Coop game - how to host?

[Sighman]

Does every co-op game have to go through one of the 50 earthnet 'towns' listed under the Network option, or can I just host a game and invite my Steam friends?

I thought it was all done through earthnet, but I've seen posts here on the forum where people mention hosting games themselves.

After the GFWL and Gamespy debacles I'm a bit wary of starting a co-op game with someone when it's relying on 3rd-party servers.

[Inspector Gadget]

Whoever you are wanting to play with needs to be in the same town - just hit ESC and host.. I haven't had any issues yet outside of people being able to rejoin a game if their PC crashes...have to start the map all over again from start.

[Sighman]

Okay, thanks for the response.