DirectPlay

DirectPlay is a software technology developed by Microsoft that facilitates multiplayer gaming and network communications. It acts as a middle layer, allowing different computers and devices to connect and share data seamlessly during multiplayer games or applications. By managing network connections, data transfer, and session management, DirectPlay simplifies the process of setting up and maintaining online interactions without requiring developers to handle all the technical details themselves. Although less common now, it was widely used in Windows-based multiplayer games to ensure smooth and reliable online connectivity.