Would it be possible to make a network game that could manage hundreds of people connected to the server? Or would I have to use a different language for the server anyhow?
No. But neither will java. The problem is not the language or the platform – it's you.
Please don't misunderstand me: I don't mean to be offensive here. This is
not a personal attack.
I simply think that you don't know enough to accomplish such task, independently of what language or platform you use - at least, not yet. I know this because of the way you are asking questions. You are implying that all problems can be solved given the right tools. Unfortunately, most of the interesting problems are not on this category; they require experience and a certain amount of hard work,
independently of the tools available.
Concurrent network stuff is one of such problems. It's tricky. Very tricky. It requires understanding of several abstract concepts, and subtle interactions between them. And lots of testing.
If this was a videogame, having hundreds of people connected to a server and interacting would be a level 50 Demon. You would be (again, no offense intended) a level 5 archer. You need to level up before even thinking of fighting the demon. The platform and language are like inventory items. They can help, but not that much.
But not everything is bad news. You know what LÖVE is great for? Levelling up!
My advice is: Start doing simpler games, and scale up. People usually start with something like a snake clone. Then maybe a invaders-like game. Then add scrolling and levels to it, so you have an r-type-like game. Then you can start thinking about doing your first platformer. Then a real-time strategy game, with units and paths and lines of sight and fog of war. Then try making it playable over the network, two players only. Then you will have an idea of what it takes to make a 100-concurrent users server; you can start deciding what tool to use then. But the experience will be the same.
It will not take you weeks. It will probably take months, or even years. Some days will be rough. But others will be great. If you ask politely, this community will help you.
In any case, I wish you luck. And strength.
