Game Servers

Server Architecture Patterns

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                    SERVER ARCHITECTURES                      │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  DEDICATED SERVER:                                           │
│  • Server runs game simulation                              │
│  • Clients send inputs, receive state                       │
│  • Best security and consistency                            │
│  • Higher infrastructure cost                               │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  LISTEN SERVER:                                              │
│  • One player hosts the game                                │
│  • Free infrastructure                                      │
│  • Host has advantage (no latency)                          │
│  • Session ends if host leaves                              │