Evennia, and RHost codebases. Their hosting packages include installation support for the codebase in addition to web application support such as MediaWiki and WordPress sites.
     
     
5. MushPark Hosting
   • Website: https://www.mushpark.com 
   • Details: MushPark is a older and respected hosting provider that has been around over 20 years providing installation and in-depth support for many MUSH and MUX codebases. They have a detailed knowledge of the TinyMU*, PennMUSH, and RHost codebases.
     
     

Alternative MUD Hosting Solutions

If you're looking for a more independent solution, a Virtual Private Server (VPS) offers several advantages for hosting your MU* projects, codebases, and websites.

Checkout our VPS Hosting Provider recommendations - https://support.thirdhosting.com/index.php?rp=/knowledgebase/25/Recommended-VPS-Providers.html 

Migrating Your MUD to a New Hosting Provider

To migrate your MUD, begin by signing up with your chosen hosting provider. Export a full backup of your existing account, including your home folder, databases, and configuration files, similar to a standard web hosting migration. Once your data is restored on the new server, you may need to recompile your source code to match the compiler versions supported by the new provider. Adjustments to compiler options or dependencies may also be required to ensure compatibility with the provider’s operating system and software environment. After confirming your MUD is running correctly, update your domain registration by transferring your domain and changing its Name Servers to point to the new host, ensuring uninterrupted player access.

MUD Hosting Migration Checklist

1. Sign Up with a New Hosting Provider

   • Choose a provider that supports the operating system, software, and compiler versions your MUD requires.

   • Confirm the VPS or hosting plan has sufficient resources for your MUD’s player base.

2. Export a Full Backup from Your Current Account

   • Back up your home folder, configuration files, and databases.

   • Include any custom scripts or plugins required for your MUD environment.

3. Restore Data on the New Server

   • Upload your backup to the new server.

   • Use your provider’s import tools, or if they provide cPanel, follow the standard Restore Full Backup procedure.

   • Following the control panel restore process should automatically import any databases.

4. Recompile Source Code (If Needed)

   • Verify the compiler version on the new server. (gcc --version)

   • Recompile your MUD’s source code to match the available compiler and library versions.

   • Adjust dependencies and compiler options as required for compatibility.

   • If your source code fails to compile, try older legacy versions of GCC or 32-bit libraries if available.

   • Code may need to be updated to support newer operating systems, or seek a provider with a legacy OS. (< CentOS 7)

5. Test Your MUD Environment

   • Start the server and ensure all core functions, scripts, and modules operate correctly.

   • Verify database connections, logging, and user accounts.

6. Transfer Your Domain

   • Obtain the domain’s EPP code from Third Generation and initiate a transfer to your new registrar.

   • Update the domain’s Name Servers to point to the new provider.

7. Final Verification

   • Confirm your MUD is fully operational and accessible to players.

   • Double-check all DNS propagation and services before fully decommissioning the old account.