Dreamcast Software Development Standards

Dreamcast Software Development Standards/Ver.1.00E

#### 19. Networking Issues

> The following rules apply to fighting-type games using a matching service to connect through a network. The non-communications parts of such games should still satisfy to the standards specified in the other chapters.

19.1 Network Connection Functions

> Recommended: The network connection procedure within an application should not require rebooting, and messages should not call for or suggest rebooting or resetting.

> Required: The telephone line connection must disconnect when a soft reset is executed or when the CD tray is opened.

> Recommended: If there is no user input for a reasonable period (about 2 minutes for a fighting-type game, and longer for other applications such as Web browsers), the phone line should disconnect, or an optional setting should be provided to allow the user to select time-out disconnect.

19.2 Web Browser/Mailer/Chat Applications (and Functions)

> Recommended: When establishing a Web connection, check the Main Unit Flash for connection setting data (IP addresses, etc.), and if present, give that data top priority when making the connection. (We are planning to provide an "On-Line Disc" [temporary name] at the time of sale of the Main Unit for making the initial settings.)

> Recommended: If an application includes a function to set an IP address, it should change the setting in the Main Unit Flash.

> Recommended: If a networking application requires a long time for user entry, such as for text entry (because a software keyboard may be used), the user should be permitted to enter the text in an offline (disconnected) state.

> Exceptions to this rule are entry procedures that can be completed quickly such as Web searches, and bulletin boards that require online input.

> Recommended: A networking application that requires a long time for text entry should support a hardware keyboard (keyboard controller).

> Recommended: Applications that include a Web connection function should load either the Sega Dreamcast server home page (to become available when Dreamcast goes on sale) or a home page specific to the application (on the Dreamcast server or other unique server) as the starting page of the Browser or Web Viewer.

> Recommended: An appropriate message should be displayed when the line connection is lost, including the reason for loss (except when terminated by lack of user input for a specified period).

> Standardized:

> If the connection was dropped due to lack of user input: "Connection lost due to lack of input within the time-out period."

> If the connection was lost due to a line error: "A problem occurred with the phone line. Press any button to continue."

19.2.1 VMS File Download

> Recommended: When downloading VMS files, a file with 'VMS' as the last three characters is considered to be a VMS single application, and should be saved as an executable file format. Files with other extensions should be saved as normal files.
> (We are considering adding a unique file header to distinguish from normal PC file headers.)

> (Refer to 27.6 Visual Memory Single Application File Name Registration>.)

> Recommended: When downloading VMS files, check the free VMS space beforehand, and if there is not enough space, display a caution message before proceeding with the download, to avoid wasting the users' download time.

> Recommended: When downloading VMS files, files that do not comply with the VMS file name rules (12 characters) should be inhibited from downloading, and should be distinguishable from normal PC files.

> Reference: When a file saved by an application is placed on the server and made downloadable by users, the file name at the server side should be the same file name to be saved in VMS.

> Recommended: Except for applications that support downloading to high-capacity VMS, files larger than 128K should not be downloadable, as they are not considered to be VMS files.

19.3 Matching Service Functions

> Current candidates for providing matching services for Dreamcast include Dwango, Iwango and Heat. We will provide any necessary creation standards as soon as the details are known.

> Recommended: The Pause function should be disabled whenever connecting to the matching service on a network. (However, soft reset should be possible, because the Main Unit does not include a RESET button.)

> Recommended: Because a soft reset or opening the CD tray drops the phone line connection, a caution message such as "Please do not reset the machine or open the CD door while fighting, as it may cause problems for your opponent" should be displayed.

> Recommended: Except for applications that require specific backups (such as the network fighting version of "Trail of Wonder"), game progress should not be dependent upon backing up.

> Recommended: Even if there is no user input during a particular time while connected, game progress should proceed. Unnecessary selection items should be minimized.

> The Return Destination When Connection is Lost, Rules For Rematch, Settings at Both Sides, Playing Time Regulations and other guidelines related to the matching service will be issued after further research. (7/29)

19.4 About Internal Clock Adjustment During Network Connection

> Refer to the specifications in 22.2 Internal Clock Adjustment During Network Connection.

Dreamcast Software Development Standards

Copyright SEGA ENTERPRISES, LTD, 1998