Title: Optimal data allocation and fairness for online games

Authors: Masaki Kohana; Shusuke Okamoto; Atsuko Ikegami

Addresses: Department of Computer and Information Science, Seikei University, Musashino-shi Tokyo, Japan ' Department of Computer and Information Science, Seikei University, Musashino-shi Tokyo, Japan ' Department of Computer and Information Science, Seikei University, Musashino-shi Tokyo, Japan

Abstract: In our previous work, we proposed a load distribution technique and a dynamic data reallocation method for web-based Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (MORPG) systems. Our proposed approach reduced the average server latency for game players. However, latency values varied widely resulting in some game players gaining an advantage over others. In this paper, we deal with data allocation and consider latency fairness in the form of a combinational optimisation problem. We develop an optimisation model in which the objective function minimises the differences in latency values and we solve instances from this model using an exact algorithm. Our model improved latency fairness and more stable server loads than the previous data reallocation method. Furthermore, it provides more stable gameplay using ten web servers instead of five.

Keywords: load balancing; web-based applications; combinational optimisation; online games; latency fairness; data allocation; MORPG systems; role playing games.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGUC.2014.062925

International Journal of Grid and Utility Computing, 2014 Vol.5 No.3, pp.183 - 189

Received: 04 Jul 2012
Accepted: 30 Jul 2013
Published online: 29 Oct 2014 *

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