To define a game server, it can be called a host or shard which is said to be the most authoritative source in a video game. It helps in providing the data and allows the players to play the one that they prefer most. The player input is also handled by the server.
Types of servers:
You can get different types of game servers such as dedicated server, listen server, and peer to peer. The important features and advantages of these servers are:
. Peer to Peer servers are distinct from the client server model where the clients get refined data and can offer the same to the players, while the Peer-to -peer gets the raw input from the players and the results are determined thus. This type of server is used in "real time strategy genre" because it is ideal for games which provide plenty of tokens. The server can assist the players in making one move order instead of making many such transmissions.
. The loyal servers do not need any input or output directly. The players will have to get connected to the server for individual programs and play the same. This kind of server is extremely helpful in professional data centers because of the best performance and reliability. The player also has the advantage of remote hosting through this server.
. The listen server work like any other dedicated server. The hosting player has to connect with the remote players only with the help of their personal internet connection. These servers are absolutely free and do not require any specific infrastructure as such for setting up. Hence they are quite familiar in places where bandwidth is not a matter to worry about and also in console games.
There are a few disadvantages of these servers. To cite a few:
. It is very important that every peer should possess the same version of the game to interact with the others.
. New peers may find it difficult to join half way through the game.
. The players may find it problematic to have the sync with the peers resulting in over time.
. All the players will face the same latency that some other player with a bad connection experiences.
These servers, especially the ones that help in playing the PC games, are simply customized and permit the clients to connect to the servers. The means of customization will be receiving new codes that help in changing the means of function of the server and tweaks for game settings that are built-in and content which is downloaded by the clients at the time of registering for the game.
Deepak Khanna