Decentralized multiplayer
Decentralized multiplayer
Most source engine titles offer a dedicated server feature. The two largest ones, aside from DOTA2, are IMO Counter-Strike: GO and Garry's Mod. Both support multiplayer, allowing you to set up a dedicated server. With Garry's Mod, you can now host games directly and invite players through Steam, eliminating the need to manage a server yourself and share an IP address.
Thanks for your reply!
I don't have a Steam library since I don't use it, which is part of the reason for focusing on locally hosted games. Still useful info, though.
Exactly
Unfortunately, that keeps them centralized—they'd need to go through Steam for anything. I'm searching for something truly LAN-based, or where connecting to a local server is enough (like Minecraft).
Good start, keep it up!
Still helpful, though it's a bit off subject. Everyone thinks it's normal because it was the main player when they began gaming, but for someone who witnessed its growth from nothing, the presence of a growing middleman everywhere is frustrating. Things like internet connections for single-player, games-as-a-service, and relying on third parties to play games you bought later (or to enjoy them fully—like Rockstar removing music from your game)—are just another step forward for me as a consumer. I already mentioned this in your earlier post: Steam needed for LAN play? That's exactly why LAN is still better—it works without the internet. It just adds another layer to the Steam barrier...
I understand your perspective. My father attempted to teach those ideas, but they didn't really take hold. Also, the steam over LAN was probably an overstatement. You don't require steam for a genuine LAN, but P2P is necessary.