This is an updated version of the original article. Some things have changed please read.
We have listened to the community regarding the roll out of the latest update and we have made some changes to make sure the solution works for everyone. The TLDR is that the added security feature is now optional. This means an Admin of an event can choose to run the event with or without the added protection. Please read below how this works for both admins and drivers.
We have added an optional layer of protection to SGP events by making them accessible only to those who have signed up.
It’s no secret that ACC is the most popular game on SGP and it’s no secret that there has been an update to the ACC server recently to try and add some protection to servers. While this does provide some protection there is still a need to publicly expose critical information in public, therefore leaving the door open for some issues. We have added some additional steps on SGP to ensure that no sensitive information needs to be shared to protect your events.
We’ll look at the three steps necessary to run and join ACC events on SGP moving forward. These steps are:
Step 1 - Setting up events - UPDATED 21/07/2022
If you wish to add additional server protection you can now select the "Server Protection" option in the event setup screen. Enabling this option means your drivers will need to login from their gaming PC before the server launch. This will enable SGP to detect the computer which is participating in the event. Some things to note:
Step 2 - Adding spectators - **This is now required for all events!**
This is a new step that allows you to appoint spectators to your events. These can be anything from broadcasters, race stewards etc. Only admins of the community can add spectators, this is to ensure that you don’t get just random people signing up and taking unnecessary server slots. Side note - Another benefit of appointing spectators before the race means that they don't appear in race results for AC and RaceRoom.
Adding spectators to an event is exactly the same procedure as adding drivers to an entry list, the only difference being that you select members from the new spectators tab. To add spectators to an event an admin must take the following steps:
1- Click the spectators tab
2 - Click the add members button
3 - You will see three options:
Select from community - Select members from your member list
Select from past event - Select members from previous events
Select from Championship - Select from members of previous championships
For this example we will select from community.
4 - Select the members you wish to add to your spectators list using the check boxes next to the members name (the red boxes are hiding sensitive information, you won’t see them on your community member list). You can use the search box to find members quicker.
5 - hover over the Added members button in the top right of the page. This will display a list of members to take to your event
6 - Click the “to event” button. This will take you back to the spectator list on your event page
7 - Click the “add selected participants” button
8 - Congrats! Your spectators have been added to the event.
Spectators must be on the spectator list before the server starts, just like driver entries. If they aren’t on this list then they won’t be able to see the server in game.
Step Three - Joining an event. (DRIVERS)
UPDATED 21/07/2022 - If your event admin has selected server protection you will need to follow the steps below. You will know if your event has server protection enabled as a message will appear at the top of your screen after you have selected your car. If your event doesn't have added security you can use SGP and join events as you currently do.
To join an event with added security enabled on ACC we have added one simple step to make sure the event you are joining is as secure as possible. From now on you have to log into Simracing.gp on the computer you plan to join the race from before the start of the race. For most people this isn’t even an issue, almost all the drivers are logged into sgp before the race anyway to get server passwords or check event configurations etc. Remember the following:
Once you have logged into SGP head over to ACC and search for your server in the server list. If you are on the driver entry list or spectator list your server will show up as usual. Anyone not on either of the lists before the start of the server start simply won’t see the server.
So that’s setting up and joining an ACC race, how about the other games on SGP.
We have added similar functionality to both AC and RaceRoom. In AC, when you add someone to the spectator list they will be assigned a generic car and will occupy a server slot. Again, if you are not on either list before the server starts you won’t be able to join.
The same goes for RaceRoom. If your name’s not on the lists you’re not getting on the server.
Similar support will come for AMS2 in the future but for now that’s how you set up and join SGP races. To recap. Admins, set up races as usual, add additional security if required, don’t forget to add spectators. Drivers, if your race has additional security enabled just remember to be logged into SGP from the computer you are starting the race from before the server launches.
We hope you appreciate that these short extra steps provide a more stable experience across the platform. Good luck in your upcoming races and have fun.
