In online multiplayer games, players are connected over the internet. A server manages the game world and synchronizes data like player positions, actions and chat messages.
This means that each player’s machine must update its picture of the game state with real information from a server. This creates lag.
Definition
Multiplayer games allow players to interact with other gamers in virtual worlds, competing against them or working together. This social experience adds an extra dimension to gaming and can increase the appeal of a game. Multiplayer games can also be more challenging than single-player games, as the dynamics change when humans are involved.
A multiplayer video game is any game in which multiple players play at the same time, either on a single system (couch co-op), via a local area network or over the Internet. Online multiplayer games connect to a central server that manages the game world and synchronizes player positions. Players can then communicate with each other using text or voice chat and compete against other players from around the world.
Many multiplayer games use a split-screen mode, allowing two or more players to see the action on the same screen. For example, most beat ’em ups and racing video games have a multiplayer mode that uses this feature. Similarly, some turn-based strategy games use a multiplayer mode that shows the same map on both systems.
Multiplayer gaming can require high-speed hardware to ensure smooth gameplay and low latency. This is especially true for MMORPGs, which support large numbers of users simultaneously. Hardware manufacturers can benefit from understanding the needs of multiplayer gamers, by designing devices that meet their requirements.
Mechanics
Whether cooperative or competitive, multiplayer games engage players with dynamic challenges and cultivate cognitive skills such as communication and strategic planning. They also promote a sense of community among players and foster an environment for social bonding and support.
To create a multiplayer game, designers must first build a prototype that tests the core mechanics and assesses possible issues. They must then implement networking capabilities, ensure smooth synchronization of game data, and design anti-cheat measures to combat player manipulation. They must also consider factors like bandwidth and latency, which affect gameplay speed and performance.
The most common multiplayer mechanics are turn-taking, movement of tokens, set collection, bidding, and capture. The latter involves removing the opposing player’s tokens from the playing surface, either in a deterministic way (e.g., Stratego, Illuminati) or using a randomizing method (e.g., Go).
Developing multiplayer games can take 1.5 times longer than developing a single-player game. Designers must also plan for ongoing maintenance and content updates to keep the game fresh. For instance, they may have to re-write and tweak code to address bugs and glitches in the system. They may also need to develop a new server infrastructure or add additional features such as a chat function and matchmaking systems. Finally, they must constantly monitor game performance and player feedback to address any problems that arise.
Controls
Some games are purely competitive, while others are cooperative or more like virtual table tennis (Ping Pong). Multiplayer games typically allow players to control their character with the mouse and keyboard. In fact, some people with Parkinson’s use dual controls to help them move their character.
One of the key challenges in implementing multiplayer games is making sure that all the game objects are synchronized across players, so that each player sees the same thing as if they were playing in the same room. This is usually done using a Multiplayer object behavior, which synchronizes the player’s character, projectiles, doors, etc… and can also synchronize global variables such as a score multiplier or difficulty level.
When an object is synchronized, the player that owns it will send its position to the server which will subsequently synchronize it to other players’ games. It’s also possible to disable the synchronization of a specific behavior on a given player, which is useful when a player doesn’t want their actions to be broadcast to all other players.
This can be especially useful when you have a behavior such as SmoothCamera that follows the player’s character, and which is very sensitive to the movement of the player. If you disable the synchronization of this behavior, you will prevent the camera from following the player when he/she moves around.
Setting up a server
Games that use real-time interactions with other players require dedicated servers. This setup manages data synchronization among users, ensuring consistent gameplay and a seamless experience regardless of network conditions or device capabilities. This approach can add significant value to the gaming experience and increase user engagement.
To set up a server in multiplayer games, start by reviewing the game’s server requirements and installation instructions. Choose a hosting provider that offers virtual private servers (VPS) with the hardware specifications needed to support the game’s performance standards. Some providers also offer pre-configured game servers for popular titles, making the process even easier.
Once the VPS has been configured, install the game server software. This is typically available directly from the game developer, or via community-supported projects for specific games. Follow the installation instructions provided to set up the game server, which requires networking settings and firewall rules that allow incoming connections.
Implement matchmaking systems that pair players based on their skill levels and other criteria. These features enable gamers to join games that match their skill level, which improves the quality of play and increases player retention. In addition, game designers must include capabilities that allow players to create or join game rooms. This functionality facilitates social interaction and self-expression, complementing the escapist allure of gaming. It is essential to include security measures that prevent cheating and unauthorized access, as well as network maintenance techniques that minimize latency and other issues that can interfere with the gaming experience.
