I'm working on a 2D server-client multiplayer game engine (which you can try here). It uses WebRTC DataChannel
s. (The connections are peer-to-peer, but the host peer still acts as a server.)
The biggest problem (apart from connectivity) is the local input prediction. We do the usual: On key press, players move instantly, tell the host what keys are pressed, receive data back from the host and compare it to the historical position. The position is corrected over time if there is a difference. This works well with low packet loss or PDV, even if the ping is high.
If there is loss or PDV, the deviation can be larger. I think this is because if the first packet indicating a change of input is delayed or dropped, the host finds out later, and starts changing that player later than their local input prediciton shows.
If the player is moving, we crank up the amount of applied correction, since it's less noticable. This seems to cover up gaps when starting to move and while moving. However, any correction is more noticable if they come to an abrupt stop. Then if the PDV or loss means the host thinks they stopped later, the host overshoots, sends back data saying they're a bit further ahead, and the correction makes the player drift a little. On flaky connections, players often noticably drift after coming to a stop.
I've not noticed this in other games. How can this be mitigated?