iOS Game Center host

[glenncal]

I am currently creating a Game Center game, and am using the peer-to-peer functionality available. However, I would like to select one of the players (2 players) to act as a host, to ensure synchronization.
What is the best way to select a host (even randomly) from the players available and ensure that the other device knows which host was chosen?

 

[lefooey]

I am currently creating a Game Center game, and am using the peer-to-peer functionality available. However, I would like to select one of the players (2 players) to act as a host, to ensure synchronization.
What is the best way to select a host (even randomly) from the players available and ensure that the other device knows which host was chosen?

Old school method is to for each to choose a random number prior to negotiation. Highest number when they connect becomes the host. You can also then bias the random number method to rank the more capable device higher - such as iPhone 4 ranks higher than iPod 3rd Gen, but not higher than iPad 2. Build in future proofing by setting the bias to a high number and then lowering it to values based on known devices.

 

[glenncal]

Thank you I'd been trying to find a persistent player id to compare, so I never came close to thinking this.

 

[thedollarhunter]

Very smart, that will do me nicely!

Old school method is to for each to choose a random number prior to negotiation. Highest number when they connect becomes the host. You can also then bias the random number method to rank the more capable device higher - such as iPhone 4 ranks higher than iPod 3rd Gen, but not higher than iPad 2. Build in future proofing by setting the bias to a high number and then lowering it to values based on known devices.