Multiplayer Game Development
Networking architecture and synchronization principles.
1. Architecture Selection
Decision Tree
What type of multiplayer?
│
├── Competitive / Real-time
│ └── Dedicated Server (authoritative)
│
├── Cooperative / Casual
│ └── Host-based (one player is server)
│
├── Turn-based
│ └── Client-server (simple)
│
└── Massive (MMO)
└── Distributed servers
Comparison
| Architecture |
Latency |
Cost |
Security |
| Dedicated |
Low |
High |
Strong |
| P2P |
Variable |
Low |
Weak |
| Host-based |
Medium |
Low |
Medium |
2. Synchronization Principles
State vs Input
| Approach |
Sync What |
Best For |
| State Sync |
Game state |
Simple, few objects |
| Input Sync |
Player inputs |
Action games |
| Hybrid |
Both |
Most games |
Lag Compensation
| Technique |
Purpose |
| Prediction |
Client predicts server |
| Interpolation |
Smooth remote players |
| Reconciliation |
Fix mispredictions |
| Lag compensation |
Rewind for hit detection |
3. Network Optimization
Bandwidth Reduction
| Technique |
Savings |
| Delta compression |
Send only changes |
| Quantization |
Reduce precision |
| Priority |
Important data first |
| Area of interest |
Only nearby entities |
Update Rates
| Type |
Rate |
| Position |
20-60 Hz |
| Health |
On change |
| Inventory |
On change |
| Chat |
On send |
4. Security Principles
Server Authority
Client: "I hit the enemy"
Server: Validate → did projectile actually hit?
→ was player in valid state?
→ was timing possible?
Anti-Cheat
| Cheat |
Prevention |
| Speed hack |
Server validates movement |
| Aimbot |
Server validates sight line |
| Item dupe |
Server owns inventory |
| Wall hack |
Don't send hidden data |
5. Matchmaking
Considerations
| Factor |
Impact |
| Skill |
Fair matches |
| Latency |
Playable connection |
| Wait time |
Player patience |
| Party size |
Group play |
6. Anti-Patterns
| ❌ Don't |
✅ Do |
| Trust the client |
Server is authority |
| Send everything |
Send only necessary |
| Ignore latency |
Design for 100-200ms |
| Sync exact positions |
Interpolate/predict |
Remember: Never trust the client. The server is the source of truth.
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