Thank you for 12 unforgettable years. Over 500,000 players played our servers during those 12 years and we loved being able to provide an amazing community to every one of you.

Our Journey Ends Here

Gaminglight was founded out of a love for coding and the belief that I could bring unique value to the Garry’s Mod space. Over the years, our team built one of the most respected and impactful communities in Garry’s Mod, fostering countless lifelong friendships. Some of the best years of my life were spent talking and working with amazing people each day, an experience I would never trade for anything else. Gaminglight became a refuge for many players, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing a space to escape and find solace. I’ve received heartfelt messages from players sharing how our community helped them through their darkest times, even saving lives. These stories remain a powerful reminder of the impact Gaminglight had on its players and fueled our determination to continue pushing the boundaries of what we could achieve.

The current Garry’s Mod ecosystem has seen a rise in botting practices, particularly from Russian servers, which has diluted the player experience. Many top servers now rely on artificial player counts instead of focusing on meaningful development. Additionally, the broad approach many servers take to niches often hinders focused development tailored to specific player needs. Compounding this are declining player numbers from American audiences, which have shifted community dynamics.

Operating Gaminglight came with significant personal and professional hurdles. Many players and community members underestimated the financial and time costs involved, from development and legal expenses to hosting and management. There was often a lack of appreciation for the tireless work required to maintain and improve the servers. It was common to work until early morning hours to release updates or address critical issues, only to face criticism from those who didn’t recognize the effort involved. The role also came with constant availability, with technical problems frequently arising in the middle of the night or during vacations. Malicious behavior, such as threats against myself and my family or players attempting to disrupt the community through DDoS attacks, further added to the stress. The toll on my mental health was significant despite the clear positive impact our servers had on so many lives.

For those aspiring to create their own servers, there are lessons to be learned from this journey. It is crucial to define your niche early and focus your development on the players who align with it. This clarity prevents wasted effort and helps maintain direction. Protecting the community’s culture is equally vital. Disruptive individuals should be removed swiftly, even if they are popular, as their presence can harm the broader community. Simplifying systems and iterating quickly often proves more effective than overcomplicating updates. Players tend to value functionality over complexity, and a fast, flexible development approach keeps engagement high. Finally, be selective about whose advice you take. Many critics lack the experience or knowledge to offer valuable insights. Instead, trust those with proven credentials, as their perspectives often highlight that you are doing better than you might think.

Gaminglight’s journey was both rewarding and challenging, leaving me with countless memories and invaluable lessons. It stands as a testament to the power of passion, persistence, and the ability of a dedicated team to create something truly impactful. To those following a similar path, I wish you the strength and vision to build something just as meaningful.

- Daniel Haynes (Zeeptin), Founder of Gaminglight