HTML and CSS Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 12
Real-Time Multiplayer Network
Programming
Jason Gauci, Research Scientist, Apple
Many of the most popular games have a multiplayer component. All but one of the top ten most popular games on
Steam, a digital distribution and communications platform for PCs, are either designed for a multiplayer experience
or contain support for multiplayer (see Table
12-1
). As you will discover in this chapter, adding multiplayer support to
a game increases the range of experiences that a player can have by introducing the elements of human psychology
and social interaction to the game agents. However, adding real-time multiplayer can be rather tricky to implement
correctly. Although it may seem daunting, by following some principled methods, you can add a new, exciting
dimension to your game.
Table 12-1.
Most Popular Games by Player Count (at time of writing)
Game Name
Multiplayer
Dota 2
Yes
Team Fortress 2
Yes
Terraria
Yes
Civilization V
Yes
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
Yes
Garry's Mod
Yes
Path of Exile
Yes
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
No
Batman: Arkham Origins
Yes
Total War: Rome II
Yes
This chapter will begin by explaining real-time multiplayer network programming and then discuss what makes
this area of software engineering so challenging. The chapter will cover two powerful techniques for implementing
real-time multiplayer network programming and offer tips and tricks to make the process as simple as possible.
The chapter concludes with a case study, including links to source code and documentation.
