Do players in town, or in other Acts count towards my effective "players N"?

Hi

In a online game, for me to gain the benefits of "players N", the others players have to be close to me (on the same area), or they just have to be on my game (they may even be in town or on other Acts)?

Hi,

Just in the game.
Note that for MF (no-drop), it changes every 2 players (3, 5, 7).

https://maxroll.gg/d2/resources/player-settings

Edit : Seems players in the same area has an impact on no-drop chances. And partied/not partied too.

Yes they do. They also don't "steal your exp", exp split only counts for 2 screens distance.

Also what Sephi said, MF changes are on odd number of players.

Just in the game. If I understand correctly, players close to each split the exp., as opposed to being in separate areas.