Curious about the networking challenges in multiplayer computer games? This paper provides a concise overview of four key aspects: networking resources, distribution concepts, scalability, and security. It highlights how these factors impact the design and performance of distributed, real-time multiplayer computer games (MCGs). The paper discusses the technical boundaries set by networking resources such as bandwidth and latency. It encompasses communication architectures and data/control architectures, considering centralized, distributed, and replicated approaches. By addressing scalability and security, the paper provides insights into adapting MCGs to resource changes and combating cheating and vandalism. This overview is valuable for game developers and researchers seeking to optimize the networking aspects of MCGs and enhance the gaming experience.
Published in The Electronic Library, this article addresses the use of networking in multiplayer computer games, which is relevant to the journal’s focus on information resources and technology. The paper is a concise overview of aspects that are affecting the networking within the multiplayer computer games.