Regarding GMS2, a Server Emulation is actually in the works by Eric himself.
The only problem is, it's only been done by 1 developer and no one else has been interested in developing with him. This leads to lack of motivation to progress further. However, given the circumstances regarding the shutdown of the GMS2 server, I am interested in spreading the word out for anyone who is interested in either preserving the game itself or if anyone wants to help aid with coding.
If you're not good at coding:
What you should do is
record everything in GMS2. That includes NPC Dialog, Quests Descriptions, Field Events, Minigames (OX Quizs) and such. The major factor in the GMS2 server emulation is that the server backend coding and packet opcodes are pretty much documented already (just needs implemtnation). Knowing this, all that's left to do is to perform the front end aspect of things, which are NPCs, quests, events, all of those needs to be recreated by hand which is a community effort. Sounds hard but if everyone can do it, it will help elevate the project.
Alternatively , if you are good at setting up networking. There's a GMS2 packet sniffer called MapleShark2, It's on github. Compile it, set it up, dump all the packets during gameplay and hand it here.
EDIT: I've been told that if you are going to sniff packets, it is
Highly recommended to packet sniff/dump on
all maps for
all NPC and mob spawns.
If you are good at coding
AND interested:
Server Source : Java (medium priority, opcodes are documented and structured, just requires logic implementation.)
Server Scripted Events : JavaScript (high priority)
Client LEN : C++ (ASM knowledge preferred but not needed, low priority)
That's all you need to know, Speak to @
Eric if you are interested.
I am not involved in this project in any way