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A game server is a server used by game clients. Any video game played over the internet generally requires a connection to a game server.
How it works
Data is sent from the game client to the game server, from there the game server processes the data and sends it back out to the client or clients. Game servers often require large amounts of bandwidth due to the amount of data that has to be sent between the server and all the clients that are connected to it.
Types of game servers
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 set up on a separate machine, often hosted in a data center; thus they have high bandwidth and do not have to share CPU with the client's game. In general, dedicated servers are more preferable.
Dedicated servers are used by hosting companies, usually for Massively multiplayer online games. Listen servers are mostly used by individual players in a LAN party setting.
Game server hosting
Many companies lease dedicated game servers out for a monthly fee. These companies are often referred to as Game Server Providers (GSPs). Often each member of a gaming clan will donate to help defer the monthly costs which can reach hundreds of dollars.
"Game server"