Guild website utilities
From WoWWiki
| It has been suggested that this article or section be split into two or more articles.
|
Contents |
|
Sites to help guilds create and customize their own website. |
Guild Hosting Services
Guild Hosting is provided by companies that tailored web applications to gamers. Their hosting plans typically offer out of the box functionality with popular functionality as content management, forums, rosters, polls, and image galleries. Some services offer game specific features and DKP. These services range from free typically add support site to ad free service on a monthly, quarterly, or yearly charge.
| Name | Cost/Month | Ads | Technology | Difficulty | Flexibility | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allvatar [1] | Free | banner | ? | easy | high | |
| ||||||
| CharacterPlanet [2] | Free | ? | ? | ? | ? | |
| ||||||
| EpicMount [3] | Free or $10.99/year | Yes | Custom Ruby On Rails | Easy | Very | |
| ||||||
| Gamers Within [4] | Free | Yes | PHP | Easy | High | |
The gamers within are waiting for you to sign up today! | ||||||
| GuildCafe [5] | Free | Banner at top | PHP | Easy | High | |
| ||||||
| Guild Hoster [6] | Free | Banner at bottom | ASP.net | Easy | High | |
| ||||||
| Guild Launch [7] | Free or $6-20/mo | Yes (with Free package) | phpBB / wiki | ? | ? | |
| ||||||
| Guildomatic [8] | Free or $5-8/mo | Yes (with Free package) | Proprietary plus phpBB | Easy | Medium | |
| ||||||
| GuildPortal [9] | Free or $5-7.50/mo | Yes (with Free package) | ASP.NET | Easy | Medium | |
 GuildPortal Guild Hosting
| ||||||
| MMO Guildsites [10] | Free trial or $8.99/month | No | Custom Built with Ruby | Easy | Very | |
| ||||||
| WoWAgora [11] | $4.95/mo | No | phpBB2/DKP/Customized | ? | Very | |
| ||||||
| WoW Guilds [12] | 9.88$/m | No | PHP CMS | Easy | Very | |
Stunning Designer Guild templates and hosting, templates are included FREE with our hosting packages at WoWGuilds.ca. Everything is fully pre-configured, we have done all the hard work for you so you can spend more time playing WoW and less time building your website, we offer industry leading tech support with free Skype voice chat support. We provide easy to follow Joomla video tutorials that were made special for our site installs, don’t settle for second best. Features:
| ||||||
| WoWinstaller.com [13] | One Time Payment! Own It! | NO | CONTENT MANAGEMENT | EASY | HIGH | |
PURCHASE AND OWN YOUR WOW GUILD WEBSITE - NO HOSTING REQUIRED! INSTALL ON YOUR OWN SERVER!
| ||||||
| WowStead [14] | Free | NO | ARMORY INTEGRATED | EASY | HIGH | |
WowStead is one of the newest, yet most popular, guild hosting services around. Because it's fully armory integrated, it updates itself. Get one of the best looking guild websites around and best of all it's FREE. With a focus solely on World of Warcraft guilds, your site will provide all of the features a WoW guild could ever need with one click of a button. Experienced web designers love WowStead as it gives access to the CSS styling of the guild sites, granting you full control over all images, colors, fonts and anything else on the site -- you can even completely change the layout of the content.
With over 60,000 happy users, you can't go wrong! | ||||||
Content Management Systems
A CMS is most commonly known as a forum engine, but just a forum is not enough for most guilds anymore. Galleries, news items, managed articles, downloads, uploads, and other utilities are often in high demand. Most CMSs support themes to change how they look and feel to better fit your guild's personality.
| Name | Cost/Month | Ads | Technology | Difficulty | Flexibility | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DragonflyCMS [15] | Free | - | php, mysql | Medium | High | |
| DragonflyCMS is similar to phpnuke but offers many performance enhancements and optimizations to make it faster and much more secure. Modules included with the base install are forums, photo gallery, News. You are able to upgrade the News and Forums with pro versions that offer an array of optimizations that will suite any site. Third party modules for WoW include native ports of WoWRoster, ItemStats and Guild Application. Other third party modules include BBCode Hacks. | ||||||
| Nuke - | Free | - | php, mysql | Medium | High | |
|
There are many flavors of Nuke out there, and I will do my best to link Nuke sites that are popular and stable. I am not as familiar with this system, but I know it is a popular one. I know it supports forums, but I am not sure what else. There are many WoW related modules for the Nuke systems. | ||||||
| DotNetNuke [16] | Free | - | .NET (VB.NET or C#), SQL Server (either Express or full version) | Medium | High | |
| DotNetNuke (DNN) is an open-source CMS built on the .NET Framework [17]. The portal has its roots on the ASP IBuySpy sample project, which spawned several CMS communities. DNN builds on the ASP.NET framework to allow module development and skin creation. Modules and skins are available both free from the DNN community or for purchase via either Snowcovered or the DNN Marketplace, both DNN module clearinghouses.
One of the larger appeals of using DNN is the large number of modules produced by the DNN core team that are included and maintained by core team members [18]. Modules of interest to WoW guild webmasters include: The v4.5.x release of DNN adds AJAX capabilities via ASP.NET AJAX (formerly known as 'Atlas') to allow for more interactive experiences for page browsers, and the ability to do partial rendering, which allows for one module to perform an AJAX refresh without having all modules on a page refresh. | ||||||
| e107 [19] | Free | - | php, mysql | Medium | High | |
| e107 has a full offering of forums, a calendar, news, articles, uploads/downloads. It also has a very robust permissions system that will allow tons of flexibility in allowing your guild to contribute things to the website. This is the engine I have chosen for my guild to use. AddOns and Mods are also readily available for this engine, as well as easily developed. | ||||||
| Joomla [20] | Free | - | php, mysql | Medium | High | |
| Joomla! is one of the most powerful Open Source Content Management Systems on the planet. It is used all over the world for everything from simple websites to complex corporate applications. Joomla! is easy to install, simple to manage, and reliable. There is huge support on the internet for Joomla, and there are hundreds of addons. Integration with armory, EQDKP, and SMF (popular forum software) or PhpBB is a snap. | ||||||
| Mambo [21] | Free | - | php, mysql | Medium | High | |
| Mambo is a full featured CMS engine. | ||||||
| Drupal [22] | Free | - | php, mysql | Medium | High | |
| Drupal is a free software package that allows an individual or a community of users to easily publish, manage and organize a wide variety of content on a website. Too many features to list here. Drupal, benefits from a wide range of addon modules. Check website for details. | ||||||
| Wordpress [23] | Free | - | php, mysql | Simple | Medium | |
| A very straight forward tool, this is more intended for blogging, but some people prefer it. It's power comes from the various plug-ins available for the user. There are dozens of themes also available to skin your wordpress site the way you like it. A WoW skin is in the works as of this edit.
| ||||||
| phpWebSite [24] | Free | Yes | - | - | - | |
| An open source web site content management system intended for community websites. It is run by Appalachian State University. Although not designed for gaming, the features are similiar to what many will find on guild website hosting services. | ||||||
Raid Management and DKP
Raid management is a common requirement for guilds participating in most MMOs which have heavy PVE content. World of Warcraft is a prime example with its rich PVE encounters which are heavy on commitment and time requirements. Raid Managers are now available which speed up the process of managing raiding. DKP (Dragon Kill Points) is a way of fairly sharing loot based on effort/commitment.
| Name | Cost/Month | Ads | Technology | Difficulty | Flexibility
| |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raidbuilder [25] | Free | No | Hosted with XML feeds and local data backup | low | High | |
An established, popular and free web based raid management system for World of Warcraft. Features:
| ||||||
| EQDKP Plus [26] | ? | ? | php, mysql | low | High | |
| Next Generation Eqdkp System especial for World of Warcraft!
A site specialized for tracking DKP for your guild. They have WoW specific data, so you can do quick comparisons of DKP scores based on armor types (cloth/leather/chain/plate). I am using this solution as well. Features: Tier 4+5+6 Renderimages, WoW-Class/Race Icons, WoWHead+Armory Itemstats Support and many more. See Live Demo
| ||||||
| EQDKP [27] | ? | ? | php, mysql | medium | medium | |
| A site specialized for tracking DKP for your guild. They have WoW specific data, so you can do quick comparisons of DKP scores based on armor types (cloth/leather/chain/plate).
| ||||||
| NDKP [28] | ? | ? | php, mysql | medium | medium | |
| Another 0 sum DKP system based on EQDKP but rebuilt for World of Warcraft. The standard install includes everything you will need to get this working in WoW. Includes built in User Interface options that make spending and calculating DKP very easy while in the raid.
| ||||||
| J2DKP [29] | ? | ? | Joomla Plugin, Mambot/Component | low | high | |
| Bridge integration system for Joomla and EQDKP,EQDKP Plus.
J2DKP is a must have plugin if you are running Joomla Guild or Clan website with EQDKP/ EQDKP Plus. This easy to use plugin is a straight forward integration tool that makes your registration seamless and automatic. No hacking of database involved. Easy plugin install for Joomla 1.0.X and 1.5.X.
| ||||||
| Guild Launch "Rapid Raid" [30] | ? | ? | php, mysql | low | high | |
| Rapid Raid is a premium DKP system that is integrated with the [Guild Launch] guild hosting application. It was designed to speed the import of raid details from any MMORPG and it has the ability to adapt to many popular DKP versions. Rapid Raid also has the option of using a CT_RaidTraker version that imports World Of Warcraft data directly into the Rapid Raid system. Rapid also offer sever levels of integrated raid stats throughout the Guild Hositing App.
| ||||||
| RAID UI [31] | ? | ? | ? | ? | high | |
| Not tested. A flexible DKP ingame/website tool | ||||||
Forums Systems
| Name | Cost/Month | Ads | Technology | Difficulty | Flexibility
| |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| phpBB2 [32] | ? | ? | php, mysql | low | medium | |
| phpBB offers a rock solid forum engine. It has a very large number of users and developers working to improve and modify it. The out of the box features are somewhat limited compared to other CMSs, but news and galleries and other features can be provided if you are willing to install Mods and AddOns for it. phpbbStyles offers special templates for WoW and phpBB.
| ||||||
| vBulletin [33] | not free | ? | php, mysql | Medium | High | |
More advanced than phpBB this software is not free, but well worth the price if you have some funding available. One of the most customizable web forums available today includes build in calendars customizable user profiles and themes with built in editor.
| ||||||
| Simple Machines [34] | ? | ? | php, mysql | Easy | High | |
| It's more flexible than phpBB though theming can be a little trickier. No portal system, but a few of the more popular portal systems like Mambo/Joomla, Xoops etc have scripts (bridges) built for you to integrate the forum with the portal.
There's also a very simple but effective portal for SMF called TinyPortal (website http://www.tinyportal.net).
| ||||||
| Snitz Forums [35] | ? | ? | ? | Easy | Medium | |
| Most of the features are simple, however, when dealing with detailed tasks, it may become a bit tricky. Easy to setup, good support, and endless add-ons. The add-ons get more complicated but the basic forums are easy.
| ||||||
| Burning Board [36] | Not free | None | ? | Easy | Medium | |
| An inexpensive piece of software with moderate flexibility. Though lacking in functions maintained by phpbb and InvisionFree, it does have customizable skins and an incredible ease of use. There are no ads for the service.
| ||||||
| InvisionFree [37] | Free | Banner | php, CMS, mysql | Easy | High | |
| A customizable web forum. InvisionFree is owned by Invision, which recently merged with MindSet. It is freely hosted on InvisionFree's servers. It includes a built-in calendar, support tickets, news portals, and a warn system. It also includes customizable skins, images, smilies, and a logo. It has the ability to maintain and integrate mods and addons that allow for multiple skin selections, games, etc. Unlike vBulletin and phpbb, InvisionFree has a built-in multi-moderation system, which is a quick way to perform several moderation functions with a single click. Though easy to set up, it lacks extreme functionality and a complex interface. You also have the ability to upgrade your webforum into an Invision forum (which allows for editing almost every detail of the forum for a fee), though your forum will not be hosted by their free servers when this process is complete. | ||||||
Web utilities
| Name | Cost/Month | Ads | Technology | Difficulty | Flexibility
| |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RPG Outfitter [38] | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | |
| They've got all the usual stuff: recipes, quests, inventory, vault, mail, bank requests. Remote Services (integrating their data into your web site so there's only one log in) is in beta, Character Pics (so you can see your character pic on your profile there) and they're playing around with sigs (you just need to add the image tag in your sig) but they're not customizable, yet. You can use the Uniuploader executable which will keep your character profile up to date automatically.
| ||||||
| LookingForGuild.net [39] | free | ? | php, mysql | ? | ? | |
A 100% free guild recruitment tool. Our advanced search engine makes "looking for guild forums" obsolete. No more bumping threads, or digging through posts hoping to find what you need. We have a huge listing of guilds that are recruiting right now, or you can place your own ad, and lets guilds fight over you. Every one of our ads are searchable by:
| ||||||
| RPGO Character Profiler [40] | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | |
| -
| ||||||
| RPGO Guild Profiler [41] | ? | ? | Hosted | low | medium | |
| These RPGO UI Mods are used by several other web utilities for their data collection of characters and guilds.
| ||||||
| WoW Roster [42] | ? | ? | php, mysql | medium | high | |
| An open source project for guild and character profiling. They have a very active group of developers building both the basic system as well as many Mods and AddOns. They have solutions for Guild Banks, reputation, crafting lists, etc. They use the same UI Mods as RPGO does: CharacterProfiler and GuildProfiler. UniUploader as well as a Java version, jUniUploader, are available for this utility.
| ||||||
| DotNetWarcraft: WoW Guild Roster [43] | ? | ? | ASP.NET, SQL Server | low | low | |
| An open source project for guild/character profiling, built to use with the DotNetNuke (DNN) CMS system, and is currently in late beta. The project consists of multiple assemblies (DLLs) that allow it to be repurposed and extended to run on any .NET-based application (either web or desktop-based). Available now is a DNN module that is a standard DNN-public assembly (PA), which can be uploaded and installed. Configuration includes adding your guild into the module control panel, configuring the module display (which view type and which guilds to show), and setting up the polling service (no coding/customization required).
The project allows a DNN-based guild portal to gather/store/display one or multiple guilds/characters/stats/reputations. Information is downloaded from the WoW Armory server (via the WoW Armory Parser project). The code also includes a DNN service, to allow the guild portal to pull and update it's information from the WoW Armory on a regular basis (e.g., every 12 hours) to keep your guild roster up to date for you. Out of the box, the code provides the ability to display guild characters by class, profession, guild rank, and reputation. On top of the groupings, the module allows for tagging of alt and main characters (and linking them to DNN users) so that the lists can show 'only mains' (for lists such as 'here are the guild officers', where you don't want to display all of the officer alts). The current release of the code allows for the gathering and storage of the guild information in a database. To increase performance, the code uses custom caching to store the data, and uses AJAX for the user experience (Javascript and web services are used to eliminate postbacks and provide immediate feedback, as well as providing 'tooltip' on-hover boxes to show character information). Plans are to expand the functionality of the codebase post-release to include guild bank and guild calendar.
| ||||||
| CTProfile [44] | ? | ? | Hosted | low | medium | |
| Build a roster of your guild characters with all their gear, skills and talents. Also useful to demonstrate specific builds with gear to provide as examples for up and coming guild members.
Currently unavailable.
| ||||||
| WoW Companion [45] | ? | ? | Java, Hosted | medium | medium | |
| A Java based Character Profiler. Client can be used to sync with their website. Java savvy folks can also install a server on their own machine and run one just for their guild. For the ambitious, you can upload to their website, then consume an XML feed to display on your own site.
| ||||||
| WoW Character Info Generator [46] | ? | ? | iframe | low | low | |
| A widget allowing players to show detailed information about their characters, using data from World of Warcraft's armory. Your characters stats, talents, professions, gear and pvp stats are all included. The widget is compact and runs from an iframe, making it easy to embed on your website, blog or online profile.
| ||||||
| GuildTools [47] | ? | ? | php | ? | ? | |
 http://ui.worldofwar.net/ui.php?id=1521
In addition to the bank scaning utility GuildToolS now also allows you to keep track of all the incoming and outgoing mail to/from bank character and scan the guild roster (including levels, ranks, classes, professions*, main-alt relations*; * - only if the guild note was filled out in game properly). And can export all that information to the easy to use html or txt files. Note: executable file is required for this application, all the source codes are included in destribution. GTS is now also fully compatible with GuildBankManager (GBM) a php-application that uses MySQL DataBase and able to represent information gathered by GTS in well-organized matter. GTS now provides the utility for direct upload to GBM's DB via executable. Check out GBM at: http://www.curse-gaming.com/en/wow/addons-2904-1-wow-guild-bank-manager.html
| ||||||
| Item Stats [48] | free | ? | php | ? | ? | |
| This is some php code which you can integrate into your sites to allow you to have mouse-over and item links embedded into your pages.
| ||||||
| Wow Web Stats [49] | some free | ? | php | ? | ? | |
| WoW Web Stats lets you generate rich raid statistics from Combat Logs, that you can host on your forum and discuss after the raid for improving fighting techniques and player's specs.
| ||||||
| phpRaider [50] | ? | ? | php, mysql | ? | ? | |
| phpRaider is a calendar version of phpRaid which allows you to create, edit, and then sign up for raids. It includes, among other things, icon and SQL table setups for Alliance, Horde, or both. With it, you're able to link the authentication options for almost all of the content management systems stated above and then some. Completely customizable and stable, it's only shortcoming is the limited support from the developers and a slight learning curve. Do not try this if you don't have at least basic knowledge of adding SQL databases/tables or editing PHP files. There isn't a lot of editing right out of the box but if you require assistance, expect the only help to come from the user base.
| ||||||
| Alt5 [51] | free | ? | HTML iframes | low | medium | |
| Alt5 (public beta) offers widgets that can be inserted into guild websites as iframes. Widget functionality includes web-based DKP, tradeskill/crafting/profession search, raid/event planning, and messaging (email and text messaging). Alt5 supports the RPGO guild and character profiler addons for easy upload of guild rosters and character info (such as recipes and bank items). Alt5 can also be used as a stand-alone solution for guilds that do not have their own website.
| ||||||
Wikis
- Main article: Wikis
