Introduction to the Play Service
Last updated on February 12, 2024
Overview
The AccelByte Play services provide game developers with a wide range of capabilities designed to provide players fun and engaging multiplayer experiences. Each service provides specific functionality such as matchmaking, party management, or dedicated server allocation for hosting game sessions, and can be used independently or in coordination with each other.
Our services offer several advantages for game developers, including:
- Flexible matchmaking and session management: including customizable matching logic, seamless backfilling, and extendable session types to provide players with a variety of game play experiences.
- Cross-platform connection: players can connect across all major platforms (Xbox, Playstation, Steam, etc), to enrich and enliven player experience and collaboration.
- Access to expertise and continuous improvements: our multiplayer feature set will continue to expand to keep pace with changing industry trends.
- Seamless integration with Armada: our Dedicated Server fleet manager, allowing for the deployment of game sessions globally, improving player connectivity and cultural experiences.
Components
To learn more about the different Play services we offer, you can visit our documentation.
| Service | Description |
|---|---|
| Lobby | Serves as the main game hub, and provides a continuous connection between players. |
| Matchmaking | Groups players together using developer-defined rules, which can be specified for each game mode. |
| Party | Enables players to come together with their friends, to coordinate pre-game. |
| Session | Facilitates and tracks online activities. This enables players to participate in such things as raid teams, or game sessions. |
| Peer-to-Peer | Enables players to host game sessions locally, that others can connect to through matchmaking, or the Session Browser. |
| Armada | Orchestrates global dedicated server allocation, for hosting game sessions. |