Why does LAN require internet connection?
Posted: Sat May 06, 2017 8:29 pm
First thing I was faced with when trying to host a LAN match without an active internet connection today was a nice error message "cannot connect to authentication server". Alright then, perhaps this is necessary to verify user idendity so I checked that off and it worked.
However, it doesn't stop here. Anyone trying to join me has to wait some 5-10 minutes (presumably some outside connection time out) before he can start loading the map and catching up. I guess we're lucky this timeout exists although it kinda feels like a backdoor more than a welcome.
Why is this necessary? LAN even happens through a completely seperate menu so there is no reason to mix functionality with online play. There is also no reason to assume an internet connection and as long as you sell your game as DRM free it shouldn't require one for anything else than online multiplayer and mod portal.
However, it doesn't stop here. Anyone trying to join me has to wait some 5-10 minutes (presumably some outside connection time out) before he can start loading the map and catching up. I guess we're lucky this timeout exists although it kinda feels like a backdoor more than a welcome.
Why is this necessary? LAN even happens through a completely seperate menu so there is no reason to mix functionality with online play. There is also no reason to assume an internet connection and as long as you sell your game as DRM free it shouldn't require one for anything else than online multiplayer and mod portal.