Multiplayer VR Development in Unity

Overview

Unity3D gives you the ability to develop multiplayer VR experiences. Unity3D itself does not have native multiplayer support but there are a variety of plug-ins that can be used to create multiplayer experiences. These plug-ins work for both VR Unity3D projects as well as non-VR ones. 

Plug-Ins

A wide variety of Unity networking plug-ins exist. Some are better suited for certain applications than others. A web search for Unity networking plug-ins yields the following:

• MLAPI

• DarkRift 2

• Photon Pun

• Photon Quantum

• Mirror

• Normcore

• Forge

• SmartFoxServer

• Socket Class

• LiteNetLib

Normcore: relatively new, designed with XR in mind, so unlikely to run into issues integrating networking and VR

Forge: open-source, meaning you can trace bugs and adapt the software as needed

SmartFoxServer: extensible, custom server-side logic. Comes with extended lobby features like rooms, messaging, matchmaking, etc. SmartFoxServer has been around since 2004, so there is a lot of support and many code snippets  

Socket Class: highly customizable, you create your own implementation for whatever type of project you're building. Requires a strong technical background and lacks the support of a traditional API

LittleNetLib: no dependency on Unity, very DIY. High level of control but expects you to have a good understanding of networking

Sources

https://forum.unity.com/threads/what-are-the-pros-and-cons-of-available-network-solutions-assets.609088/

https://blogs.unity3d.com/2020/09/08/choosing-the-right-netcode-for-your-game/