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A very simple development interface wraps an advanced,
multithreaded communication component. The component’s twitch speed,
synchronized simulation enables an unlimited game state database
providing more expansive environments and a larger number of dynamic
in-game objects.
This sync-sim model facilitates exciting features in next-generation
games like real-time physics and dynamic AI, precisely synchronized in
the multiplayer game. Along with other requisite features, the system
includes NAT router compatibility, cryptographic license keys, an
end-user IP Auto-Discovery Server and a match-making Session Broker server.
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These back-end servers use a service-oriented architecture to facilitate
ease of administration and extensibility. In short, the required
development effort and end-user configuration hassles are minimized
while providing excellent game performance and back-end server efficiency. |
The Ninja Networking System alleviates the technical challenges involved in developing
multithreaded networked games and provides the following benefits:
Game Design Benefits
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Facilitates large game state databases supporting multiple game genres (FPS, RTS, Action)
with expansive spaces and numerous dynamic in-game objects, facilitating a range of advanced features,
including real-time physics and complex characters.
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Enables twitch-speed performance via a low-latency communication algorithm which includes advanced,
proprietary data compression to reduce bandwidth usage.
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Saves end users from configuration hassles, automatically detecting end-user endpoints (IP Addresses),
so users do not need to administer port-forwarding, e.g. on home routers.
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Bolsters game session security via session whitelists and secure communication links.
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Back-End Server Benefits
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Provides a back-end Session Broker that uses a Service Oriented Architecture to efficiently provide
matchmaking and data mining functionality. |
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Customizing the matchmaking GUI requires no server programming—the game communicates with a well-defined
server interface. Prevents piracy and facilitates digital distribution via cryptographic license keys.
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Bolsters server security by mitigating the risks of internet misuse (e.g. zombie DoS attacks and chat bots).
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Brokers users into sessions through NAT routers transparently.
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Detects users who are behind true firewalls (which are impossible to be transparently brokered), and brokers
them into LAN sessions on their own network segment.
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Facilitates advanced features for technically savvy users who want to set up a true firewall, e.g. via manual port selection.
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Development Process Benefits |
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Provides a re-usable, extensible application framework for multiplayer sync-sim games that saves
developers from handling complex, multi-threaded communication development issues.
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Simplifies multiplayer gameplay analysis during pre-production.
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Single-player and multi-player modes use the same code paths, mitigating the risk of breaking multiplayer
game code via changes in the single player game code and allowing each developer to develop and debug on one workstation:
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Reaps the concurrency benefits of multi-processor platforms
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