Netzwerkdienste für Massively Multiplayer Online Games

In this theses we present the design and implementation of three different network services for massively multiplayer online games. The first service is an approach for an integrated voice communication. The design is based on a hybrid architecture using a server-based signaling and peer-to-peer data transmission. This technique allows to relate speech processing to game events throuhgt the server but does not consume centralized ressources for the audio transmission. The second service is an approach for an overlay network structure. Aiming for high demands on responsiveness and scalability, we use a fully distributed peer-to-peer network with a dynamic connection scheme. By using a publish/subscribe system for message dissemination user interests can be handled efficiently. A Geocast algorithm allows information distribution to arbitrary regions of the virtual world. The third service can be used to benchmark peer-to-peer gaming overlays. It contains the design of the methodology, the definition of metrics, the generation of realistic gaming workload and the implementation of a complete evaluation platform. All three services are using the game Planet PI4 as a prototype for a distributed massively multiplayer first person shoter online game. Its modular design allows a versatile application of the game. Network relevant game events can be created by real players or simulated by simple mobility models or complex artificial intelligence players. Planet PI4 also servers as a possibility to see and feel the quality of an implemented service in a realtime action game.