Project Title: Real-time Multiplayer Game with Matchmaking in C++

Project Summary
This project is a real-time multiplayer game developed using C++, where players can join and compete with others in real-time. The game includes a matchmaking system that pairs players based on skill, availability, or other factors. The focus is on building a reliable server-client architecture, network synchronization, and a seamless player experience.

Core Components

Client-Server Architecture

• Server manages game logic, player data, match progression, and syncs states across all clients.
• Client handles player input, rendering, and displaying game data received from the server.
• Typically uses TCP/UDP sockets (e.g., with Boost.Asio or raw sockets.h).

Matchmaking System

• Players are matched into games based on factors like skill, rank, or availability.
• The server hosts a match queue, placing players in available sessions or waiting for new players to join.
• Matchmaking can be simple (random) or more sophisticated (ELO/ranking-based systems).

Real-Time Network Synchronization

• Players' actions and game states are synchronized across all clients in real-time.
• Use lag compensation techniques, such as interpolation or client prediction, to reduce perceived latency.
• Periodically, the server sends game updates (positions, events) to clients.

Game Logic and State Management

• Server handles the authoritative game state (e.g., player scores, health, positions).
• Resolves any conflicts between client states and the authoritative server state to avoid cheating.

Player Authentication and Lobby System

• Players can log in, register, or authenticate using OAuth, JWT tokens, or local verification.
• Lobby system where players can invite others, create or join matches, and chat.

Input Handling and Event Processing

• Client captures user input (keyboard, mouse, controller) and sends actions (e.g., movement, attacks) to the server.
• The server processes these actions and updates the game state, then synchronizes changes across all clients.

Game UI and HUD

• Displays real-time information, such as player stats, match status, and current game events.
• Game menus, matchmaking UI, and in-game scoreboards.

Technologies Used

• C++
• Networking Libraries (Boost.Asio, Winsock, or raw sockets)
• Protocols: TCP/UDP
• Libraries for rendering and input (e.g., SFML, SDL, OpenGL, or DirectX)
• Multithreading (for handling multiple players simultaneously)
• JSON or binary protocols for client-server communication
• Database (optional) for storing player data, match histories, leaderboards.

Learning Outcomes

• Understanding of network programming and real-time synchronization
• Development of server-client architecture and matchmaking logic
• Use of multithreading to handle multiple client connections
• Implementation of lag compensation techniques in fast-paced games
• Experience in building a scalable system for multiplayer games

Possible Enhancements

• Add more complex matchmaking (skill-based, region-based, etc.).
• Support for larger-scale multiplayer (e.g., 10+ players in a game).
• Introduce ranked matchmaking and leaderboards.
• Include voice chat or text chat functionality during gameplay.
• Add mobile support or cross-platform multiplayer (PC, console, mobile).
• Implement anti-cheat mechanisms for fair gameplay.