Section 8, the yet-to-be-released FPS from TimeGate Games, will be adding a new feature for the 360 and PC, as it has been announced that the game will support X Server functionality, an option that will allow gamers to use their own PCs as dedicated servers for hosting multiplayer matches. This software will allow PCs to host matches of up to 32 players, doubling the amount that the Xbox servers would allow. The X Server software will be available as a free download beginning September 1st, which, coincidentally, is the same day Section 8 launches.PC gamers who install the X Server software will be able to use their own PCs as dedicated multiplayer servers, allowing matches of up to 40 people at once.

“FPS fans looking for the perfect multiplayer game expect fast, reliable servers when they're playing online. We go one step further by offering an increased player count and boosting the game play experience to a new level,” said Richard Iggo, VP of Marketing at SouthPeak. “We're confident that Section 8’s incredible team-based combat and our adoption of cutting-edge server technology provide an experience unlike anything else out there.”

TimeGate is quick to point out that downloading the X Server is not a prerequisite for enjoying Section 8, as a) you'll still be able to play the campaign mode (natch) and b) both the PC and Xbox Live version will support multiplayer matches, just for a smaller number of players: 16 for 360 and 32 for PC. With developers seemingly hell-bent on getting as many players into a multiplayer match as possible, do you think that software like X Server is the wave of the future, or a blip?