Ability to limit number of players that may join a MP game

[JDW]

Many online players prefer to play 8 player maps in a slightly different manner. They try to limit the number of players in the match to 6 (3v3), or sometimes even 4 (2v2). This is done mainly to avoid a lag created by the shear number of clients.

But then what happens is, a client can join the game from the lobby at any time, which gets frustrating for the host (who is trying to host a 8P map for less than 8 players) because he can't set any setting anywhere that will prevent any more players from joining his hosted game. And so people usually keep popping in, and the host ends up having to kick every single one of them, and hope that no one else joined in at the last second when he clicks on the 'Ready" checkbox.

The other problem is faced by the unwanted client because, well, they end up getting 'kicked', as the host will most likely never have the patience to ask anyone to leave. This is an unnecessary annoyance for the client because he will not be able to get back into the lobby easily. And quite unfair since he/she wasn't spamming any games.

Current fix by hosts:
Hosts usually name their games as "NTW MAX 6!!!". But that almost never works, and people still keep joining in.

Suggestion:
If the host moves the AI slider of a slot to OFF, then make it so that that slot is switched off to everyone in the lobby as well. And also displaying, in the lobby, the map as (6/6) instead of (6/8), that is if two AI slots have been switched off (just an example). (6/8) looks very inviting , but very disappointing when unwanted additional clients end up getting kicked.

IMO, by this method, not only will the host be happy, but also will the unwanted clients. The host won't need to kick clients too often than they do now, and those same clients won't feel frustrated from getting kicked whence casually browsing the lobby.

[KukY]

Yes, yes and yes!!!

[Assault Gunner]

Hell, its about time.

[Verin]

I would love to be able to do that. Some maps are best played with only 6 players.

[JDW]

hao just informed me that this has been already suggested before,
viewtopic.php?f=30&t=5429&start=0

I apologize for the repeat. I had only searched with the keyword "kicked", which is why I didn't find it earlier before posting this suggestion. Honest mistake.

[tmp500]

yes this would be useful!