Unity Multiplayer
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Toolkit for Steamworks
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This guide is designed to help Unity developers get started quickly with multiplayer game development using Steamworks. It covers the key concepts and architectures you need to know, including the distinction between high-level and low-level networking APIs, and how Steamworks integrates into the picture.
As to "How To" that is covered by the HLAPI you choose to use. Steamworks is a technology that enables capabilities ... capabilities that are used by the HLAPI you choose.
What It Is: HLAPIs are frameworks that handle the replication of game state and data synchronization. They define what gets synced, when, by whom, and how messages are transmitted across the network.
Popular Tools:
Key Point: All these HLAPIs work similarly. Your choice of HLAPI is mostly a matter of "flavour" or personal preference. Once chosen, you’ll use its documentation for detailed implementation guidance.
What It Is: Often referred to as the "transport" layer, LLAPIs handle the actual sending and receiving of data, managing connection details such as establishing, maintaining, and terminating network connections.
Steamworks Integration:
The Steamworks SDK includes the Steam Networking Sockets protocol.
Major HLAPIs offer a transport module that supports Steam Networking Sockets.
Key Point: While LLAPIs manage the technical details of connections (think of them like “NetDrivers” in other engines), they operate behind the scenes. Once your HLAPI is configured with the proper transport, you use the HLAPI as usual with little to no changes in your workflow.
Step 1: Select an HLAPI that suits your project needs. Remember, the HLAPI handles most of the game’s network logic.
Step 2: Install the corresponding transport module that enables integration with Steam Networking Sockets. This configuration ensures that your HLAPI communicates using Steam’s protocols without affecting your standard development practices.
Star Topology: Most Unity HLAPIs use a star topology managed by a central Network Manager. This manager handles all network connections, ensuring that the flow of data between clients and servers remains organized.
Server Types:
Listen Server: Often confused with P2P, a Listen Server is where one instance acts as both client and server. This is the proper term to use; some HLAPI may (incorrectly) refer to this as Peer to Peer, however, that term does mean something different to Valve, so understand outside of HLAPI's docs, P2P means something else.
Dedicated Server: A dedicated server runs independently, handling connections from multiple clients. When initializing a dedicated server with Steamworks, it is assigned a Steam ID via Steam Game Server endpoints (handled by Heathen’s Toolkit for Steamworks).
Connection Method: All Unity HLAPIs using Steam Networking Sockets treat the Steam ID as the network address.
Implication: Instead of connecting via an IP:Port combination, connections are made directly between Steam IDs (for both users and servers). This is what Valve means when they say P2P ... between 2 of the same type of address, whether or not they are clients or servers or both.
Server Initialization: Dedicated servers initialize using Steam Game Server endpoints, receiving a Steam ID. Heathen’s Toolkit for Steamworks automates this process in your server builds.
Clarification:
Steam Lobby: A tool primarily used for matchmaking. It helps players find each other and agree on session parameters.
Networking: Steam Lobby is not a networking feature.
Key Point: Once a network session is established, you connect directly using Steam IDs—not through the lobby. The lobby’s role ends once the session is set up.
Select Your Tools: Choose a preferred HLAPI and configure its transport to use Steam Networking Sockets.
Understand Your Layers: HLAPI handles high-level game state synchronization while LLAPI (transport) deals with underlying connection mechanics.
Network Architecture: Familiarize yourself with star topology and the concept of a Network Manager that governs Listen Server and Dedicated Server modes.
Steamworks Specifics: Always connect using Steam IDs. Use the Steam Lobby only for matchmaking and initial session setup.
By understanding these core principles, Unity developers can rapidly get up and running with multiplayer functionalities using Heathen’s Toolkit for Steamworks, without getting bogged down by the complexities of underlying network protocols. For further details, refer to the specific documentation of your chosen HLAPI and the Steamworks SDK.