Proprietary network

Notes:
* LAN games usually don't require this, though it isn't guaranteed.
* Some games may require registering themselves with an account on the network.
* This applicable only when the game REQUIRES the network for online gaming, possibility for direct connect means that this is NOT applicable even if you can't access the master server's server listings.
* Unfortunately this also implies that if and when that network dies, the game becomes unplayable online unless a patch or hack is provided.
* This should NOT be used for MMOs as this is the default behaviour for them.

Related:
* GameSpy
* Steam (Steamworks API)
* GPGnet
* Ubi.com
* EA.com

Related: (defunct)
* mplayer.com
* WON.net
* Total Entertainment Network
* The Sierra Network

Implied:
* Master server