#123#
 

Proprietary network

Software concept

*123*
81
games
6
platforms

Online games require access to (and possibly login at) some proprietary network.

Notable people involved: Dustin Browder, Sam 'Samwise' Didier, Chris Metzen, Derek Duke and Glenn Stafford

Name variations: Private 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

Popular tags

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Related group

Other
Multiplayer: Defunct

Games by year

9697989900010203040506070809101112131415 1648120

The first Proprietary network video game was released on November 1, 1996.

Ubisoft, Electronic Arts, Positech Games and THQ published most of these games.

Platforms

Windows67
Mac OS X5
Linux3
X3603
PS32
Xbox1

Most common companies

Child groups

Battle.netUtilizes Blizzard's Battle.net matchmaking and internet lobby services.1996 / 201530 games
GPGnet2007 / 20083 games
Microsoft Internet Gaming Zone1 game
MPlayer.comMultiplayer service that ran from 1996 till 2001.1996 / 20009 games
OriginOnline (and possibly offline) games require login at Electronic Arts' Origin service.2008 / 201417 games
Rockstar Games Social ClubRequires login at Rockstar Games Social Club.1 game
The Sierra NetworkTSN was created by Sierra On-Line & later renamed INN. It was a precursor to the online games & communities that followed but never itself succeeded.1993 / 19953 games
Total Entertainment NetworkUses the subscription-based TEN matchmaking service. Was in operation from 1996-09 till 1999-10. Overthrown by free services, like Battle.net.1996 / 20148 games
Ubi.com accountRequires account at Ubi.com for online multiplayer, and possibly for even offline singleplayer.2005 / 201426 games
WON.netSierra's online game service that was shutdown in 2004.1998 / 20036 games
YuPlayRequires login at YuPlay service.2013 / 20142 games
ZoneMatchAn online matchmaking service from Microsoft, retired on 2006-06-19.1997 / 200313 games