Crash Course in Online Features for Programmers

Explore a comprehensive overview of online features for game programmers in this 2017 GDC talk by Sony's Claire Blackshaw. Discover easy-to-implement platform-provided features, learn about REST Unity examples, and understand implicit generic replication systems. Delve into messaging, cloud configuration, online saves, community building, and matchmaking strategies. Examine the pros and cons of peer-to-peer networking, tiny servers, and cloud infrastructure. Gain insights on moving to the cloud and addressing common challenges in online game development.

Intro
Platform Power Connect Features
REST Unity Example Platform & Middleware helps
Implicit Generic Replication System
Roll your Own Mix & Match as Required
Messaging
Config in Cloud Patching is hard, config is simple
Platform Data Tiny Bit, Big Feature
Online Saves Never lose Progress
Getting Together
Community We all play your Game
Matchmaking Concurrency is King
Servers
Peer to Peer Keep it Cheap
Tiny Server Low Risk, Big Power
Infrastructure Battery or Power Grid
Moving to Cloud
Questions?