One of the most compelling features of the personal computer as a game platform is its easy access to communication services. DirectPlay is a service that capitalizes on this capability and allows multiple players to interact with a game through standard modems, network connections, or online services.
The IDirectPlay interface contains methods providing capabilities such as creating and destroying players, adding players to and deleting players from groups, sending messages to players, inviting players to participate in a game, and so on.
DirectPlay is composed of the interface to the game, as defined by the IDirectPlay interface and the DirectPlay server. DirectPlay servers are provided by Microsoft for modems and networks, as well as by third parties. When using a supported server, DirectPlay-enabled games can bypass connectivity and communication overhead details.