Those networking engines tend to have a server-side component for matchmaking and such.

The gaming companies using a third-party networking engine will have access to the client-side library, but often not the server-side.

And even if they do have a copy of the server-side to host on their own servers, there will be clauses in the networking engine's licensing agreement prohibiting the company from distributing the server-side with the game (should they desire to do so).

The point is that currently, I don't think there is a solid, widespread, networking engine that is part of the public domain (in implementation or even just as a specification of its behavior).

Those who want a reliable third-party networking engine have to use a proprietary solution which severely restrict how open deployment can be.

When I worked in that industry in 2009-2010, a handful of companies had near-complete control on networking middleware for games. I don't believe this has changed.

Dang, I just got call of juarez bound in blood today and there were people online shooting eachother, it has a nice western themed multiplayer thing going. Guess I'll get to play a few more games before it goes down the pooper.

Well, since the Borderlands franchise is basically their favorite child, I think they'll actually keep to their word for once.

One of the reasons i don't trust games with clients.
Well lets see how loud they cry after GfWL is gone.

GameSpy isn't a client, it's built into the games directly.

Many GFWL games used GameSpy services so will now be losing some multiplayer features prior to GFWL's end of support.

I wonder if Unreal Tournament 3 will stop working completely soon.

I had terrible experience with Gamespy with NWN, but I still would've wanted to play online with my buddies.

Not always, I think. I recall at least older games installing (or offering to install) a GameSpy client right after the game's installation.

Oh right, I forgot about GameSpy 3D/Arcade (games haven't bundled that in a long time).

so this affects other platforms right? but (ive not had much sleep so excuse the blond question here for which i am sure i will kick myself when i get some sleep) but given that the other platforms many piggy back onto their own servers for the multilayer aspects *how* does this screw that up? - i can understand the authentication elements being affected - god help my back list! - but *confused*

I read some of the comments on the slashdot story of this and saw someone mention GameRanger as a possible alternative way of getting MP for some of the games that will be effected by Gamespy shutting down. Has anyone here used it before?

Yes, GameSpy technology was used on the PS2 and DS and so forth. The level of seriousness will depend on what game features relied on GameSpy.

THIS is why i value services like GOG, who allow us to save to disc, each and every game we purchase. No restrictions, no locked or jammed doors to get between gamer and game. And THIS is why i would very much value a Multiplayer product which allows gamers to host their own international games, at will and without restriction. Free to tweak code, adjust rules, pay own costs, host own network, whatever - Free us these chains which bind. Free us from the fallout when Titans fall. Allow us to play past their demise. Give us our games !
.

"the whole service is going offline on May 31"
- <i>from Slashdot</i>

"Hundreds of video games -- including those made by EA, Ubisoft, Gearbox, Nintendo, Konami, Capcom, 5th Cell, Koei, Firaxis, and more -- may be taken offline as Glu's GameSpy multiplayer servers shut down on May 31."
- <i>from IGN</i>

I agree, it`d be much easier/safer for players to run their own servers.
It`s easy enough to do for some games, Terraria is one I used to run often.

But you`d always get some that`d ruin it for others.

DayZSA has had lots of players paying to run servers & whenever the "owner" has been legitimately been killed, they`ve reset the server, so that they`re alive or all their loot is removed from the server so the person who won the fight still loses out. Had it happen to myself, it`s rage inducing.

I guess you`d get to know which servers you can rely on eventually though...

In the long run, this is now a tonne of games with online (or single that may bug, if it`s anywhere near as bad as GFWL) that may no longer be playable now that someone has wasted money on.

Same reason I still can`t buy Dark Souls Prepare to die, because DRM hasn`t been confirmed to be fixed once GFWL finally dies.

Some titles are actively sold and should get updated. Likely to Steamworks. But I thought Gamespy had already died? Guess not. :P