In the world of game development, selecting a proper game backend solution is a crucial decision that can greatly impact the success of a game. The choice of backend solution can affect everything from player experience to scalability and security. For game studios, finding the right backend solution involves considering factors such as the type of game being developed, the timeline for launch, available resources, and budget constraints.
Harmony Games, a mobile game studio founded in 2023, faced the challenge of selecting a game backend solution for their upcoming game, „Domino Adventures.“ The studio explored two options: building a backend from scratch or partnering with a third-party Backend-as-a-Service (BaaS) platform. After careful consideration, Harmony Games realized that building a backend from scratch would be time-consuming, while existing BaaS solutions were not easily customizable for their game.
Enter the AWS Game Backend Framework, a solution introduced by AWS to simplify cross-platform game backend development. This framework offers support for multiple game engines, including Unreal Engine 5, Unity, and Godot, and provides integrations with custom engines through REST APIs. It includes a scalable identity component that supports key OpenID Connect options such as Facebook, Google Play, Sign in with Apple, and Steam. The framework also offers templates for serverless and container-based backend feature development, as well as an Amazon GameLift Integration for building multiplayer games.
Harmony Games found the AWS Game Backend Framework to be a perfect fit for their needs. The open-source nature of the framework, built-in security features, and simplified deployment process were particularly appealing to the team. With the framework, Harmony Games was able to quickly set up a scalable, serverless backend to support their game, including authentication, game state, and player state storage. They were also able to extend the solution to include additional player metrics, such as device information, to better support their players in the future.
In less than an hour, Harmony Games had a fully functional backend solution in place, thanks to the AWS Game Backend Framework. The team was able to codify changes and configurations in AWS CDK templates, allowing them to replicate their environment for further testing and development. This streamlined approach to backend development enabled Harmony Games to focus on creating an engaging gaming experience for their players.
Harmony Games, founded by industry veterans Volkan Ediz, James Koh, and Joseph Kubiak, is set to release „Domino Adventures“ globally in 2025, with a beta launch planned for Q3 2024. The studio’s innovative approach to game development, including the use of the AWS Game Backend Framework, has positioned them for success in the competitive gaming industry. To learn more about Harmony Games and „Domino Adventures,“ visit their website at www.harmonygames.co.
In conclusion, selecting a proper game backend solution is a critical step in game development that can greatly impact the success of a game. The AWS Game Backend Framework offers a comprehensive solution for game studios looking to streamline backend development and create scalable, secure, and customizable backend features. By leveraging this framework, game studios like Harmony Games can focus on creating immersive gaming experiences while ensuring a seamless backend infrastructure for their players.