multiplayer games

[mattk210]

I hope this is the right forum, I was debating between this and the flash 9 forum

I'm developing a top-down racing game, and I would like to have multiplayer support. I have researched my options but all seem to require running a server, but I want my game to be playable without reliance on my hardware and internet connection (or money, in the case of a hired server)

Just a quick question, is there any way to have multiplayer flash games without dependence on me running a server (maybe by exchanging IP addresses or over LAN?)

Help much appreciated,
Matt

[rrh]

Flash has security restrictions that will prevent this unless the user is running it as a local copy and explicitly alters their security settings to permit this IP address.

[mattk210]

That won't be a problem, the game is local only. I'm also happy to have other non-flash applications assisting in allowing this online multiplayer.

[rrh]

In that case, I haven't used it more than a very basic amount, but I was playing with something called Red5 which is supposed to be good for this sort of thing.

Also, here is where you adjust your security settings:
http://www.macromedia.com/support/documentation/en/flashplayer/help/settings_manager04.html

[mattk210]

Sorry, but I really don't really understand what Red5 is -- i have no experience in this area. The webpage contains something about a server, which sounds like the wrong thing for me.
Maybe there's a way for Flash to communicate over a LAN? programs like Hamachi can allow virtual LANs over the internet.

[rrh]

A server is just a computer running the right software, for example Red5. Whether two computers are connected by internet or Lan or Wan or what, that's low-level architecture, which I don't think you'd need to deal with.

[mattk210]

so let me get this straight, I can tell people who want to play multiplayer on my game that the host needs to install red5. Then, the host runs red5 and my game, and the person joining connects to that through my game then they can communicate.

If that's correct, that's great! Would you happen to know where I can get specifics for exactly how to set up red5 and preferably automate setting it up, and specifics for how to make the game communicate with red5?

Thanks heaps for your help by the way, I've rarely got such responsive help from people at any forum.