HTTP Fast Download Server

Source supports the download of custom content (maps, skins, sounds, and so on) from a HTTP server (ie: webserver) when connecting, instead of downloading directly from the game server itself.

Server with Custom Content: User Experience

When a player connects to a server utilizing custom content, one of two things will occur:

• If the server is not configured for HTTP download, the game server will use the normal trickle download mechanism.
• If the server is configured for HTTP downloading, the player will see an enhanced download dialog and much faster downloads. While this content is downloading, they are not connected to the game server. Once the download finishes, they are automatically reconnected to the game server and ready to play.

Note:If any of the custom content is not present on the HTTP content server or the case of the file name does not match then the player will disconnect from the HTTP and fall back and download any remaining content via trickle download from the server.