I ask for an pickup channel + server for nexuiz.
What is a pickup game?
It is a public game, but a lot more interesting then those standard public games. First of all, Maxplayers are set. CTF 3v3 and TDM 2v2, like in laddergames. Normally you can add yourself for the next pickup game over a bot on an IRC Channel. A standart IRC BOT for this is ECHBOT. Here you just write !add and you get added. When enough players are added, the bot query you, telling the server IP and PW for the server.
When all players are on the server as spectators, 2 captains have to be choosen. These 2 captains choose their players.
Of course, this is more balanced then standard public games, more competetive and maybe more fun for some players. It is a good training for real 3v3 CTF / 2v2 TDM Wars, which doesnt happen to often in the ladder. Maybe this would help to get these ladders alive.
As an example, heres an IRC Q3 Pickup channel for Frozen Tag games. People really like it, because its a lot better then playing standart public games! #q3ft.se