What precautions to take when planning an online game?

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Eventually I'm going to make this game online, what precautions should I take before in order so it works with little error?

First step LOTS of experience.

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1 Answer

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Stress tests are probably top priority...

The main reasoning for having beta tests is because of stress tests. Companies don't know how much the effect of their game is going to have on a server.

So, being this way, you'll have to buy a server, and "slowly" (Like, in swarms of 100 a week), have people play.... So, first have 100 people, if this goes fine, then get another 100, and keep doing this. Now, when the server starts having dramatic lag's and what not, you'll want to upgrade, and from here, have more people get on...

When you feel comfortable with 1/2/3 servers (More if needed), you'll want to limit amount of people per a server, now you'll release the game to everyone and so that everyone can play it if they want, and from here you'll have a stressful week or five until you get things in a homeostasis (I think that's the word), and then you just let people play and pay the bills...

On top of this, funding... Sell ads in game or what not if needed.

You'll have to have the game launcher and the whole network code...

And just updates as time goes on and you see what's needed...

But really, main thing you'll need is stress tests... I know that when/if I get a game up, I'll take all 100 computers in our lab here and put my game on each and stress the server, haha.

But yea =).

Any questions ask!

And yes, as Orange said, you'll need experience, which comes with time, so, screw up about 50 times, then you'll be good =).

Good explanation! Although I wouldn't say screw up 50 times, I'd say start simpler if you're inexperienced. It's a lot more motivating if you're capable of producing something simple then constantly failing at something complicated.

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