Game Server: Everything To Know

Are you an avid gamer looking for a reliable game server? Or perhaps you’re considering starting yours for your community. Either way, understanding the ins and outs of game servers is crucial. Today, we’ll cover everything you need to know about them, from the basics to the technicalities.

Are you a passionate gamer in search of a dependable game server? Perhaps you’re contemplating starting your own server for your community? In either case, having a solid understanding of game servers is essential. Understanding the ins and outs of game servers is paramount for gamers and aspiring server administrators alike.

What is a Game Server?

A game server is a dedicated computer or device that hosts online games and provides a platform for players to connect and play together. The server software manages the game world and ensures that players can interact with each other and the game environment smoothly and reliably.

These resources can be used to host a wide variety of games, from first-person shooters to massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs). They offer a range of features and customization options, allowing game administrators to tailor the gaming experience to their specific needs and preferences.

Game servers can be hosted either locally or remotely, depending on the user’s needs and resources. The former are hosted on a computer or device within a user’s network, while the latter are hosted by a third-party provider and accessible over the internet.

Game server

Types of Game Servers

Game servers come in two main types: dedicated and peer-to-peer. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, and it’s essential to understand the differences between the two before choosing the best option for your gaming needs.

The importance of game servers

Game servers are essential for online gaming because they enable players to connect and play together smoothly. They ensure a seamless multiplayer experience, centralise game management, provide reliable and secure gameplay, and allow for customisation. In short, game servers bring gamers together, facilitate fair play, and create an enjoyable and interactive gaming environment.

Game state: the single source of truth

What is game state?

“Game state” refers to the real-time status or condition of a game. It captures all the important data and information that defines the game’s progress, including player positions, scores, objects, and various variables.  The game state acts like a snapshot, capturing the current condition of the game and offering a complete overview of all the activities taking place in the game world. By relying on the game state as the primary reference, developers can avoid conflicts, discrepancies, and errors that might arise if different parts of the game relied on their own separate data. It allows for efficient communication between different systems and components of the game, enabling smooth gameplay, accurate rendering, and effective game mechanics.

“The single source of truth”

“The single source of truth” refers to a concept where there is one definitive and authoritative reference for a particular piece of information or data. In the context of game development, the game state serves as the single source of truth. Having a single source of truth means that all aspects of the game, including graphics, physics, and logic, rely on and refer to this central game state to obtain accurate and consistent information. Any changes or updates to the game are reflected in the game state, ensuring that all elements within the game world are synchronised and aware of the same information. By relying on a single source of truth, developers can avoid conflicts, inconsistencies, and errors that may arise if different parts of the game had their own separate versions of the data. It promotes cohesion and reliability in the game’s functionality and ensures that all components and systems operate based on the same set of information.

Game server Hardware

Game server hardware refers to the physical equipment used to host and run game servers. It includes servers, network devices, and storage systems that handle the demands of multiplayer gaming, such as processing player connections and managing game data. This hardware needs to be powerful, with robust processing power, memory, storage, and network connectivity. It ensures smooth gameplay experiences for players and supports the computational requirements of running game instances.

Server supply chain and its importance

The server supply chain is important for meeting the growing demand for servers, ensuring quality and performance, timely delivery, driving innovation, and providing support and maintenance services. It enables businesses to access reliable server hardware and supports their operations and technological advancements.

Observing your server infrastructure performance

To observe the performance of your game server infrastructure, follow these steps:

  1. Use monitoring tools to track key metrics like CPU usage, memory, and network traffic.

  2. Monitor network latency to ensure responsive gameplay.

  3. Analyse server logs for errors and performance bottlenecks.

  4. Track player metrics such as concurrent players and session duration.

  5. Conduct load testing to assess scalability and performance under high loads.

  6. Regularly analyse performance data and trends.

  7. Set up alerting for critical issues or downtime.

Monitoring and analysing these factors will help you optimise your game server infrastructure and ensure a smooth gaming experience for players.

Dedicated Game Servers

These are hosted on remote servers, typically owned and managed by third-party hosting providers. They offer a stable and reliable connection, making them the preferred choice for most online games. Dedicated servers also provide customizable settings like game modes, maps, and server rules.

The benefits of using a dedicated server include:

  • Improved gaming experience: Dedicated servers provide a stable and reliable connection, resulting in a smoother gaming experience.
  • Increased player capacity: A dedicated server can accommodate multiple players at once, allowing larger communities to form.
  • Customizable settings: Dedicated servers allow for customizable settings, such as game modes, maps, and rules.
  • Community building: Dedicated servers provide a platform for gamers to connect and build a community around their favourite games.

However, a dedicated server can be more expensive than a peer-to-peer one. It also requires technical knowledge to set up and maintain the server, making it less accessible for casual gamers.

Dedicated Game Servers

These are hosted on remote servers, typically owned and managed by third-party hosting providers. They offer a stable and reliable connection, making them the preferred choice for most online games. Dedicated servers also provide customizable settings like game modes, maps, and server rules.

The benefits of using a dedicated server include:

  • Improved gaming experience: Dedicated servers provide a stable and reliable connection, resulting in a smoother gaming experience.
  • Increased player capacity: A dedicated server can accommodate multiple players at once, allowing larger communities to form.
  • Customizable settings: Dedicated servers allow for customizable settings, such as game modes, maps, and rules.
  • Community building: Dedicated servers provide a platform for gamers to connect and build a community around their favourite games.

However, a dedicated server can be more expensive than a peer-to-peer one. It also requires technical knowledge to set up and maintain the server, making it less accessible for casual gamers.

Dedicated Game Servers

Peer-to-Peer Game Servers

These rely on individual players’ computers to act as hosts. They are generally less expensive than dedicated servers and require less technical knowledge to set up and maintain. However, they are less stable and reliable than dedicated servers, as they rely on the host player’s internet connection.

Benefits of using this server type include:

  • Cost-effective: Peer-to-peer servers are generally less expensive than dedicated servers.
  • Easy to set up: Peer-to-peer servers require less technical knowledge to set up and maintain.
  • Suitable for small communities: Peer-to-peer servers are ideal for small communities of players.

Note using a peer-to-peer server can result in a less stable and unreliable connection, resulting in a subpar gaming experience. Additionally, it may not be suitable for large communities of players.

Peer-to-Peer Game Servers

These rely on individual players’ computers to act as hosts. They are generally less expensive than dedicated servers and require less technical knowledge to set up and maintain. However, they are less stable and reliable than dedicated servers, as they rely on the host player’s internet connection.

Benefits of using this server type include:

  • Cost-effective: Peer-to-peer servers are generally less expensive than dedicated servers.
  • Easy to set up: Peer-to-peer servers require less technical knowledge to set up and maintain.
  • Suitable for small communities: Peer-to-peer servers are ideal for small communities of players.

Note using a peer-to-peer server can result in a less stable and unreliable connection, resulting in a subpar gaming experience. Additionally, it may not be suitable for large communities of players.

Peer-to-Peer Game Servers

Tickrate: the frequency of game state updates

“Tickrate” refers to the frequency at which the game state is updated or refreshed. It represents the number of times per second that the game engine processes and updates the game’s internal state.

Tickrate meaning for gamers

Tickrate, for gamers, refers to the frequency at which the game server updates the game state. A higher tickrate means more frequent updates, leading to smoother and more responsive gameplay. It reduces delays between actions and their effects. A lower tickrate may cause slight lag and less synchronised gameplay. In competitive gaming, a higher tickrate is preferred for better accuracy and timing. However, it requires more resources and must be balanced for optimal performance. Overall, tickrate affects the responsiveness and precision of online gaming.

Benefits of Using a Game Server

Playing games with friends and other gamers worldwide is a fun and engaging experience. However, your gaming experience can be frustrating without a reliable game server, with lags, dropped connections, and other technical issues that can ruin your enjoyment. 

Fortunately, using a game server offers numerous benefits that can enhance your experience. They include: 

Improved Gaming Performance

One of the primary benefits of using a game server is improved gaming performance. These servers are designed to provide a stable and reliable connection, resulting in a smoother gaming experience. This means you’ll experience fewer lags, dropped connections, and other technical issues that can hinder your gameplay. Additionally, they provide faster processing speeds, reducing latency and quicker response times.

Increased Control and Customization

Game servers also provide increased control and customization options. As the server owner, you can customize various settings, such as game modes, maps, and rules. This means you can tailor the gaming experience to your preferences, creating a unique gaming environment for you and your friends. Additionally, you can use administrative tools to manage players, monitor gameplay, and ensure fair play.

Larger Player Communities

Another significant benefit of using a server is the ability to accommodate larger player communities. Gaming servers can host multiple players simultaneously, allowing for larger groups of friends and gaming communities to connect and play together. This means you can enjoy playing with more people, which can make your gaming sessions more fun and engaging.

Improved Security

Servers also provide enhanced security for your gaming environment. Most come with various security features, such as firewalls, anti-cheat systems, and player authentication. So you can confidently play games, knowing your gameplay is protected from hackers, cheaters, and malicious actors.

24/7 Availability

Game servers are available 24/7, so you can play games whenever possible. This is especially beneficial for players in different time zones or irregular schedules. With one, you can play games with your friends and other gamers worldwide at any time, providing a more convenient and flexible gaming experience.

Setting up a Game Server

Setting up a game server can be a rewarding and exciting experience for gamers who want to create their online gaming community. It’s a chance to host your favourite games and provide a stable and reliable environment for yourself and other players. 

However, setting up a gaming server can be confusing, especially for those with little technical experience. So, check out the process of setting up one step by step, from selecting the right hardware and software to configuring security and optimizing performance.

Step 1: Choose Your Game

The first step in the set up process is choosing the game you want to host. Many popular games, such as Minecraft, ARK: Survival Evolved, and Rust, have dedicated server software available for download. Once you’ve chosen your game, you can proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Choose Your Server Host

After selecting your game, you need to choose a server host. There are several options available, including dedicated servers, virtual private servers (VPS), and game server hosting providers. Dedicated servers provide the highest level of control and customization but can be expensive. VPS and game server hosting providers are more affordable options that offer varying levels of control and customization.

Step 3: Install and Configure Server Software

Once you’ve chosen your server host, you need to install and configure the server software. This involves downloading the server software for your chosen game and configuring it to meet your needs. Each server software has its installation and configuration process, so be sure to follow the instructions carefully.

Step 4: Configure Server Settings

After installing and configuring the server software, you need to configure the server settings. This involves setting the game mode, map, and other gameplay settings to meet your preferences. You can also use administrative tools to manage players, monitor gameplay, and ensure fair play.

Step 5: Invite Players to Join

The final step is to invite players to join your server. You can share the server IP address and any necessary login information with your friends or other players. Many game servers also have public listings, allowing anyone to join and play on your server.

Technical Requirements for Setting Up a Game Server

Setting up a game server requires certain technical requirements to ensure smooth and efficient gameplay. Here are some technical requirements you need to consider:

data-storage-multiple

Hardware Requirements

The hardware requirements for your game server will depend on the game you’re hosting and the number of players you want to support. Generally, the more players you want to support, the more powerful hardware you’ll need. Here are the hardware requirements you need to consider:

  • CPU: The CPU is the brain of your server and is responsible for processing all the game’s data. A powerful CPU is crucial for smooth and efficient gameplay.
  • RAM: RAM is the memory your server uses to store data. The more RAM your server has, the more players it can support and the smoother the gameplay will be.
  • Storage: The storage you need will depend on the size of the game and the number of players. Most servers require at least 20 GB of storage, but some games may require more.
  • Bandwidth: Bandwidth is the amount of data that can be transferred between your server and the players. The more players you have, the more bandwidth you’ll need. A high-speed internet connection is essential for a smooth and lag-free gameplay experience.

Software Requirements

There are software requirements to consider when setting up a game server. Here are some of the software requirements you need to consider:

  • Operating System: You’ll need an operating system compatible with your chosen server software. Windows and Linux are the most common operating systems for this purpose.
  • Game Server Software: You’ll need to download and install the server software for the game you’re hosting. Most servers have dedicated server software available for download on their official websites.
  • Administrative Tools: To manage your server and ensure fair play, you’ll need administrative tools. These tools allow you to monitor gameplay, manage players, and enforce rules.

Network Requirements

Finally, there are network requirements to consider as well. Meeting them ensures your server doesn’t experience network-related hitches during use. The requirements are:

  • Static IP Address: A static IP address is necessary for players to connect to your server. A static IP address ensures that your server’s IP address remains the same, making it easy for players to connect.
  • Firewall: You’ll need to configure your server’s firewall to allow incoming connections to the game server software.
  • Port Forwarding: Port forwarding allows players to connect to your server through your router. You’ll need to forward the appropriate ports for your game server software.

Game Server Security

Game servers store a lot of sensitive data, including players’ personal information, login credentials, and game progress. This data is valuable to hackers, who can use it for various malicious purposes, such as identity theft and financial fraud. Furthermore, if your server is compromised, it can lead to a poor player experience, resulting in loss of revenue and reputation damage.

Ways to improve gaming server security include.

  • Regular updates: Keep your server software updated to ensure security vulnerabilities are patched.
  • Strong passwords: Encourage players to use passwords and enforce password complexity rules.
  • Two-factor authentication: Implement two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security to player accounts.
  • Firewall: Configure your server’s firewall to block unauthorized access to your game server software.
  • Anti-virus software: Install and regularly update anti-virus software to protect your server from malware and other malicious software.
  • Regular backups: Regularly back up your server data to ensure you can quickly recover from a security breach or data loss.
  • Encryption: Use encryption to protect sensitive data, such as login credentials and player information.
  • Server monitoring: Monitor your server’s activity to detect and prevent unauthorized access and malicious activity.

Ways to improve gaming server security include.

  • Regular updates: Keep your server software updated to ensure security vulnerabilities are patched.
  • Strong passwords: Encourage players to use passwords and enforce password complexity rules.
  • Two-factor authentication: Implement two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security to player accounts.
  • Firewall: Configure your server’s firewall to block unauthorized access to your game server software.
  • Anti-virus software: Install and regularly update anti-virus software to protect your server from malware and other malicious software.
  • Regular backups: Regularly back up your server data to ensure you can quickly recover from a security breach or data loss.
  • Encryption: Use encryption to protect sensitive data, such as login credentials and player information.
  • Server monitoring: Monitor your server’s activity to detect and prevent unauthorized access and malicious activity.
Game Server Security

By implementing these security measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of a security breach and protect your game server and players’ personal information from cyber-attacks.

Game Server Maintenance

Like any other technology, game servers require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance and prevent downtime. Let’s see the various tasks involved in the maintenance process and how to perform them. 

  • Software updates: Update your server software from time to time to ensure that it’s up-to-date and free of vulnerabilities.
  • Hardware maintenance: Ensure that your server’s hardware is in good condition by regularly cleaning it and checking for any signs of wear or damage.
  • Performance monitoring: Regularly monitor your game server’s performance to identify any potential issues and address them promptly.
  • Backups: Backup your server data periodically to ensure that you can quickly recover in the event of a hardware failure or other disaster.
  • Security checks: Always check your server’s security settings to ensure that they’re configured correctly and that no vulnerabilities exist.
  • User management: Manage user accounts and permissions to ensure that only authorized users have access to your game server.
  • Log analysis: Regularly analyze your server’s logs to identify any potential security threats or performance issues
  • Database maintenance: Regularly maintain your game server’s database by cleaning up old data and optimizing queries to improve performance.

Famous Examples of Game Servers

There are multiple game servers across the internet, some of which are more famous than others. It can be helpful to check out the more successful ones to see what they’ve gotten right. A few of them are: 

Minecraft Server

Minecraft is a popular game with dedicated server software available for download. Players can create and customize their game worlds and invite others to join them. Examples of Minecraft server hosts include Shockbyte, BisectHosting, and Apex Hosting.

ARK: Survival Evolved Server

Players here can explore a vast open world filled with dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures. Examples of ARK: Survival Evolved server hosts include Survival Servers, GTXGaming, and Nitrado.

Rust Server

Rust is a fierce survival game you can play with others online. Players must gather resources, build shelters, and defend themselves against other players and hostile creatures. Examples of Rust server hosts are GameServers, HostHavoc, and Pingperfect.

Image distribution optimisation

To optimise image distribution in game servers:

  1. Compress images to reduce file size without sacrificing quality.

  2. Use caching to store frequently accessed images closer to players.

  3. Utilise a content delivery network (CDN) for faster image delivery.

  4. Choose the appropriate image format (JPEG, PNG) based on the content.

  5. Implement lazy loading to load images as needed.

  6. Resize images to the required dimensions to minimise download time.

  7. Preload commonly used images in advance for faster access.

  8. Combine multiple images into sprite sheets to reduce server requests.

  9. Use progressive image loading for faster initial rendering.

  10. Minify and bundle image-related code to optimise loading.

These optimisations enhance image delivery, reduce latency, and improve the gaming experience.

Dedicated game servers

Dedicated game servers are exclusive servers designed specifically for hosting online multiplayer games. They offer customised settings, scalability, enhanced security, improved performance, and a platform for community building. With dedicated resources and control, they provide a reliable and optimised gaming experience.

Peer-to-Peer game servers

Peer-to-Peer (P2P) game servers are a decentralised approach where players connect directly to each other for hosting online multiplayer games. Players share the responsibility of hosting and data transmission, but it relies on stable connections and lacks centralised control. P2P is suitable for smaller games but can face challenges with connectivity, security, and administration.

Game server locations

Game server locations are the physical locations where game servers are hosted. They are strategically chosen to minimise latency, serve player populations, ensure fair gameplay, comply with legal requirements, and optimise scalability. Proximity to players and distribution across regions are key considerations.

Most dedicated servers are in data centres

Dedicated servers are commonly located in data centres due to their reliable infrastructure, connectivity, security, scalability, and professional management.

Other servers are in people’s homes

Home servers are used for personal or small-scale purposes, offering control and cost benefits, but may lack the same level of resources and stability as data centres.

Setting up game servers

Manually set up your own server

To manually set up your own server, follow these steps:

  1. Choose suitable hardware.

  2. Install the operating system.

  3. Configure network settings.

  4. Install the server software.

  5. Configure server settings.

  6. Test and verify functionality.

  7. Perform regular maintenance tasks.

Using a game server hosting provider

To use a game server hosting provider:

  1. Research and select a provider.

  2. Sign up and choose a plan.

  3. Configure server settings.

  4. Install the game server software.

  5. Customise and manage the server through the provider’s control panel.

  6. Utilise customer support if needed.

  7. Set up payment and billing.

  8. Perform regular maintenance and updates.

Type of games and their hosting

Game Hosting Types:

  1. Massively Multiplayer Online Games (MMOs): Dedicated server hosting for high resource demands and constant availability.

  2. First-Person Shooter (FPS) Games: Dedicated server or peer-to-peer hosting for better performance and reduced latency.

  3. Survival Games: Dedicated server or peer-to-peer hosting depending on player count and game requirements.

  4. Role-Playing Games (RPGs): Dedicated server hosting for larger-scale MMO-style RPGs, peer-to-peer for smaller-scale RPGs.

  5. Strategy Games: Dedicated server hosting for stable and synchronised gameplay experiences.

  6. Indie Games and Small-Scale Games: Peer-to-peer or shared hosting platforms for cost efficiency.

Number of players using the gaming server

The number of players a gaming server can accommodate depends on factors such as hardware specifications, game design, optimisation, network infrastructure, and game modes. These factors collectively determine the server’s capacity to handle player loads and ensure an optimal gaming experience.

Operating systems for gaming servers

Common operating systems for gaming servers include:

  1. Windows Server: Widely used for its compatibility with game server software and user-friendly interface.

  2. Linux: Known for its stability, security, and performance, making it a popular choice for resource-intensive game servers.

  3. FreeBSD: Offers stability, security, and control over server configurations, particularly suited for network-intensive applications.

  4. macOS: Suitable for games compatible with macOS, with integration into Apple’s hardware ecosystem.

The choice depends on game compatibility, performance requirements, and server administration skills.

Minimum / recommended system requirements to host your game

·       CPU: Multi-core processor (e.g., Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5)

·       RAM: Minimum 8 GB (16 GB or more for demanding games)

·       Storage: Adequate space for game files, preferably on an SSD

·       Internet Connection: Stable and high-speed connection

·       Network Bandwidth: Sufficient bandwidth for multiplayer and data transfer

·       Operating System: Choose a compatible OS (e.g., Windows Server, Linux, FreeBSD)

·       Graphics Card (GPU): Not necessary for hosting, unless the server also acts as a game client

Always refer to the specific game’s official documentation for precise system requirements.

Conclusion

Game servers are essential for online gaming communities and provide a platform for gamers to connect and enjoy their favourite games together. They require proper maintenance, security, and technical support to function effectively and provide a smooth gaming experience.

Therefore, remember to prioritize security and maintenance, so your game server can keep running smoothly and protect your players’ data and privacy. Your server can become a thriving community hub for digital gamers with proper maintenance and attention! 

Frequently Asked Questions

A game server is a server that hosts online games and allows players to connect and play together.

While technical knowledge is helpful, you don’t need to be an expert to set up a game server. Many online resources can guide you through the process.

You can improve the security of your game server by using strong passwords, regularly updating your software, and configuring your security settings correctly.

It’s generally recommended to perform maintenance at least once a week, but you may need to perform it more frequently if your server is heavily used.

Yes, you can host multiple games on the same server, but ensuring your server has enough resources to handle multiple games simultaneously is important.

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