The SamaGames Origins project continues to evolve! Over the past few days, significant progress has been made in modernizing the server's technical foundations while preserving the spirit of the mini-games that players enjoyed between 2014 and 2017.
From Minecraft 1.12 to Minecraft 1.20.4
One of the biggest milestones for SamaGames Origins is the transition from Minecraft 1.12 to Minecraft 1.20.4.
This upgrade involves much more than simply changing the Minecraft version. Legacy plugins, game mechanics, maps and server interactions all need to be adapted to work with a newer engine.
Our goal remains unchanged: bring back the original gameplay experience while building a more modern, stable and reliable infrastructure.
Paper and Velocity: What's Changing?
Two major technologies are at the heart of this modernization.
Paper 1.20.4 : Powering the Mini-Games
Paper is replacing Spigot as the engine running the hub and mini-game servers.
This brings several improvements:
- Better chunk and entity management.
- Improved performance and memory optimization.
- Faster game server startup times.
- Additional fixes and stability improvements.
Initial local tests have already shown promising results, including significantly reduced startup times across several game servers.
Velocity : Connecting the Network
Velocity is being introduced to replace BungeeCord, handling player connections and transfers between the hub and mini-game servers.
This transition modernizes the network infrastructure while preserving essential features such as friends, parties, private messages, matchmaking queues and server transfers.
Compatibility with older Minecraft clients also remains an important consideration.
A Fresh Look for the Menus
The upgrade isn't just about performance!
The hub interfaces are also being redesigned to offer a clearer, more visual and enjoyable experience while staying true to SamaGames' original identity.
The new game selector features the mini-games' dedicated icons, illustrated cards, categories and improved navigation.
Player profiles, statistics, settings, cosmetics and shops are also receiving visual improvements.
These interfaces use an optional resource pack. Players who choose not to enable it will still be able to use the classic Minecraft inventory menus.
The idea is simple: refresh the experience without losing the charm of the original server.
What About the Mini-Games?
Quake, UpperVoid, HeroBattle, UHC Run, Bomberman, PacMan and many others are part of the migration.
All 16 mini-games in the current development catalogue are included in this modernization effort.
Several technical tests have already been completed, but multiplayer testing remains essential to ensure that the original mechanics, maps and gameplay interactions work as intended.
The priority is to preserve the classic gameplay as faithfully as possible rather than completely reinventing the games.
What's Next?
The Paper and Velocity migrations have reached important milestones, but testing is still underway before the modernized infrastructure can be considered fully ready.
The next steps include validating mini-games in real multiplayer conditions, checking client compatibility and refining the new interfaces.
SamaGames Origins is moving forward, one step at a time, with the same ambition: bringing yesterday's classics back to life with today's possibilities.
❤️ Thank you to everyone following and supporting the project!
An independent, volunteer-driven project with no official affiliation with the original SamaGames team.
