An update was just rolled out for the Left 4 Dead game client the the dedicated server. If you're a client, restart your Steam client to immediately grab the update, and if you're a server admin run hldsupdatetool to get the latest content.
- Fixed several issues with matchmaking and password protected servers
- Tuned matchmaking to provide better search results
- Fixed bug where servers could stay reserved by matchmaking forever
- Performance optimizations and fixes to networking layer
- Fixed issue where game could cause Steam executable to use too much CPU
- Fixed music resetting when changing video settings
- Fixed some issues with not being able to chat and/or connect to other users
Set a sv_search_key to a unique string on the serverIt should be noted that these features are early implementations and are a work in progress.
Do the same on each client that will want to connect
Start a map on the server
Searches for games should be restricted to only finding servers with that search key
Or
Set sv_allow_lobby_connect_only 0
Set sv_password to a non-empty string
Start a map on the server
Tell the client the IP address of the server
Client uses console to "connect" just like the good old days
Should result in password prompt during connect to server