Game server

In short: A game server is a server that runs a multiplayer game so that many players can connect and play together.

In more detail: The server holds the game state, calculates the game world and sends the changes to all players. A dedicated server runs only the game and no player client. With a listen server one of the players is also the host.

In Depth

• Important for good play: low latency (ping) and a high tick rate, the number of times per second the server updates the world.
• Operation: your own hardware at home, a rented server (host) or a cloud server. At home a port must be opened on the router (port forwarding), otherwise the server cannot be reached from outside.
• Resources: CPU, RAM and network connection determine how many slots (players) are possible.
• Security: game servers are popular targets for DDoS attacks. Hosts offer protection against this. Updates, passwords for administration and possibly anti-cheat are also important.
• Examples: Minecraft servers, Counter-Strike servers, servers for self-built browser games.

See also: gaming, ping