Some mods, such as Q3 Urban Terror, are total conversion mods - that is, they modify the game almost out of recognition, into entirely new games that exploit the 3D engine of the standard game. But the point is, that these mods, maps, and skins, are produced by the gaming fraternity themselves, and with a little sponsorship, they are usually free - and easily downloadable from the Net. Connectivity M ultiplayer gaming over the Internet can have technical problems. Obviously, fast 3D multiplayer gaming involves a huge exchange of data between computers and the server, which test Internet routes to the maximum, especially when using low speed modems. The amount of data that can be sent and received down a route between computers will vary on how clear, busy, and distant that route is.
Most routes involve hops between a number of servers and repeaters.
Gamers frequently mention Ping , a tool which measures the connectivity of the route between the player's computer, and the game server. The ping is the number of milliseconds that it takes to echo 32 bytes of data off of another networked computer. This puts players with low pings at an advantage, they can see the moves of other players faster, and hit them with greater accuracy and speed. Most players seek low ping, and play mainly against other players in the same continent or Region, but playing across the Oceans, even using modems, is still common place.