Dealing with unreliable packets

One of the top concerns that developers grapple with when creating online multiplayer games is the reliability of data packets. In this section, we’ll see the complexities surrounding unreliable packets, shedding light on the issues they bring to the forefront of online multiplayer games. As you’ve already gleaned from our discussions, understanding these challenges is core to crafting a smooth and immersive multiplayer gaming experience.

Unreliable packets, as the name suggests, are data packets sent over a network without any guarantee of arrival or order. They’re like letters in the wind, reaching their destination only if the conditions are favorable. These packets are used to transmit non-critical data in online games, such as character positions, because they offer lower latency compared to reliable packets, which come with built-in delivery assurances at the expense of potential lag.

One of the primary issues associated...