Game server

A game server (also sometimes referred to as a host) is a server which is the authoritative source of events in a multiplayer video game. It acts like a central hub that makes sure everyone playing the game sees the same things at the same time. When you play a game with friends online, the game server keeps track of everything that happens — like where characters move, what items are picked up, and the scores.

The server sends out just enough information to each player's computer, called a client, so that everyone can see an accurate version of the game world. This helps make sure that all players have a fair and smooth experience, without any confusion about what is really happening in the game.

Game servers are important because they allow many people to play together at once, whether it's in a racing game, a battle royale, or a team sport. Without game servers, multiplayer games would not be possible, and players wouldn't be able to enjoy connecting and competing with others online.

Types

Dedicated server

Dedicated servers create game worlds that players can join using special programs. They are often hosted in professional data centers, which makes them very reliable and fast. This means players who host games on their own computers don't have an unfair speed advantage.

Sometimes game developers pay for these servers, especially on consoles, and other times groups of players, called clans, pay for them. Because players depend on these servers, many games also let players host their own games, either using their home computers or renting servers from companies that provide game server hosting.

Listen server

Listen servers are like dedicated servers but run on the same computer a player is using to play the game. They are free and easy to set up, which makes them popular at LAN parties and in console games. However, because they use the host's internet connection, other players might have a delay. If the host leaves the game, it stops unless another player can take over hosting.

Peer-to-peer

Instead of a server, in peer-to-peer games, each player shares information directly with the others. This works well for games with few players and many units, like real-time strategy games, because it sends less information. But it can be hard to keep everyone on the same page, and new players joining can cause problems. Also, everyone has to wait for the slowest player.

Listen-peer

Listen-peer setups connect multiple listen servers together. This helps avoid some of the problems of peer-to-peer setups and allows more players to join than a single listen server could handle.

Tickrate

The tickrate is how often a game server updates its simulation. Each update, or "tick," helps players stay in sync with what’s happening in the game.

There are a few reasons game servers use a set tickrate: it saves energy on the server and players’ devices, it helps the server work better, and it makes sure players know exactly how much time passes between each update. This is especially important for online games because information can sometimes arrive out of order.

Customization

Game servers, especially for PC games, can be changed in many ways so that players can still join them normally. These changes might adjust the game's settings, add new content that players download, or even change how the server works.

Although many server managers and players enjoy these customizations, it can sometimes cause problems. Developers and other players might prefer the game to stay exactly as they designed it. Also, customizations can sometimes lead to issues if server managers are not honest about what their server actually offers.