Delta Time is a concept used in video game programming that aims to correct the problem that occurs when slow or lagging Internet connection prevents the game from loading complex graphics or interrupts game play by momentarily freezing the game altogether.
Once the game begins to freeze or slow, Delta Time can be calculated by timing the duration of slowed graphics, and subtracting that figure from how much time would have normally transpired without the interruption. For example, if a game begins to slow for 10 seconds and only loads eight or 10 images in that 10 seconds, the game may have only streamed five seconds worth of game play, as opposed to ten.
Delta Time is adjusted for and corrected within the game by creating buffers at various points in the game, such as at the beginning of a level, or when a character stands still and no new graphic information is begin streamed, where the game can load more information without slowing or breaking game play. Similar to the way a show being streamed across a website may need to be occasionally paused and buffered, online video games find ways to load complex graphics at moments when little or no game activity is taking place.
