Networked Multiplayer
Realtime networking is a complex field, but with Unity we have made it extremely simple to achieve. However, it is still best to understand the breadth and depth involved with creating any kind of network game. This section will explain the fundamentals of networking concepts, and the Unity-specific executions of these concepts for you to use. If you have never created a network game before it is highly recommended that you read this guide in detail before attempting to create one.
High Level Overview
This section will outline all the concepts involved in networking. It will serve as an introduction to deeper topics.
Networking Elements in Unity
This section of the guide will cover Unity's execution of the ideas discussed above.
RPC Details
RPC stands for Remote Procedure Call. It is a way of calling a function on a remote machine. This may be a client calling a function on the server, or the server calling a function on all or specific clients, etc. This page explains RPC concepts in detail.
State Synchronization
State Synchronization is a method of regularly updating a specific set of data across two or more game instances running on the network.
Minimizing Bandwidth
Every choice you make about where and how to share data will affect the bandwidth your game uses. This page will share some details about bandwidth usage and how to keep it to a minimum.
Network View
Network Views are Components you use to share data across the network. They are extremely important to understand. This page will explain them in detail.
Network Instantiate
One difficult subject in networking is ownership of an object. Who controls what? Network Instantiation will determine this logic for you. This page will explain how to do this. It will also explain the complex alternatives, for situations when you just need more control.
Master Server
The Master Server is like a game lobby where servers can advertise their presence to clients. It is also a solution to enabling communication from behind a firewall or home network. When needed it makes it possible to use a technique called NAT punchthrough (with help from a facilitator) to make sure your players can always connect with each other. This page will explain how to use the Master Server.
Page last updated: 2010-01-06