Ever wonder how an MMORPG works? How every time (well most of the time) you open the client and viola! The game is always there for you to play? Well the way it works is rather simple.
Most of today's MMORPGs run using a client-server system architecture. A client server is a computer architecture which separates a client from a server, and it is almost always implemented over a computer network. This means that the software that generates and manages the "world" of the MMORPG runs continuously on a server.
The players connect to the server via client software. The client software are usually purchased for a one-time fee, or available for download (free MMORPGs). Basically, MMORPGs are always online and will need constant maintenance and development in order to keep up with today's MMORPG standards.
References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mmorpg#System_architecture
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Client-server
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Saturday, June 23, 2007
peer-to-peer connection
Peer-to-peer connection is one of the ways of connecting to an MMORPG. Rather than concentrating bandwidth in a low number of servers, peer-to-peer relies heavily on the computing power and bandwidth of the participants in the network.
Therefore the "better your computer" the less lag there will be when you are playing the game.
Below is an example of a peer-to-peer network where the computers are connected to a network via the hub. This is the most basic form of a peer-to-peer network.
Advantages of using peer-to-peer in an MMORPG:
1) Because peer-to-peer depends on the computing power and bandwidth of the player's computer, it will lead to significantly less lag.
2) Cheaper to use peer-to-peer
Disadvantages of using peer-to-peer in an MMORPG:
1) Due to the fact that peer-to-peer depends on the computing power and bandwidth of the player's computer, some connection problems or lag may arise when players are participating in an international MMORPG. Due to the distance between the countries, the country which hosts the server would undoubtly have a higher advantage over other countries.
2) Hacking or cheating is easier in a peer-to-peer environment
Therefore the "better your computer" the less lag there will be when you are playing the game.
Below is an example of a peer-to-peer network where the computers are connected to a network via the hub. This is the most basic form of a peer-to-peer network.
Advantages of using peer-to-peer in an MMORPG:
1) Because peer-to-peer depends on the computing power and bandwidth of the player's computer, it will lead to significantly less lag.
2) Cheaper to use peer-to-peer
Disadvantages of using peer-to-peer in an MMORPG:
1) Due to the fact that peer-to-peer depends on the computing power and bandwidth of the player's computer, some connection problems or lag may arise when players are participating in an international MMORPG. Due to the distance between the countries, the country which hosts the server would undoubtly have a higher advantage over other countries.
2) Hacking or cheating is easier in a peer-to-peer environment
Friday, June 22, 2007
Development of an MMORPG
Generally speaking, the cost to develop a competitive commercial MMORPG title would roughly exceed U.S. 10 million dollars. 3D modeling, 2D art, animation, user interface, client / server engineering, database architecture and network infrastructure must be considered whenever developing an MMORPG.
Most modern commercial MMORPGs feature 3D graphics. Front end expertise is heavily needed with implementing the 3D engines, real time shader techniques and physics simulation. The visual content, eg. character, items, maps, is developed by artists who will first begin by conceptually designing 2D art and then later convert them into 3D scenes, models and maps.
Developing a commercial MMORPG also requires expertise with client/server architecture, network protocols, security and relational database designs. The server must also be able to handle and verify large amounts of connections, prevent cheating, and apply changes to the game.
Maintenance requires sufficient amounts of servers and bandwidth with without them will tend to lead to lag and frustration for the players and damage the reputation of the game.
references:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mmorpg
Most modern commercial MMORPGs feature 3D graphics. Front end expertise is heavily needed with implementing the 3D engines, real time shader techniques and physics simulation. The visual content, eg. character, items, maps, is developed by artists who will first begin by conceptually designing 2D art and then later convert them into 3D scenes, models and maps.
Developing a commercial MMORPG also requires expertise with client/server architecture, network protocols, security and relational database designs. The server must also be able to handle and verify large amounts of connections, prevent cheating, and apply changes to the game.
Maintenance requires sufficient amounts of servers and bandwidth with without them will tend to lead to lag and frustration for the players and damage the reputation of the game.
references:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mmorpg
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