Proprietary network
Software concept
81
games
6platforms
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
WIN 2008-08-31
WIN 2007-02-20
WIN 1998-08-31
WIN 2013-03-12
WIN 2006-08-01
WIN 1997
PS3 2010-06-29
WIN 2010-03-16
WIN 1999-08-27
WIN 2014-04-10
WIN 2010-03-15
WIN 2002-02-25
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.
* 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
* 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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Other
Multiplayer: Defunct
Games by year
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
Most common companies
Child groups
Battle.net | Utilizes Blizzard's Battle.net matchmaking and internet lobby services. | 1996 / 2015 | 30 games | |
GPGnet | 2007 / 2008 | 3 games | ||
Microsoft Internet Gaming Zone | 1 game | |||
MPlayer.com | Multiplayer service that ran from 1996 till 2001. | 1996 / 2000 | 9 games | |
Origin | Online (and possibly offline) games require login at Electronic Arts' Origin service. | 2008 / 2014 | 17 games | |
Rockstar Games Social Club | Requires login at Rockstar Games Social Club. | 1 game | ||
The Sierra Network | TSN 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 / 1995 | 3 games | |
Total Entertainment Network | Uses the subscription-based TEN matchmaking service. Was in operation from 1996-09 till 1999-10. Overthrown by free services, like Battle.net. | 1996 / 2014 | 8 games | |
Ubi.com account | Requires account at Ubi.com for online multiplayer, and possibly for even offline singleplayer. | 2005 / 2014 | 26 games | |
WON.net | Sierra's online game service that was shutdown in 2004. | 1998 / 2003 | 6 games | |
YuPlay | Requires login at YuPlay service. | 2013 / 2014 | 2 games | |
ZoneMatch | An online matchmaking service from Microsoft, retired on 2006-06-19. | 1997 / 2003 | 13 games |