Turn-Based Networking
Turn-based networking is a design pattern in multiplayer game development where players take sequential turns rather than acting simultaneously, with network communication synchronized to ensure fair and consistent gameplay. It involves managing game state updates, turn transitions, and player input over a network, often using techniques like lockstep simulation or client-server architectures. This approach is crucial for games where timing and order of actions are critical, such as strategy or card games.
Developers should learn turn-based networking when building multiplayer games that require deterministic outcomes and fairness, such as chess, Civilization-style strategy games, or online card games like Hearthstone. It helps prevent cheating by ensuring all players see the same game state and reduces the impact of network latency, as actions are processed in discrete turns rather than in real-time. This is essential for maintaining game integrity in competitive or complex scenarios where simultaneous actions could lead to conflicts.