Starting a multiplayer game - Setting up the game

You can choose whether to act as a host of a new or saved multiplayer game, or whether to join a game hosted by another computer.

The host determines the communication channel to be used in the game (TCP/IP, IPX/SPX, modem or serial cable): all the joining players must use the same communication channel as the host.
The host is responsible for delivering game data, determining the rules and multiplayer related game options, and only the host can save a game, log off players, specify passwords for sessions, etc.
If the host leaves the game, Four Winds automatically changes the duties of the host to another network player.
As a host you can check the Use the DirectPlay protocol box. Enabling this option allows Four Winds to send reliable network messages asynchronously (in a way that does not block the flow of the game process), even if the underlying service provider (e.g., IPX/SPX or modem) does not support it. Normally there is no need to check this option, but if you experience problems with exchanging the game data, enabling this option may help.