What does it mean when a game is server sided? I am not familiar with these terms haha
TL:DR...
A "server-sided" game refers to an online multiplayer game where the core game logic, state, and rules are controlled by a central remote server run by the game developer, rather than on each player's local device aka the "client".
Your Role (Client-Side): Your computer or phone only handles:
Rendering graphics and sounds (what you see/hear).
Input prediction for responsiveness (e.g., your character moves instantly when you press a key, but the server confirms it).
Sending simple commands to the server (e.g., "I pressed jump" or "I shot here").
Server's Role (Server-Side): The server:
Runs the "true" simulation of the game world (player positions, health, ammo, scores, physics, collisions, etc.).
Validates every action to ensure fairness.
Broadcasts the official results back to all players' clients to display.
Your Role (Client-Side): Your computer or phone only handles:
Rendering graphics and sounds (what you see/hear).
Input prediction for responsiveness (e.g., your character moves instantly when you press a key, but the server confirms it).
Sending simple commands to the server (e.g., "I pressed jump" or "I shot here").
Server's Role (Server-Side): The server:
Runs the "true" simulation of the game world (player positions, health, ammo, scores, physics, collisions, etc.).
Validates every action to ensure fairness.
Broadcasts the official results back to all players' clients to display.
Why Server-Sided Matters:
Anti-Cheat: Cheaters can't easily fake kills, resources, or movement—the server decides everything and rejects invalid actions.
Fairness: Ensures all players experience the same "truth," even with lag (though high ping can feel rubber-band-y).
Downsides: Requires powerful servers (costly), and lag/desync can occur if not optimized well.