LightSleeper

WaitTime = GameModes * SessionTime * Players/Session / PlayersOnline

• there are many game modes (deathmatch, capture the flag, etc.)
• the average session time is long
• the average number of players per session is high
• there are fewer players in the overall pool of available players

• there are fewer game modes
• the average session time is short
• the average number of players per session is low
• there are many players in the overall pool of available players

Games that group players by skill (Halo 2 and Halo 3 are examples) add another factor. The more skill groups you have, the longer the wait times.

These factors are mostly in your control as a game designer and developer. If you want to reduce wait times there are multiple knobs to tweak. If you add a new multiplayer game mode, be aware that it will impact session wait times. Keeping sessions short is a great way to minimize waits. There are other ways, too. For instance, allow players to do something while they're waiting: chat, practice their skills, or watch something interesting. Of course, the most important thing you can do is ensure your game is great, because that will improve the overall pool of available players :).

char* s = "abcdef";

char u[] = "def";

u[0] = 'x'; // danger, NOT!

char* sz = "abcdef";

char* uz = "def";

char vz[] = "ef";

assert( (uz < sz) && (uz > sz+6) ); // invalid assumption

sz[n] = 'x'; // undefined behavior

uz[n] = 'x'; // undefined behavior

vz]n] = 'x'; // perfectly reasonable, as long as n < 2

As I said when I was giving the talk, C++ is a complicated language. It's up to all of to continue educating each other about the nuances. Sometimes explaining your bonehead mistakes is the best way to continue the education process.

char* s = "abcdef";

char u[] = "bcd";

u[0] = 'x'; // danger

char* s = "abcdef";

char u[] = "def";

u[0] = 'x'; // danger

Now "def" could indeed overlap with "abcdef" and changing "def" could change the "abcdef" string. Big takeaway: don't modify string literals.