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[Geeze]

Today, when I was wondering about making my own entry to the compo, I thought about how to implement networking. Of course it's not the simplest task, so I thought having an unified server for matchmaking and to be kind of lobby, and perhaps hosting some kind of achievement-system.

It would probably make things easier for programmers. And of course it needs to support a simple API for developers, and an organized data format for game/server interaction.

So, what you guys think?

[EDIT] I fixed the title to be less misleading =)

[Nugsy]

Please check stickies!

Edit:
Hmm, wait a sec. The thread title is pretty misleading haha.
Yes, this sounds like a good idea for those that would like to use it!

[ink.inc]

If someone developed a unified networking system for this compo, that would be so fucking awesome.

PS: Nice sig; where'd you get it?

[Melly]

Mmm, interesting. The stickies are getting a little crowded, so I'll leave this here for now.

[Geeze]

If someone developed a unified networking system for this compo, that would be so fucking awesome.

PS: Nice sig; where'd you get it?

Yup, I though right so. But I'll try to make a graph that explains basic functionality in bit better detail for tomorrow.
Btw, even kind of tournaments could be made simply with this IGMMS (intergame matchmaking server). Once the server has functionality, it can be used easily by any game using IGMMS.

[CatStack]

I had a similar thought myself actually. I'd definitely consider implementing it into my game if somebody were to make something like this and it looked simple and reliable enough. I mean the rough plan of what I'm going to do in my head says I'm probably going to implement some kind of rudimentary lobby system anyway so having this kind of system would make sense for me. Otherwise I guess we could always just idle on the IRC channel and trade IP addresses or something, but that wouldn't be nearly as cool.

[Geeze]

Demonstration of simplest possible scenario.(Regular TCP/IP etc.)

1. Player connects to lobby
2. Server starts for searching other players. Server sends required information for both players so their clients can establish a connection.
3. Players play game.

Of course server will support also other settings related to matchmaking.

NOTE! If you(developer) are planning to use this if it ever gets complete, don't worry about making it compatible. The actual gameplay has nothing to with lobby, so you can do the actual client-client networkin any way you want to.

Comments and suggestions are appreciated!