Students will learn concepts in the following areas:


State synchronisation in multiplayer experiences (replication vs remote calls)

Challenges of multiplayer games development

Latency, jitter, packet-loss

Real-time synchronisation

Security

Fast compression, low-level organisation & optimisation

Client-Server communication and authority

Optimising networked gameplay experiences

Game object state (de)serialisation and transmission

Cloud-based hosting for game servers

Matchmaking systems and lobbies

Building scalable multiplayer architectures

Considerations on game design with multiplayer in mind

Built multiplayer game - (Learning outcomes 2, 4)

A working, robust and demonstrable multiplayer experience, weighted at 70%, showcasing the methods and techniques learnt throughout the module.


Written report and development documentation - (Learning outcome 1, 3)

A report weighted at 30% outlining key stages of development, including self-reflection on the strengths and weaknesses of the submitted artefact. The report should also apply research methods investigating and critically discuss the multiplayer aspects of a published video game, from a technical viewpoint.

2 x 1 hour lecture per week

2 x 2 hour tutorial sessions per week

1. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of key aspects of multiplayer games development.

2. Leverage critical problem-solving skills to identify a range of possible solutions for the design and development of multiplayer games.

3. Research and describe contemporary technologies and methods at the frontier of multiplayer games development.

4. Apply industry-standard methods to design and build a multiplayer game solution.

Development environment (Visual Studio)

Digital academy uploads

Suitable workstation device

Multiplayer Game Programming: Architecting Networked Games (2015)

Massively Multiplayer Game Development (1 & 2)

Computer Networks (2010)

This module concerns the development of multiplayer games, covering specific methods and techniques at the forefront of multiplayer games.