Tekken producer Katsuhiro Harada discusses netcode and fighting game servers
Tekken series producer Katsuhiro Harada recently discussed the importance of good netcode and dedicated servers in fighting games. In a live stream on Twitch, Harada addressed concerns about the online experience in Tekken 7 and explained some of the challenges of implementing better netcode.
Harada acknowledged that the netcode used in Tekken 7 could be improved and that Bandai Namco Entertainment is working on it. He stated that the team is already in discussions with third-party vendors who specialize in networking to enhance the online performance of the game.
One of the major issues with the current netcode is the delay-based model. This model introduces input delay to synchronize players’ actions, but it can result in sluggish gameplay and unfair advantages for players with high latency. Harada admitted that this is a problem and recognized the need for a more efficient rollback-based netcode.
Rollback netcode minimizes input delay by constantly rolling back the game state to match the actions of both players. It provides a smoother experience by predicting and correcting for input delay, even in high-latency situations. Harada understands the demand from the community for rollback netcode and expressed his determination to explore this option for future Tekken games.
Moreover, Harada also addressed concerns about the lack of dedicated servers in Tekken 7. He explained that the decision to use peer-to-peer connections instead of dedicated servers was made based on cost and the potential player base size. Using dedicated servers can be expensive, especially considering the number of players in the Tekken community worldwide.
However, Harada assured fans that the team is still open to the idea of dedicated servers and is constantly evaluating the situation. He emphasized that Bandai Namco Entertainment strives to provide the best online experience possible, and if dedicated servers prove to be more feasible in the future, they will consider implementing them.
In conclusion, Katsuhiro Harada’s discussion shed light on the challenges of netcode and server implementation in Tekken 7. The commitment to improving the online experience demonstrates the team’s dedication to the community. With ongoing discussions and explorations of better netcode options and the possibility of dedicated servers, Tekken players can look forward to a smoother and more enjoyable online experience in the future.