Most gaming developers are conforming to these multiplayer standards. However, there are a small handful of companies who feel a central system works better than this freelance server system. One of the companies most famous for this is Blizzard. Blizzard has created Battle. Net, a free central multiplayer service run by a small handful of servers.
Players can join, locate and join games in a menu, and chat in channels with fellow gamers.
Net sets many new records in the amount of simultaneous players, games being played simultaneously, and such. Blizzard stands by their decision that a central system is more effective than freelance servers, calling it much more organized and beneficial, contributing to their success. While some of this may be true, many seasoned Battle. Net users may disagree with the fact that Battle. Net is more efficient than freelance servers.