Clients or gamers use a game server to play multiplayer computer games via the Internet. The servers can be locally or remotely hosted. Those stored locally can be viewed by Intranet users, while those hosted remotely can be accessible from anywhere in the world. Membership payments are frequently required for access to a computer and video games available on game servers.

A gaming server can be described in three ways: as a computer programme that serves client requests, a machine that hosts such applications, or a software/hardware system that handles databases, files, and mail. Each of the three definitions is dependent on the others. A game server is a computer that will host the software as well as the application itself.

In many aspects, the server hardware is different from regular computers. The server can reduce space by removing audio and USB ports and capabilities, as well as not having a graphics interface or monitor. Servers are frequently required to function indefinitely without being shut down, to be fault-tolerant, and, most critically, to be backed up. Server operating systems (OS) are often simpler than operating systems for computers because they are required to perform fewer tasks.

If an user really wants, he or she may host such a server locally. Because the host can engage in the game with his clients, these are sometimes referred to as listening to servers rather than dedicated servers. This is typically done over a local area network (LAN), which means that the connection to the server can and will be severed if the host, for example, stops playing. Because both the host and the users are playing the game, the server is put under additional load. The number of users on these servers is usually lower.

A dedicated server is more expensive, and the game provider usually hosts it remotely. It runs without the participation of any of the players or clients. This means the server will be better able to support hundreds, if not thousands, of gamers. Users’ capacity is determined by the server’s size and the number of dedicated servers linked to each multiplayer game.

Moving from a listen or dedicated server model, which both need the individual host or host organisation to physically buy the gear and software, to cloud computing and cloud servers are becoming a more popular choice. A company hosts a huge number of servers in cloud computing, and other companies rent server space to run their websites and services. Game firms, particularly start-ups, may choose to employ a company to manage their dedicated servers from afar while they focus on the game.