GGPO (Good Game Peace Out) is middleware designed to help create a near-lagless online experience for various emulated arcade games and fighting games. The program was created by Tony Cannon, co-founder of fighting game community site Shoryuken and the popular Evolution Championship Series.

GGPO
Developer(s)Tony "Ponder" Cannon
Final release
0.32 / August 27, 2015
Repository
Written inC, C++
Operating systemMicrosoft Windows
TypeMiddleware
LicenseMIT License[1]
Websitewww.ggpo.net Edit this at Wikidata

History

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Before its creation, GGPO creator Tony Cannon was completely dissatisfied with the 2006 Xbox 360 re-release of Street Fighter II: Hyper Fighting after experiencing its criticized online capabilities.[2] As a reaction to its service, Cannon began development on GGPO and released the first version in late 2006. Cannon later demonstrated GGPO to Capcom, and it was positively received.[3]

The downloadable GGPO client supported many games from Capcom and SNK, including Super Street Fighter II Turbo, The King of Fighters 2002, and Metal Slug X through the use of a built-in emulator. Video game companies have also implemented a licensed version of GGPO. Games using it include Skullgirls and Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike Online Edition.[2][4]

On October 9, 2019, Cannon announced on his Twitter account that GGPO was now open source and available under the MIT License.[5]

Design

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GGPO uses a netcode technique called "rollback". Rather than waiting for input to be received from other players before simulating the next frame, GGPO predicts the inputs they will send and simulates the next frame without delay using that assumption. When other players’ inputs arrive, if any input didn't match the prediction, GGPO rolls back the state of the game to the last correct state, then replays all players’ revised inputs back until the current frame. The hope is that the predictions will be correct most of the time, allowing smooth play with minimal sudden changes to the game state.[6][7] The system in itself is highly similar to client-side prediction, but applied to a peer-to-peer setup.

The client program can allow players to manually adjust native input delay in high-ping situations, either creating a possibly-jerky yet accurate representation or a smoother game with input delay.

GGPO client

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GGPO was originally bundled with a client which enabled users to play supported games online with other players. A matchmaking system allowed players to request challenges from other users, while non-participants could spectate the match and chat. Once a challenge initiated, the match ran a ROM through its prepackaged emulator, FinalBurn Alpha. This client was discontinued, and superseded by other clients which make use of GGPO's networking middleware, such as Fightcade or RedGGPO.

Games using GGPO

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Games using rollback networking

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See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t Rollback netcode added after release via patch.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Rollback netcode added via fan-made patch.

References

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  1. ^ "ggpo/LICENSE at master · pond3r/ggpo". GitHub. Retrieved 2019-10-09.
  2. ^ a b Orland, Kyle (2011-04-22). "Interview: How A Fighting Game Fan Solved Internet Latency Issues". Gamasutra. Archived from the original on 2011-04-25. Retrieved 2011-04-23.
  3. ^ Cannon, Tony (2008-08-29). "GGPO Networking Guru Talks SF HD Remix!". Capcom. Archived from the original on 2020-01-28. Retrieved 2011-06-21.
  4. ^ Heart, Adam (6 June 2011). "Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike Online – 1st Trailer and Screens". Shoryuken. Archived from the original on 8 June 2011. Retrieved 6 June 2011. Street Fighter III Third Strike Online Edition will be using GGPO netcode ...
  5. ^ Cannon, Tony [@Pond3r] (2019-10-09). "GGPO has a new home and is now available under the MIT License. Get it here!: https://t.co/7KXHGQ7OMN" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  6. ^ Miller, Patrick (12 September 2012). "The lag-fighting techniques behind GGPO's netcode". Gamasutra. Retrieved 19 August 2016.
  7. ^ Cannon, Tony (September 2012). "Fight the Lag!". Game Developer Magazine. Archived from the original on 20 September 2012. Retrieved 12 September 2012.
  8. ^ "Capcom: Final Fight". Retrieved 2019-10-04. GGPO network technology creates a frame-accurate arcade experience across the internet, and with online voice chat and the ability to join games in progress, it's just like playing in the arcade.
  9. ^ 佐伯憲司 (2010-11-25). "バンダイナムコ、AC「ドラゴンボール ZENKAIバトルロイヤル」". GAME Watch (in Japanese). Retrieved 2019-10-04. ICカードによるプレイ履歴を参照することにより、プレーヤーレベルに応じたマッ1チングが行なわれるという(ICカード1枚で全キャラクター使用可能)。このあたりのシステムには、海外で評価の高いネットワークライブラリ「GGPO」が使われており、遠隔地同士のマッチングなどで起きがちなネットワーク遅延などにも対応できているという。
  10. ^ "新機能". CAPCOM:STREET FIGHTER III 3rd STRIKE ONLINE EDITION -Fight for the Future- (in Japanese). Retrieved 2019-10-04. 最高のオンラインゲームプレイを提供するGGPOシステムを使用。
  11. ^ Zaimont, Mike (2011-09-13). "Skullgirls, GGPO… and You". Skullgirls 2nd Encore. Retrieved 2019-10-04.
  12. ^ Sahdev, Ishaan (2012-07-08). "Marvel vs. Capcom Origins To Use GGPO For Online Play". Siliconera. Curse LLC. Retrieved 2019-10-04.
  13. ^ Araujo, Yuji (2013-01-11). "Darkstalkers Resurrection and GGPO". Capcom Unity. Retrieved 2019-10-04.
  14. ^ Neltz, András (2013-06-13). "Capcom's Two Classic Arcade Titles, Reborn on Modern Consoles". Kotaku. Gizmodo Media Group. Retrieved 2019-10-04. Chronicles of Mystara is powered by GGPO to offer seamless drop-in/drop-out online gameplay for up to four players in each of the title's two modes.
  15. ^ "Divekick - Two-button fighting game for PS3, PS Vita and Steam". Retrieved 2019-10-04. Ranked and non-ranked GGPO-powered online play, the most trusted netcode in fighting games.
  16. ^ @dotemu (Jan 28, 2014). "Yes, it is a licensed version of GGPO" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  17. ^ "Lethal League". Retrieved 2019-10-04. High performance online GGPO multiplayer.
  18. ^ Partridge, Jon (2015-08-31). "Rising Thunder interview with Seth Killian". Red Bull. Retrieved 2019-10-04. It's a beat'em up built for online play too: it's built on the backend of GGPO for lag-free play, and it's also just so happens to be free.
  19. ^ @sgmobile (Sep 20, 2019). "In case you didn't know, we're using "GGPO" as our netcode solution for Skullgirls Mobile, which is the same netcode used for Skullgirls 2nd Encore!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  20. ^ "Pocket Rumble". Retrieved 2019-10-04. Near-flawless online multiplayer with GGPO netcode
  21. ^ "Windjammers arrives August 29 on PS4 & PS Vita". Dotemu. 20 July 2017. Retrieved 2019-10-22.
  22. ^ @PunchPlanet (March 26, 2019). "Join the online #community featuring #GGPO netcode" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  23. ^ Thang, Jimmy (2018-11-29). "Omen of Sorrow Proves That a Small Indie Developer Can Make a Well-Respected, Competitive Fighting Game". Unreal Engine. Epic Games. Retrieved 2019-10-04. UE4's versatility allowed us to implement the well-regarded GGPO system for online fights which, in turn, set the basis for the development of the entire gameplay.
  24. ^ "Fantasy Strike". Retrieved 2019-10-04. Fantasy Strike uses GGPO's rollback-style networking.
  25. ^ "Engine get and three short stories – Them's Fightin' Herds". Mane6 Blog. 2013-03-30. Retrieved 2019-10-04.[permanent dead link]
  26. ^ @HiFightTH (2020-05-09). "FOOTSIES with GGPO.... I need testers.... If you have FOOTSIES friends, please try it out" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  27. ^ @HiFightTH (September 30, 2020). "FOOTSIES Rollback Edition is now available on Steam!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  28. ^ Enclave, Marc (Feb 12, 2020). "Terrordrome - Reign of the Legends Vlog 01 Full - Game overview". YouTube. Retrieved March 9, 2020. And last but not least we have GGPO rollback netcode integrated.
  29. ^ @ArcSystemWorksU (2020-10-16). "GUILTY GEAR XX ACCENT CORE PLUS R will be receiving it's much awaited GGPO update soon!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  30. ^ @WistfulHopes (September 30, 2021). "type lumina uses ggpo as its rollback method" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  31. ^ ""KoF XV Open Beta Test Information"" (PDF). Retrieved 2021-11-17.
  32. ^ "Breakers Collection - Dev Diary: Online Versus Playtest" (Press release). Games Press Ltd. 2021-02-09. Retrieved 2021-02-09.
  33. ^ Moyse, Chris (6 August 2022). "Rollback netcode coming to Samurai Shodown spring 2023". Destructoid. Retrieved 14 August 2022.
  34. ^ "In addition, newly enhanced network features (alongside Rollback Netcode) allow players to test their skills against global online opponents in smooth Rank Matches and Player Matches!". 4 August 2023.
  35. ^ @markarotGC (2020-11-11). "#BlazingStrike + #GGPO = ?" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  36. ^ "Aksys Games Announces Blazing Strike" (Press release). Torrance, California: Aksys Games. Michael Meyers Public Relations. 2021-05-20. Retrieved 2021-05-20.
  37. ^ @JW_Corelated (2020-05-09). "GGPO is the current plan!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  38. ^ Sirlin, David (18 August 2014). "Street Fighter HD Remix Features". Sirlin.Net. Retrieved 2020-02-06. Note that the networking uses Tony Cannon's ggpo technique, and he consulted to ensure it was done correctly.
  39. ^ Svensson, Christian. "Where's Yo Curleh Mustache? Yes, MVC2 is Real!". capcom-unity.com. Retrieved 2020-02-20. With the game being developed by Backbone, we are using largely the same, critically acclaimed net code that we used in Super Street Fighter 2 Turbo HD Remix and with that will come our player match quarter mode/lobby system that has proven so popular.
  40. ^ Yin-Poole, Wesley (2012-03-09). "Capcom looking to improve Street Fighter x Tekken online sound problems". Eurogamer. Retrieved 2019-10-22.
  41. ^ D'Argenio, Angelo (2012-11-20). "PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale Review". Cheat Code Central.
  42. ^ "Touhou Hisoutensoku Rollcaster Official Release". #hisouten@irc.rizon.net. 2012-12-25. Retrieved 2020-07-18. Thanks to Fireseal, Touhou Hisoutensoku can now be played with rollback enabled; long story short, intercontinental play with low delay is now possible.
  43. ^ "EXCLUSIVE: Everything We Know About Killer Instinct For Xbox One". Killer Instinct Central. September 9, 2013. Retrieved March 1, 2016.
  44. ^ Sahdev, Ishaan (2014-12-23). "Killer Instinct Classic Getting Online Multiplayer". Siliconera. Retrieved 2019-10-22.
  45. ^ @CodeMystics (December 8, 2016). "FWIW, we do have rollback netcode (e.g. it's an option in KI Classic), which is what GGPO is, but not used in SNK products" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  46. ^ Torres, Josh (2016-04-22). "Branching Path: Melty Blood Actress Again Current Code's Steam Version". RPG Site. Retrieved 2020-05-18. As a matter of fact, two very talented individuals from the Melty Blood community, Mauve and Madscientist, built custom online multiplayer clients for the PC versions of Act Cadenza Ver. B and Actress Again Current Code respectively. While they were easy to use after spending a little bit of time understanding their interface, it still required a separate program. These clients are still impressive to this day because they minimized input lag by incorporating rollback netcode (now seen in Street Fighter V) and kept frame stuttering or "laggy matches" to a minimum.
  47. ^ @MadscientistCC (Feb 1, 2015). "Rollback is out" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  48. ^ Nettention (2016-04-06). "Sponsored: Meet the company behind the P2P networking of Street Fighter V". Gamasutra. Retrieved 2019-10-22.
  49. ^ Wright, Steven T. (2017-03-31). "Reviving 'River City Ransom' and Reinventing the Brawler". VICE. Retrieved 2020-01-29. Crenna and co. even coded the online multiplayer around a "rollback driver," a challenging technical feature usually reserved for popular fighting games like Street Fighter.
  50. ^ Paget, Mat (2016-07-14). "E3 2016: Injustice 2 Multiplayer Will Use Popular Fighting Game Netcode". GameSpot. Retrieved 2019-10-04. He talked about the game's loot drops and gear system, but he also revealed that Injustice 2 will use GGPO netcode for its multiplayer.
  51. ^ Walker, Ian (2017-04-27). "Marvel vs. Capcom Infinite Wants Even Newbies To Have A Blast". Kotaku. Retrieved 2020-01-11. Once players have a firm grasp on the fundamentals, they can hop online and test their burgeoning skills against worldwide opponents, one-on-one or in lobbies, using Capcom's proprietary rollback netcode.
  52. ^ "Golden Fantasia & Rollback Netplay". MangaGamer Staff Blog. 2017-12-07. Retrieved 2019-10-22. Of course, once a game goes worldwide, this no longer holds true, and something has to be done to account for network issues, which is why we made a point of implementing rollback netplay into our version of Umineko: Golden Fantasia.
  53. ^ "Acceleration of SUGURI 2". Steam. Retrieved 2020-01-28. Online and Split-screen Multiplayer with rollback netcode
  54. ^ "Rollback Netcode and Chinese UI localization!". Steam Community. 2018-05-10. Retrieved 2019-10-22.
  55. ^ Wong, Andy (2018-03-20). "Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection Arrives on May 29, 2018". PlayStation.Blog. Retrieved 2019-10-22. Online play also features rollback technology that provides low-latency matches with the ability to adjust your own input buffer speed via the in-game menu to keep your online experience smooth.
  56. ^ Digital Crafter Team (May 8, 2019). "Jesus is back!! Balance adjustment and new netcode tech (Roll back) online!". Steam Community. Retrieved February 26, 2020. On Net code, we were using delay base before this update. And this time we changed to (Roll Back) method, it should bring you better input experience. Please give it a try!
  57. ^ @CodeMystics (June 18, 2019). "We're thrilled to team up with @SNKPofficial and @SamuraiShodown to offer you an "aperitif" as you wait to #EmbraceDeath. Play the UNCENSORED SamSho V Special on Windows (Steam or GOG) now with all the features of the PS4 version of SSVS, even online play!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  58. ^ @FightofAnimals (19 December 2019). "Rollback" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  59. ^ @CodeMystics (January 22, 2020). "Thanks @SNKPofficial SNK for letting us bring #Garou: Mark of the Wolves into the Code Mystics rollback netcode family! :) PS4/Vita's patched & Steam/GOG versions are updated to our code too. (Fans of the Steam/GOG DotEmu version can still access it via beta code "dotemuversion"))" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  60. ^ "Maiden & Spell". Retrieved 2020-01-28. And yes, the online battles have rollback netcode.
  61. ^ @FightMighty (February 14, 2020). "In addition to our single player and local VS modes, Mighty Fight Federation features both Online Quickplay and Lobby matches for up to 4 players built on a rollback netcode system! Steam Early Access is available now!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  62. ^ @krispykaiser (April 23, 2020). "Before a release, we normally QC to make sure a game is running smoothly, but these are unusual times so we'd like to offer you a chance to beta test Code Mystics' newest rollback update on Steam: THE LAST BLADE 2" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  63. ^ @MikeJMika (October 16, 2019). "It does have rollback. Switch suffers from how many simulations you can do for rollback due to CPU speed" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  64. ^ Smajstrla, Ann (2020-06-23). "Fan mod adds modern online features to 'Super Smash Bros. Melee'". Engadget. Retrieved 2020-08-02.
  65. ^ Wong, Alistair (2020-08-01). "Fighting EX Layer Patched to Rollback Netcode in Latest Update". Siliconera. Retrieved 2020-08-06.
  66. ^ @mossmouth (September 15, 2020). "FYI, Spelunky 2's online multiplayer uses rollback netcode and was designed for it from the beginning" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  67. ^ @SNKPofficial (September 28, 2020). "Get ready because KOF 2002 UM is releasing an open community beta test for its upcoming rollback netcode patch on Steam!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  68. ^ @GamesStun (November 10, 2020). "The new update for Dual Souls will include advanced training options to study complex scenarios as well as the #Rollback netcode!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  69. ^ @ToughLoveArena (1 January 2021). "We want feedback on the rollback netcode, tutorials, and gameplay in general" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  70. ^ "[PRESS RELEASE] Guilty Gear -Strive- Closed Beta Test Sign-ups Start Today!" (Press release). Rolling Hills Estates, California: Arc System Works. 2020-03-18. Retrieved 2020-03-19.
  71. ^ @DFCIACR (February 21, 2021). "The Open Beta Test (PC) for Dengeki Bunko Fighting Climax Ignition (DFCI) Unofficial Rollback has started" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  72. ^ 넷마블 TV (2021-03-24). [킹오파올스타] 실시간 PVP 개선 상황 최초 공개! [[King of Fighters All Star] First look at real-time PVP improvements!] (in Korean). Netmarble. Retrieved 2024-05-21 – via YouTube.
  73. ^ @StudiosofAether (April 1, 2021). "Rivals of Aether Rollback Open Beta arrives Summer 2021!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  74. ^ @PetalCrash (October 12, 2021). "Puzzle battle with your friends around the world with lobbies, rollback netcode, and tons of customization for players and gameplay!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  75. ^ Jarrard, Chris (July 13, 2021). "Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl is from Slap City devs and may have rollback netcode". Shacknews. Retrieved July 13, 2021.
  76. ^ @SNKPofficial (September 30, 2021). "Strap in tight because a major update (which includes rollback netcode) is coming to KOF '98 UM FINAL EDITION this winter for Steam!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  77. ^ Andy Chalk (2020-12-10). "Windjammers 2 is delayed until 2021 so developers can add rollback netcode". PC Gamer. Retrieved 2020-12-18.
  78. ^ a b @ArcSystemWorksU (December 6, 2021). "We are proud to announce Rollback Netcode for #BlazBlueCentralfiction and #BlazBlueCrossTagBattle !" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  79. ^ @DNFDuel (December 17, 2021). "DNF Duel supports rollback netcode" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  80. ^ Leblanc, Wesley. "MultiVersus Announced, Will Feature Batman, Shaggy, Bugs Bunny, Arya Stark, Steven Universe, And More". Game Informer. Archived from the original on 19 November 2021. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  81. ^ @Atlus_west (February 28, 2022). "Rollback Netcode comes to Persona 4 Arena Ultimax this summer for Steam and PS4" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  82. ^ a b c d e f g "Tango". Tango. Retrieved 2022-06-19. Works with every English and Japanese Battle Network game.
  83. ^ mars. "MMBN3 PvP Balance Patch". n1gp.dev. Archived from the original on 2021-10-08. Retrieved 2021-09-26. Lots of changes have been made under the hood in order to make BBN3 work with rollback netcode.
  84. ^ Romano, Sal (4 August 2022). "The Rumble Fish 2 launches this winter for PS5, Xbox Series, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC". Gematsu. Now with widescreen support, rollback netcode, and more.
  85. ^ @intandemwith (December 26, 2022). "Sorry for announcing rollback on Christmas and delaying it, but I still have a present for you IKEMEN-Go fans! Here's pre-alpha footage of rollback: US - UK!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  86. ^ Romano, Sal (June 10, 2022). "Street Fighter 6 supports rollback netcode, cross-play". Gematsu. Retrieved June 10, 2022.
  87. ^ "Q: Will Mortal Kombat 1 have rollback netcode? A: Yes, Mortal Kombat 1 will have rollback netcode to support online gameplay".
  88. ^ @SNKPofficial (April 1, 2023). "Get ready for KOF XIII GLOBAL MATCH! Features rollback netcode and improved online functionality. OBT set for early summer 2023, so stay tuned for more updates!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  89. ^ @gbvs_official (January 21, 2023). "GBVSR features: Rollback Netcode and Crossplay" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  90. ^ Jones, Anthony (2023-12-27). "Does Tekken 8 Have Rollback Netcode?". The Escapist. Retrieved 2024-01-23.
  91. ^ "Slayers for Hire Kickstarter". 22 November 2019. Retrieved 2019-11-28. We take netcode very seriously, and investigated several different solutions to give the best possible experience. We ended up deciding on Photon's Quantum netcode, which you can read all about on their website. Quantum is a deterministic, server-based, rollback netcode.
  92. ^ @JollypunchGames (January 5, 2020). "I got good rollback netcode! We've been playing #FlyPunchBoom tournaments across continents, and it still feels good.Still in beta though. Coming this year! Fire" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  93. ^ Vortex Games. "Rushdown Revolt - Pre-Beta Testing". Steam. Retrieved 2020-08-08. Vortex Rollback been in development for four years to fully embed it into every aspect of our game engine in order to minimize delay and rollback impacts.
  94. ^ @mattrified (February 28, 2021). "Physical" test and demo of #MerFight's rollback/online" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  95. ^ Bolding, Jonathan (2022-12-10). "An upcoming RTS will incorporate the rollback tech that took Fighting games by storm". PC Gamer. Retrieved 2023-02-07.
  96. ^ @Mtl_Revolution (January 24, 2019). "Sorry, if we missed your question previously. It's gonna be a rollback netcode technique as same as in GGPO" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
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  NODES
Bugs 1
chat 2
COMMUNITY 6
INTERN 2
Note 4
twitter 36
USERS 2