multiplayer

Server architecture selection depends on game type and requirements, choosing between dedicated servers, P2P, or host-based models. Dedicated servers offer robust security and control for real-time games, while P2P reduces infrastructure costs for smaller sessions.

State synchronization transmits the current game world status to clients, whereas input synchronization sends only player actions. Input synchronization reduces bandwidth significantly, while state synchronization simplifies conflict resolution but requires higher network throughput.

Lag compensation techniques mitigate network latency by predicting client movement and rewinding server state to validate hits. This ensures fair gameplay by accounting for the time delay between player input and server processing.

Bandwidth reduction in multiplayer servers is achieved by optimizing update rates, compressing packets, and implementing interest management. Sending only relevant state changes instead of full world snapshots minimizes network traffic.

Server authority prevents cheating by validating all game logic and state changes on the server before broadcasting them to clients. Clients only send inputs, ensuring players cannot manipulate the game state or bypass rules locally.

Turn-based games require less stringent synchronization and can tolerate higher latency using simple state polling. Real-time games demand continuous input synchronization, lag compensation, and aggressive bandwidth optimization to maintain responsiveness.