What is?
Game Server
A game server or game hosting server is a remotely or locally run dedicated server used by game clients to play online games such as public community games or league match games. Any video game played over the internet generally requires a connection to a game hosting server.
Game Hosting or Game Server Types
Game hosting or Game servers can be classified as listen servers and dedicated servers. Listen servers are run on the same machine as the game client. When the client disconnects, the server is shut down, as the server and host client are run together. Listen servers usually cannot support many players, due to bandwidth and CPU requirements. The software running the listen server typically limits the number of players for this very reason.
Dedicated servers are usually run on dedicated hardware located in a data center, providing more bandwidth and dedicated processing power. Dedicated servers are the preferred method of hosting a game server for practically all PC-based multiplayer games. Dedicated servers can be set up by obtaining the game hosting or game server files, editing the configuration and executing the dedicated game server.
Massively multiplayer online games are all run on dedicated servers usually hosted by the software company that developed and owns the game title, as this allows them to control and update content. In many cases they are run on clustered servers to allow for huge environments and large player counts.
Listen servers are mostly used by individual players in a LAN party setting.
Game Server Providers
Many companies lease dedicated game servers or game hosting out for a monthly fee. These companies are often referred to as Game Hosting Providers or Game Server Providers (GSPs). Often each member of a gaming clan will donate to help defray the monthly costs.
Game hosting or game server providers often offer web based tools to help control and configure the individual game servers and most dedicated hosting server providers allow those that rent/lease to modify the games being leased. Colo provides you with a managed support solution on all dedicated hosting server plans. This will include the installation of your operating system, provisioning, testing, deployment of security patches. We closely monitor your server to identify and resolve any issues to provide the highest uptime and performance. We are working hard to earn your business. You can read more about Colo’s Dedicated Hosting Standard Features and Tier options here or Contact our team of dedicated hosting specialists, we’re ready to help. We’ll be happy to answer any questions that you might have. Call toll free at 1-866-316-2656 or email us through our request a call back form on this page (top right).