Badumna Network Suite: A decentralized network engine for Massively Multiplayer Online applications

We present Badumna Network Suite, a network engine for massively multiplayer online (MMO) applications. MMO applications such as World of Warcraft and Second Life use client-server architecture. This architecture has several drawbacks such as high deployment costs, single point of failure and lack of scalability. Badumna´s goal is to scale to truly massive player counts using minimal operator owned infrastructure and network resources. The key to achieving this goal is in forming a peer-to-peer network and distributing the processing on this network. By doing this, Badumna reduces hosting costs significantly and it also increases the maximum number of users that can be allowed in a given region. The technology comprises of a distributed network engine that interfaces with existing MMO platforms. This paper presents the technology and discusses the issues involved in integrating such a technology with commercial gaming platforms - the expectations and the challenges. We then present results from commercial trials and conclude by discussing the role peer-to-peer computing will play in defining the future of MMO technology.