Current Situation

DayZ already allows PC players to host dedicated servers on their own hardware or independently rented infrastructure.

However, server hosting for the console ecosystem remains restricted to Nitrado. Community administrators cannot independently host servers for Xbox players and the compatible Windows version of DayZ (Microsoft Store / PC Game Pass).

With the introduction of crossplay between Xbox and Windows in DayZ Update 1.29, the ability to independently host these servers has become even more relevant.

Proposed Feature

We would like to request publicly available dedicated server software that allows administrators to host DayZ servers accessible to Xbox and Windows (Microsoft Store / PC Game Pass) players without mandatory reliance on Nitrado.

Ideally, this would include:

• Publicly available dedicated server software for the supported platform ecosystem.

• The ability to host servers on privately owned hardware or independently rented infrastructure.

• Support for Windows and Linux server operating systems, where technically feasible.

• Registration of independently hosted servers in the official DayZ server browser.

• Direct access to server configuration, logs, backups, and other supported administrative features.

• The possibility of extending support to PlayStation and other DayZ versions in the future.

Existing Example: Arma Reforger

Bohemia Interactive has already implemented a similar approach in Arma Reforger.

Administrators can independently host dedicated servers on their own hardware or rented infrastructure, while players on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation 5 can connect to compatible servers.

This demonstrates that Bohemia Interactive already has experience developing and maintaining server infrastructure that supports console players without requiring administrators to use a single hosting provider.

We would like to suggest exploring a similar approach for DayZ, taking into account the differences in its server architecture.

Benefits for Server Administrators and Communities

Self-hosting would give communities greater freedom to choose their hardware, server locations, performance characteristics, and operating costs.

Administrators who already own suitable server hardware could use their existing infrastructure without paying additional rental fees to a specific provider.

It could also improve server availability in regions where hosting options are limited.

Reuniting Players and Growing the Community

Many DayZ communities include players across different gaming platforms. Due to existing compatibility limitations, some friends cannot play together despite belonging to the same community.

Expanding self-hosting capabilities and further developing cross-platform compatibility could:

• Reunite friends and communities currently separated by platform restrictions.

• Encourage former players to return to DayZ.

• Attract new players who want to play with friends on other platforms.

• Increase community activity and long-term player engagement.

• Potentially contribute to the overall growth of the DayZ player base.

Self-hosting and expanded crossplay are separate features. We suggest starting with the existing Xbox and Windows compatibility, while considering PlayStation and Steam support as potential future improvements.

Conclusion

We kindly ask Bohemia Interactive to consider enabling self-hosted dedicated servers for Xbox and the compatible Windows version of DayZ, building upon the experience gained from Arma Reforger.

This would give administrators greater control over their communities, reduce dependence on a single hosting provider, and create new opportunities for the growth of DayZ's cross-platform community.

Thank you for considering this feature request!

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