Inter-Device Multiplayer and Performance Optimization in Games for Modern Mobile Devices

Inter-Device Multiplayer and Performance Optimization in Games for Modern Mobile Devices In this thesis we explore the use of a large-screen mobile device, the iPad, in multiplayer games across multiple modern mobile devices. Specifically, the Wi-Fi capability on these devices are used to implement and evaluate multiplayer where the iPad acts as a game surface while smaller devices such as the iPhone and iPod touch are used as wireless controllers. We also evaluate and optimize performance in advanced 3D games on the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. A game prototype, Kodo, was developed so that tests could be made in a real-world scenario. The end result is a successful implementation of the prototype with inter-device multiplayer and good 3D performance, which shows that current mobile devices can run advanced 3D games with highly responsive networked multiplayer. It was also found that in order to achieve this, special consideration of hardware restrictions and limitations is required.