DirectPlay

DirectPlay was a component of Microsoft's DirectX Application Programming Interface (API) that provided services for network gaming. It was designed to simplify the development of multiplayer games by abstracting away the complexities of network programming. DirectPlay handled tasks such as session management, player management, and message routing between game clients. It supported various network protocols, including IPX/SPX, TCP/IP, and modem connections. Developers could use DirectPlay to create peer-to-peer or client-server game architectures. Its primary goal was to enable games to connect and communicate over networks, facilitating multiplayer experiences. DirectPlay was most prominently used in games released in the late 1990s and early 2000s. With the rise of more advanced networking technologies and APIs, DirectPlay has largely been superseded by newer solutions, and its usage has declined significantly in modern game development. It is considered a legacy technology.