The Case for Unified Backend and Server Orchestration

Why Unified Backend and Server Orchestration Matter in Game Development

Introduction

In the competitive world of game development, especially for live-service multiplayer games, effective backend services and server orchestration are critical for delivering a smooth and reliable experience. However, relying on separate vendors for these services often creates operational complexities and delays in high-stakes situations. RallyHere addresses these challenges with a fully integrated backend and orchestration approach. But why should game developers consider unifying these systems? Here, we’ll explore the technical and operational benefits of a single-provider solution for backend services and server orchestration.

Challenges of Using Multiple Vendors for Backend and Server Orchestration

Many game studios turn to separate vendors for backend management and server orchestration, aiming to reduce risk or maximize functionality. However, this strategy can introduce unexpected challenges:

1. Increased Coordination Overhead: When backend and server orchestration are handled by separate vendors, constant coordination between teams and systems is essential. Every time a new build is shipped, teams must sync with both vendors to ensure everything runs smoothly. The result? Increased communication overhead and slower iteration cycles.

2. Accountability Issues During Crises: In live-service games, issues like server downtime or in-game bugs can emerge without warning. When multiple vendors are involved, accountability often blurs. Is the backend API at fault, or is it a server orchestration issue? This finger-pointing delays resolutions and directly impacts player experience.

3. Inefficient Live Support: Live games require continuous monitoring and immediate responses to issues. RallyHere manages both server orchestration and backend services, ensuring there’s no disconnect in troubleshooting. A single vendor eliminates unnecessary steps, streamlining critical operational processes for live games.

How RallyHere’s Integrated Approach Elevates Game Performance

Orchestration technologies, such as those outlined in this article on 30 Days Coding, are fundamental to achieving scalable and consistent backend performance. RallyHere’s system builds on this by seamlessly integrating backend services and server orchestration into a single streamlined solution. Here’s how our integrated solution benefits your game:

1. Simplified Operations with a Single Platform: RallyHere’s backend services and server orchestration are designed to work together seamlessly. Instead of needing to update two separate systems for each build or fix, you handle everything in one place. This reduces miscommunication and simplifies troubleshooting.

2. Flexible, Multi-Provider API: RallyHere’s API supports multiple server providers, including cloud services like Azure and AWS as well as bare-metal servers. This flexibility enables studios to optimize costs and performance while managing everything through a centralized API.

3. LiveOps Ready with Scalable Infrastructure: With RallyHere, developers gain built-in support for the intricacies of live operations, from patching and hotfixes to seamless server scaling and instant matchmaking. Our orchestration engine handles both cloud and bare metal fleets, giving you dynamic scalability based on real-time needs. This allows teams to focus on improving the game rather than managing infrastructure.

4. Enhanced Control for Faster Issue Resolution: With a unified vendor like RallyHere, game developers gain a centralized system that takes the guesswork out of resolving issues. RallyHere’s LiveOps tools allow you to manage game servers, player sessions, matchmaking, and analytics from a single interface. This means quicker resolutions, better player experiences, and fewer sleepless nights for your engineering team.

Real-World Impact: RallyHere’s Role in Enhancing Player Experience

RallyHere has partnered with studios behind titles like SMITE2 and Rogue Company, where instant response times and smooth server transitions are critical to delivering top-tier gaming experiences. When live issues do occur, RallyHere’s team is able to immediately identify whether the issue lies with the backend API or server orchestration, offering a clear path to resolution in a fraction of the time it would take with multiple vendors involved.

Case Study: SMITE 2 – Scaling Seamlessly with RallyHere

During SMITE 2’s alpha, RallyHere’s integrated system has been frequently put to the test. Throughout hyper-frequent updates and patches during an elongated alpha and beta, RallyHere’s unified backend and server orchestration automatically has seamlessly scaled up and down across multiple server providers across the globe, at multiple points seamlessly managing a rapid rise to 10,000’s of CCU as servers came online for Alpha Weekend tests.

Because RallyHere handles both backend services and server orchestration, our team could also deploy on-the-fly adjustments and scale resources dynamically to prevent any server interruptions. Server side hotfixes were rolled out in real time, keeping players in-game without disruption. This rapid response prevented a potential drop in player engagement and minimized support tickets, demonstrating RallyHere’s commitment to smooth player experiences and operational reliability.

Through RallyHere’s integrated approach, SMITE 2 maintained uninterrupted gameplay, reinforcing player confidence and ensuring high engagement even during a critical update.

Conclusion: RallyHere Simplifies Game Operations and Enhances Accountability

In the fast-paced world of game development, every second counts—especially when your game is live and players are online. RallyHere’s unified approach to backend and server orchestration streamlines operations, reduces complexity, and ensures accountability, making it the ideal partner for studios building and operating multiplayer live-service games.

By eliminating the need for separate vendors and providing seamless support, RallyHere allows your team to focus on what matters most: delivering the best possible experience to your players.

Ready to simplify your operations and elevate your game? Reach us at contact@rallyhere.gg