Introduction to the multiplayer notifications
Overview
AccelByte Gaming Services (AGS) Play includes a multiplayer notification system that enables effective communication between the game client and the server. This allows for giving players real-time updates about game events, player interactions, and system alerts. This article provides an overview of the multiplayer notification system.
Architecture
The multiplayer notification system is designed as a client-server architecture, where the backend acts as the central hub for processing and dispatching notifications. Each game client connects to the Lobby server, while the dedicated game server connects to the DS Hub server, establishing a communication channel through which the connection messages can be sent and received. This architecture employs WebSocket protocols to facilitate low-latency communication, ensuring that notifications are delivered in real time.
At the backend server level, a notification manager is responsible for categorizing and prioritizing messages. These can include player actions (invite friends or accept friends request), in-game events (like joining and leaving a session), and system alerts (including player bans). The server then broadcasts these notifications to the relevant clients, ensuring that players receive timely and relevant information.
Features
The key features of the multiplayer notification system include:
Real-time updates: Players receive instant notifications about game events. For example: alerts for new game sessions and changes in game or server status.
Player interactions: Notifications for friend requests, messages, or team invitations.
System notifications: Alerts to players about any backend activity. For example: player bans, player blocks, or any custom admin push notifications.
Benefits
Some of the benefits for taking advantage of the multiplayer notification system are:
Improved player engagement: By providing real-time updates and fostering player interactions, the notification system can keep players engaged and invested.
Streamlined communication: The efficient exchange of information between clients and servers provides clarity and transparency, making a more enjoyable gameplay experience for players.
Increased player retention: By keeping players informed, the notification system can play a role in increasing player retention.