Light-weight match observer

[xezon]

In the original game, a match observer is a full player entity, that takes the same role in Network communications as a regular player does. The disadvantage is that this has an impact on latency and therefore allows for a minimal amount of observers. The alternative is a more light-weight observer entity, that participates passively in the match network.

Potential implementation:

Players broadcast their game state messages to a server. The broadcast may have a configurable delay. The server is passive, and just collects the player match data. Compatible game clients, that act as observers, can connect to that server and access the player match data feed - similar to a replay - and play it back.

Lobby chat data could theoretically be included in a match data feed if really necessary.

This feature is best combined with

• Save Camera and Mouse movement, Key presses and Chats in Multiplayer Replay #1878

Advantages:

• Unlimited amount of observers can access the match data feed
• Little to no impact on game match latency