Multiplayer

- User Interface
- Hosting
- Joining
- Troubleshooting
Protogem's multiplayer mode is very full featured. There are options for making both public and private games. If a game is public, this means it will be visible to everyone who uses the public server browser. Private games are for when you have a certain opponent in mind, you then share your IP address with that person so that only they have access to your game. This guide will take you through setting up your own server, and also show you how to join the games of others. Should you run into problems, there is a trouble shooting section that will help you.

User Interface
1. Wins and Player Name
To the left of the player name is the total number of wins the player has accumulated since the multiplayer match began.
2. Ping
Here the ping for each player is displayed. This is the amount of time in milliseconds that it takes for information to travel between both users. The lower the ping, the better.
3. Combo
The amount of gems destroyed in the last chain combo by each player is displayed here.
4. Opponent's Field
This is a depiction of the opponent's playing field. It is updated in real time as the player places gems and makes combos. Your opponent's health total is displayed underneath.
5. Chat
Click this button to open the chat window and talk to your opponent. Press escape when you're finished talking to return to the game. The chat button will begin to glow when there is a new message for you.
In multiplayer your comets are sent to your opponent's planet instead of your own. The match is over once one of the player's health reaches zero.
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Hosting
This is the window you will see whether you decide to host a public or private game. Here you can select the planet, gem set, special gems, and health total for the multiplayer match. Certain gem sets and special gems may not be available until you unlock them by completing mission mode. Once you have chosen the settings for your match, select launch to begin waiting for an opponent. If you chose to host a private match, your IP address will be given to you. Share this with the person who you want to play against to allow them to join your game. It is preferred that you host a public server whenever possible. This helps keep the Protogem multiplayer community active by making games that everyone can join.
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Joining
If you chose to join public games, you will be greeted with the window above. The Protogem server browser will automatically return a list of all public servers running at the moment. You'll be able to see the name of the person hosting the game, as well as what settings they have used for their match. Simply click on the server that you wish to join and then click the launch button. If you opt to join a private server instead, you will be asked for the IP address of the server you wish to join. This should be given to you by your opponent. If there are no public servers running at the time, please consider hosting your own game. It is suggested that you host games as often as you join them, this helps ensure that there will be plenty of games for everyone.
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Troubleshooting
Should you encounter any error messages while attempting to join or host a game, this section will help you understand what the message means and how to solve the problem.
Connection Timed Out
This occurs when the game you're trying to join did not respond to your request. Please try again, and make sure the server you're attempting to join exists.
Master Server did not respond
This means that the master server which handles all public server listings is not currently available. This could be due to maintenance or other reasons. Please try again later.
Failed to initialize connection
No connection to the internet was detected. Please make sure you have internet access and that the connection is active.
* IMPORTANT *
Most of the connection issues are caused by a router or firewall. If you're using a personal firewall such as ZoneAlarm or Kerio, please make sure to allow Protogem access to your ports when the software asks you about it. If you're using a router, please forward UDP port 41219. This is the port that Protogem uses to communicate. If it is closed, no data will be allowed to come through. If you are unsure how to open or forward a port, please visit this web site: Portforward.com. There you will find a step by step guide to opening ports for your specific router, listed by manufacturer. If you're using a firewall, refer to the port section of your firewall manual for assistance. You should not have a problem with ports if you're joining games, only when hosting.
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