And there are good reasons why we abandoned that approach 20 years ago. It's a nightmare to support.

Yup, and probably computers today is just a divergent and unique as computers were 20 years ago, so no need to ever look into this issue again. I guess that's the reason there is basically 0 good desktop applications in today's modern computing world, I certainly cannot think of a single successful desktop application.

Good thinking!

It’s just a local copy of many, and can run even when offline. Like git. No nightmares.

I still remember the time when "server" meant someone's old Dell tower we put in a closet somewhere =)

I thought we figured out it's a shitty idea and moved past it?

The only 'shitty ideas' in business are those that cost the business and shareholders money.

Cloud computing can either be a necessity for a business, or a money-hole from which is derived little to no benefit to the company.

Most small businesses could thrive with a -local- small dedicated server/workstation, and locally managed network resources.

Most small businesses should be focused on their business, and not their IT.

Exactly, this is why companies shouldn't host their own email either.

And, as a rule, gaming companies shouldn't build their own engines either. If you have the skills to do that, start selling the engine instead of the games you make with it. It's a much better business.