Scalable game server architecture

摘要

A scalable game apparatus and method for implementing a multi-player computer game includes a plurality of networked computers over which computer processes are distributed. In various embodiments, each computer includes a baron process which coordinates the spawning of a sector manager process on the computer and communicates with a primary server process on one of the networked computers. The primary server process determines on the basis of computer loading which computer in the network should be used to spawn a new sector manager. Each sector manager implements a logical area into which game players can enter and perform game-related activities. Each baron process provides computer loading information to the primary server process. The inventive method and apparatus allows a large number of players to be efficiently accommodated while improving the reliability of the game.