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name: multiplayer description: Multiplayer game development principles. Architecture, networking, synchronization. allowed-tools: Read, Write, Edit, Glob, Grep, Bash

Multiplayer Game Development

Networking architecture and synchronization principles.

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1. Architecture Selection

Decision Tree

CopyWhat 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

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2. Synchronization Principles

State vs Input

Lag Compensation

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3. Network Optimization

Bandwidth Reduction

Update Rates

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4. Security Principles

Server Authority

CopyClient: "I hit the enemy"
Server: Validate → did projectile actually hit?
         → was player in valid state?
         → was timing possible?

Anti-Cheat

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5. Matchmaking

Considerations

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6. Anti-Patterns

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Remember: Never trust the client. The server is the source of truth.