/host

Used to create a new LFG Post for the game you currently have open.

Tip: in order to use /host, users must first run /register to link a Steam Profile!

The basics

/host is the backbone of the Steam LFG Service, enabling users to rapidly deploy LFG requests to their communities with ease. This feature utilizes the Steam Browser Protocol allowing us to attach buttons to posts, which automatically join users to lobbies and send friend requests to hosts!

The purpose of the Steam LFG Service was to ease the process of connecting users on the worlds most accessible gaming platform to users on the worlds most accessible communication platform. All whilst enabling enhanced user customization and visibility of their LFG Posts for any game.

Usage

In order to access this command visit any text or thread channel and type /, then select /host.

Upon running /host you will be prompted to provide a number of optional parameters. We use these to build your new LFG Post, providing no parameters will only use our default description. It is required to have any Steam Game open whilst using this command, in order to query game info.

Each parameter provides a brief description for what is required.

In order to use /host users must also maintain a public Steam Profile, learn more below:

/registerSteam LFG Service

Visit this link to be directed to the steps required to maintain a public Steam Profile.

Available Parameters

The below options are currently available to customize your LFG Posts to your needs:

Tip: the below parameters can be added or changed at anytime by running /modify.

💬 Description

This parameter is optional, used to provide a overview of your plans for in-game. If you do not provide a description, one will be provided stating you are looking for players.

Brief overview of your plans, 1024 characters or less in length.

Tip: see the below steps for formatting a post like the below image did!

• Quote Blocks: type '> ' (with a space) before your desired set of text

• Italics: surround words in single stars '*word*' to italicize it

• Bold: surround words in double stars '**word**' to bolden it

📜 Rules

This parameter is optional, for those who prefer a well regulated gaming experience, we offer the option to provide guidelines to users when playing. If nothing is provided, this field will not be added to your LFG Post.

Overview of restrictions players are expected to abide by upon joining Lobby or Server.

Tip: see the below steps for formatting a post like the below image did!

• Quote Blocks: type '> ' (with a space) before your desired set of text

• Italics: surround words in single stars '*word*' to italicize it

• Bold: surround words in double stars '**word**' to bolden it

🔑 Password

This parameter is optional, for those lobbies which you prefer to remain private, we offer the option to provide the key to enter. Certain games make you connect to lobbies using IPs. If this is the case, the generated Connect Link will include the password on join for users.

Password of Lobby or Server to allow joining.

Tip: see the below steps for formatting a post like the below image did!

• Quote Blocks: type '> ' (with a space) before your desired set of text

• Italics: surround words in single stars '*word*' to italicize it

• Bold: surround words in double stars '**word**' to bolden it

🖼️ Banner

This parameter is optional, for those who wish to further customize their LFG Posts by providing a static image or animated gif. This option supports providing a URL to any major supported file extension such as .png, .jpg, or .gif. If you do not provide a banner, one will be provided using the game's currently listed Steam Store banner image.

A link to an image or gif for your LFG Post's banner, otherwise it will be the Game Store banner.

Above pictured is a completed LFG Post, translating your parameters into a formatted embed.

Results

Upon providing any of the above parameters or by simply running /host, you will be presented with a embed, a formatted response. Attached to this will be buttons for any user to engage with.

• 🕹️ Join Game: This button will be generated if a user is in an active lobby or server. The purpose of this button is to automatically launch your Steam Client, into the host's listed game's match. This is only possible if the game supports joining through the Steam API. (Ex: Join Link) (Ex: Connect Link)

• 👥 Add Host as Friend: This button will be generated for every new LFG Post regardless of if a user is in an active lobby or server. The purpose of this button is to automatically launch your Steam Client, and send a friend request to the host. We provide the host's steam image in the top right of the LFG Post in order to help identify their profile once added. (Ex: Friend Link)

• 👍🏼: This button be generated for every new LFG Post and is used to give or remove given Karma. Users who press this on your LFG Posts give +1 Karma, a form of rating for hosts. Karma for a host will be displayed in the LFG Post footer, updating when the button is pressed. Global and Server leaderboards can be accessed at anytime by running /karma.

• 🔔: This button be generated for every new LFG Post and is used to subscribe to a host for notifications. Users who press this on your LFG Posts, will be automatically informed via Direct Message whenever you host for said LFG Post's game. For further info refer to /notify.

• 🗑️: This button will be generated for every new LFG Post and is used to delete said post from the server as well as the Global LFG Network if listed. This may be used only be the host of the LFG Post as well as any user or role with the Administrator or Manage Channels permissions. Admins may also manually delete the post by right clicking and selecting Delete Post, this will not harm the LFG process.

Upon creation of a LFG Post a thread will be created and attached, allowing for users to discuss in-game plans away from the main LFG channel. This is very useful, as those who join the thread serve as a notice to hosts of someone being interested in playing with them. These threads provide an area discussion in an easy to access location without cluttering existing LFG channels.

Joined the Thread by selecting the small rectangle below the post. The newest message inside is displayed here as well.

Above is a representation of confirmation for when using the 👍🏼 button. Pressing a second time, removes karma given.

Above is a representation of confirmation for when using the 🔔 button. Pressing a second time, removes the subscription.

Within a LFG Post's thread is attached your original post's content to help coordinate in-game plans without having to return to the primary LFG channel. As well as the above mentioned buttons, included is a new button to close the thread.

• 🔔: This button has the same function as seen on the LFG Post as it is used to subscribe to a host for notifications. Users who press this, will be automatically informed via Direct Message whenever you host for said LFG Post's game. For further info refer to /notify.

• 🗑️ Close Thread: This button will be generated for every new LFG Post's thread and is used to delete said thread once done being used. This may be used only be the host of the LFG Post as well as any user or role with the Administrator or Manage Channels permissions. Admins may also manually delete the thread by right clicking and selecting Delete Thread, this will not harm the LFG Post.

Tip: to assist cleanup, threads automatically archive and lock after one hour of inactivity.

If the thread is closed, a new thread can be created simply by right clicking the LFG Post and selecting Create Thread.

Moderation

You may disable the creation of threads on new LFG Posts at anytime by running /setup and selecting Thread Creation. This may assist with de-cluttering if multiple LFG Posts are made by the same users in a short period of time.

In case you were looking for assistance to manage old LFG Posts which are no longer active we offer the option to do just this. Simply run /setup and select Auto Delete Timer which will then automatically remove all new LFG Posts after a specified period of time.

If you feel /host would not fit your server's needs due to wishing to retain your current LFG process, we offer the option to disable it. Simply run /setup and select Control /host Usage which will then disable the command and refer users to the light-weight command /link.

/link

Global LFG Network

A unique feature to our service which sets us apart is our Global LFG Network. A service which servers may choose to opt-into in order to broadcast their new LFG Posts to other participating servers. This helps to maximize visibility of posts, thus easing the burden of finding other players.

After each new LFG Post your prior post listed on the network, if any, will be removed and your new LFG Post will be provided. External users are the notified they can join your Discord server or add the host as a friend, read more regarding this feature in /notify.