A game server browser, or game scanner, is an application enabling users to locate online multiplayer servers for various compatible PC games. Some applications also offer the functionality to locate internet radio, VoIP, chat rooms or downloads.
Typically, game server browsers retrieve a list of game servers from a master server, measure lag and packet loss between the browser and the game servers, and retrieve server details, such as current players and gameplay rules. This information can be filtered, sorted and displayed and is used to launch and connect a game from the list.
Optionally many game server browsers also support tracking and searching of players, both in- and out-of-game forums, chat and voice communication, advertising for events and management of game servers.