Game server browser
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A game server browser is a software application that enables a user to easily find online multiplayer servers for the Computer games they are playing. Recently this functionality is also applied to non-gaming server lists like locating internet radio, teamspeak, chat rooms or download servers.
[edit] Implementation
The job of a Game server browser can be broken up into several parts with the following being mandatory:
- retrieval of a list of game servers from a master game server
- measuring lag and packet loss between the user and a list of game servers
- requesting server details from a list of game servers. Examples: current number of players, list of current players, rules of gameplay, type or mod of gameplay.
- filtering, sorting and displaying server details
- launching a game and connecting it to a game server. This may also include setting username, password, computer configuration of technical and content details.
The following jobs are considered optional but have become somewhat standard:
- tracking and searching of players alias "buddy finder"
- out-of-game chat or cooperation with IRC
- voice communication
- community building through events, chats and forums
- advertising for game specific products
- management of game servers
[edit] Examples
- Qtracker is a classic game server browser with a list-centric view and a large and highly configurable filter system
- GameSpy Arcade is a chat community based solution based on IRC with a medium number of filters
- Xfire is based around an instant messenger with added voice communication, low number of filters
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