What is a Game Server?

Game servers run multiplayer games over the internet. They use local or remote-hosted servers and those on the local internet can access them. Computer and video games playable on game servers typically require membership fees in return for access.

Game servers come in a few different shapes and sizes. They might be a computer program designed to serve users’ requests, a computer hosting those programs, or software/hardware databases. These servers typically operate interdependently and the definition of a server includes both the physical computer used to host and the program itself.

How Does Server Hardware Differ from Normal Computers?

Server hardware differs from typical hardware in a few ways. First, the server can save critical space by avoiding graphics interfaces, or monitors. They can also omit audio and USB interfaces and capabilities.

Servers typically run after shut down and they need to be fault tolerant. More importantly, all servers need robust backup solutions. Server operating systems (OS) are usually simpler than regular computers because they don’t need to complete as many tasks.

Types of Servers?

Listen Server (LAN)

An individual user can host a server locally if they wish. These can be referred to as listen servers. On the other hand, you have dedicated servers. The difference between a listen server and a dedicated server is that the host can participate in the game with other users while using a listen server.

Listen servers typically run on a local area network (LAN) and the connection is often unreliable. It is unreliable because if the host stops playing, no one can play. This type of server also runs into issues because it’s under further strain from the host and the users playing the game. Thus, listen servers are often used by smaller groups.

Dedicated Game Servers

Dedicated game servers are more costly and often hosted remotely by game providers. Because of the increased resources, the server provides a better game experience and can host thousands of gamers. However, the capacity for these users depends on the size of the server and the number of dedicated servers linked to the multiplayer game.

Cloud Servers

Cloud servers feature companies running numerous servers. Gaming companies have begun to hire other cloud computing companies to run dedicated servers from a distance. This lets them focus primarily on the game experience.

This is different than a dedicated or listen server format, which requires the host or host company to purchase the hardware and software to run the server. In these cases, the hosting company can hire someone to run the server hardware and software so they can reduce costs.

What Is Tickrate?

Tickrate describes the frequency of game updates and is an important determinant of a server’s quality. The higher the tick rate, the more precise the game simulations are. If servers send 64 updates to players each second, it’s referred to as a 64-tick or 64 Hz server. For example, 64-tick servers send 64 updates per second and 32-tick servers send 32 updates per second.

What Does Tickrate Mean for Gamers?

The more game states are calculated during gameplay, the more fluid the movement and action of the game. Split-second actions factor into the gameplay and they are particularly noticeable in first-person shooters, where gameplay occurs at an exceptionally fast rate.

When Does Tickrate Matter for Games?

Tickrate matters for games when the gameplay is more realistic and in-depth. For games such as Counter-Strike and Valorant, gamers would do well to opt for higher tick rates, such as 64 or 128 ticks per second.

How Does Tickrate Affect the Server?

When tick rates increase, the server needs more processing power and bandwidth. Say you double the tick rate from 32 to 64 ticks. You increase the load on the server because players will send data more frequently and the server will need to calculate the game strain more at a higher speed. When you game on a high-tick server, the server needs to be fast enough to handle the extra workload.

What Type of Hardware Is In a Game Server?

Dedicated Server Hardware

Dedicated game servers are the most common type of game server and they include what all computers include: motherboards, CPU processors, RAM, power supply, fans, and a case. The most important aspect of any game server is its CPU.

This determines whether the server can process the data in online games fast enough to deliver the expected experience. When you boost your CPU, game servers can run more calculations every second and handle a higher tick rate for gaming workloads.

Processing data is important but game servers are also optimized for high-throughput network connectivity. Many people connect and send data through the server and a game server typically has a more powerful network card to support lots of simultaneous connections.

Peer-to-Peer Game Servers

Dedicated game servers are the most common types of game servers and peer-to-peer servers are most often used for games with fewer players. Think about the number of players per game console such as the older Xbox series and the Nintendo Switch or Game Boy. A few players connect and they feel free to play without using too many resources.

In peer-to-peer games, the game assigns one player’s device to host the match. This means the player’s device runs the game server in the background while the player continues on the same device. So, in essence, yes, your game consoles even handheld video games can be game servers.

Peer-to-peer games are cheaper multiplayer computer games but they often feature limited experiences for players. If you’re looking for a battle royale, they likely won’t be the best option.

How Do You Set Game Servers Up?

To create a game server, it needs to have the server’s binary installed. The server’s binary is the specialized software that runs the game world while tracking the in-game actions, object properties, and game calculations.

The Developer Organizes Servers

Most multiplayer games are set up by the game developer and they don’t release the server binaries. This means you can’t host your own game server. Still, some games release the binary and this often leads to a much longer life span for the game itself.

Bottom Line

Game servers come in many different sizes with different functions. Which one you use depends on your preferences. If you don’t need exceptional gaming quality, you can likely get away with a listen server. If you need higher hosting quality, a dedicated game server is your best bet.

Also Read: Are North Korean Hackers Targeting Gaming
Companies?


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