Chapter 15 -- Integrating DirectPlay

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Chapter 15

The integration of network, modem, or serial-linked game play is essential for developing top-quality 3D games. The most popular games on the market enable users to connect other players to their gaming sessions so that they can play head-to-head or as a team. If you want to develop a game that can compete in today's cut-throat software market, you must incorporate these capabilities.

The Microsoft DirectPlay API provides a powerful set of communication capabilities, which keeps you from having to deal with the variety of connectivity approaches out there. DirectPlay is implemented as a network abstraction and distributed object system. As with all the DirectX APIs, if the system your code runs on doesn't support the functionality you need (such as group or guaranteed messaging), DirectPlay will emulate it. DirectPlay integrates seamlessly with your Microsoft Direct3D applications, as do the other APIs such as DirectDraw and DirectInput. With DirectPlay's capabilities added to your program, you'll have all the tools you need to build a top-notch game.