DirectPlay

The Microsoft® DirectPlay® application programming interface (API) is the component of Microsoft DirectX® that enables you to write network applications such as multiplayer games.

Like other components of DirectX, DirectPlay can be used with C, C++, and Microsoft Visual Basic®.

Information about DirectPlay is presented in the following sections.

Roadmap

What's New in DirectPlay. New features and functionality of this component in DirectX 8.1. If you have used DirectPlay before, read this section first because the technology has been completely redesigned since DirectX 7.0.

Introduction to DirectPlay. An overview of what DirectPlay is and what it can do for your application, together with a first look at some key objects and the steps involved in creating a network application.

Understanding DirectPlay. A deeper look at the underlying mechanisms. This section will not teach you how to implement a DirectPlay session but it will help you understand the API when you get into the details.

Using DirectPlay. A guide to using the API. You will probably want to familiarize yourself with the table of contents for this section and then refer to parts of it as you need specific information. Use it in conjunction with the reference section.