Multiplayer video game

A video game that lets multiple people participate in the same play session, cooperatively or competitively, through local connections or a network.

Client–server model: A network architecture in which client devices request services or data from a central server. Many multiplayer games use a server to coordinate shared state and validate player actions.
Cooperative video game: A video game in which players work together toward shared objectives. It is the cooperative form of multiplayer play.
Single-player video game: A video game designed primarily for one person to play without simultaneous human opponents or collaborators. It lacks the simultaneous multi-person session that defines multiplayer play.
Esports: Organized competitive video gaming, often involving leagues, tournaments, and professional players. Multiplayer games provide the competitive formats around which esports are organized.
Peer-to-peer: A network architecture in which participants communicate directly rather than relying entirely on a central server. Some games distribute session coordination among players instead of using a dedicated server.
Player versus player: A game mode in which players compete directly against other players. It describes multiplayer sessions organized around direct competition.
Asynchronous multiplayer: A multiplayer format in which players' actions affect one another without requiring simultaneous participation. It involves multiple people but not necessarily one concurrent session.
LAN party: A gathering where participants connect computers or consoles over a local area network to play games. It is a social event built around local networked multiplayer.
Game server: Software or hardware that hosts a multiplayer game session and coordinates its participants. It maintains the authoritative session state in server-hosted games.
Local multiplayer: Multiplayer play in which participants share a physical location and connect to the same game locally. It covers shared-screen and other same-location sessions.

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