A lot of technical discussion on videogames centres around content and aesthetics -- the visual fidelity of the cinematics, the fluidity of animations, polycounts, framerates, narratives, character development, etc, etc. But despite being a vital part of any online multiplayer game, networking architecture doesn't tend to get much air time.

Most of you have probably spent countless hours playing online multiplayer games, but how much do you know about how it all works?

In this series of articles we'll explore the nuances and merits of the different techniques game developers use to bring us together in their online worlds, and consider which methods and aspects are ultimately in the best interest of videogame consumers. Read on for Part 1 - What is a dedicated server?