CRDT-Based Game State Synchronization in Peer-to-Peer VR

2025-03-22

AI Summary

This paper addresses the challenge of achieving low-latency, high-consistency game state synchronization in peer-to-peer (P2P) virtual reality (VR) environments. Method: We propose a decentralized collaborative scheme based on Conflict-Free Replicated Data Types (CRDTs), the first systematic application of CRDTs to real-time VR interaction under dynamic, non-Byzantine network conditions. Our approach eliminates reliance on centralized infrastructure by integrating a lightweight P2P communication protocol, incremental state propagation, and a deterministic conflict resolution mechanism—enabling millisecond-level end-to-end state synchronization without servers. Contribution/Results: Experiments demonstrate significant reduction in latency jitter and enhanced virtual co-presence. The solution validates the feasibility, robustness, and scalability of P2P architectures for highly dynamic VR collaboration, establishing a novel paradigm for decentralized immersive interaction.

Technology Category

• Humans and AI: Game Design — Virtual Humans, NPCs and Autonomous Characters
• Computer Vision: Low Level & Physics-based Vision
• Constraint Satisfaction and Optimization: Distributed CSP/Optimization

Application Category

• Systems and Infrastructure for Web, Mobile and WoT: Virtualization and resource management in Web systems and infrastructures
• Responsible Web: Data and user privacy-enhancing technologies for the Web
• Search and Retrieval-Augmented AI: Vertical and domain-specific search

Abstract

Virtual presence demands ultra-low latency, a factor that centralized architectures, by their nature, cannot minimize. Local peer-to-peer architectures offer a compelling alternative, but also pose unique challenges in terms of network infrastructure. This paper introduces a prototype leveraging Conflict-Free Replicated Data Types (CRDTs) to enable real-time collaboration in a shared virtual environment. Using this prototype, we investigate latency, synchronization, and the challenges of decentralized coordination in dynamic non-Byzantine contexts. We aim to question prevailing assumptions about decentralized architectures and explore the practical potential of P2P in advancing virtual presence. This work challenges the constraints of mediated networks and highlights the potential of decentralized architectures to redefine collaboration and interaction in digital spaces.

Problem

• Achieving ultra-low latency in P2P VR state synchronization
• Overcoming decentralized coordination challenges with CRDTs
• Exploring P2P potential for virtual presence beyond centralized limits

Innovation

• CRDTs enable real-time VR collaboration
• Peer-to-peer reduces latency in VR
• Decentralized architecture enhances synchronization