FOSS gamedev and creative worlds

Is there a technical limitation as to why something like uPnP or something similar to it can't be implemented for multiplayer? One thing that has always limited me and some of my friends from ever enjoying a game of minecraft or almost any other game is our lack of ability to host a server because of port forwarding since we're not the network administrators.

I understand such a thing is not easy to get working or work properly. However if we look at a game that is also a sandbox game 7 days to die you can easily host a game between friends without the need for forwarding ports so there is a proof of concept there.

I'm just looking for answers as to why such a thing may or may not be possible, if the answer is simply a big no or some overly complicated explanation that goes over my head as to why it's impossible i'll accept that. Also i'm aware it's early development and all of that and i'm not expecting the moon from such an early WIP just looking for answers as i said.

You - by you I mean minetest - would need an NAT punchthrough server. That would get around port forwarding.

As for uPnP, I am not familar with the protocols. I would have to research. uPnP only works on LAN though - the same local area network, so in domestic use the same router.

rubenwardy wrote:You - by you I mean minetest - would need an NAT punchthrough server. That would get around port forwarding.

As for uPnP, I am not familar with the protocols. I would have to research. uPnP only works on LAN though - the same local area network, so in domestic use the same router.

I wasn't sure of the difference between uPnP and NAT punchthrough. But i guess going by that NAT punch through would be more what i'm hoping to get an answer on since i don't like having to play on random servers to enjoy most games with friends.

I'm not sure if uPnP does UDP.
Even if it does, uPnP will be disabled or read-only on any properly admistrated network.
NAT hole-punching could work though.

sfan5 wrote:I'm not sure if uPnP does UDP.
Even if it does, uPnP will be disabled or read-only on any properly admistrated network.
NAT hole-punching could work though.

UPnP PortMapper can do UDP and TCP forwarding.