Say i have a basic arena online game where a player selects a server from a list of sessions, or create one, and they can play online with players in that server. How do i export a game with full online functioning as a basic .exe file that anyone can play without needing to install anything. Steam is not acceptable for this (because of $100 fee) so i just want a basic application that somebody can run on their computer. If anyone has cross platform solution, then great. Thanks in advance for help
What you are trying to do is not possible, at least not as you wish. (or maybe I misunderstand you). One way or another players will need to download and get all of the files including the .exe if they are going to play it.
Can you be more specific as to what you want to do?
I am sorry, I did not mean they can use just the singular .exe file, i should have been more clear. I just did not want to have to export on steam or some other paid platform for online to work, and i just wanted people to download the files and be able to play.
So what you are saying is, if they get all the files within WindowsNoEditor folder and run the application from there, the online functioning will work properly?
Oh I see, in that case; yes!
When you package a file it creates a folder with an .exe file and other data. When you want someone to play your game you send them that entire folder. I think there are some things you can remove from it, but in general just send them the entire folder. When they launch the game it shall work and all online functionality that you have implemented should work.
Now important to know, if you are using a sessions or a sessions plugin where a player can create a session, the will not be able to find that session unless they are on the same network as you. The reason is because there is no onlinesubsystem connected to it. Usually Steam or Epic Games takes care of this. So it’s very likely that nobody can find your server. Also, you will have to open ports in order for other people to connect to your server. I have made a tutorial which allows you to host and connect to a server from anywhere: [Unreal Engine] - How To Create A Multiplayer Game - YouTube (It’s only 8 min long)
It uses a direct IP connection method which works all the time.
I hope this clarifies things for you. Also please mark the post as resolved once you have received a satisfactory answer.