Industry News
How to avoid network and server infrastructure issues during the development cycle
Mathieu Duperré, CEO, Edgegap
Regardless of whether you’re an indie developer or a AAA publisher, making games is never simple. Taking a game project from the initial concept to launch is a huge undertaking, especially when you begin incorporating multiplayer and social elements. Despite eye-watering budgets and huge teams of developers, countless games fall flat on release.
Thankfully, many of the common obstacles can be easily avoided and disruption to your release timeline kept to a minimum if you’re aware of the potential network and server infrastructure issues at key stages of development: the main development cycle, pre-launch, the launch period itself and once the game has launched.
Problems during the main development cycle
Some of the most common problems you’ll encounter on the tech side of the main development cycle can be the result of:
- Imperfect or hurried CI/CD pipelines. It can take days to push a new release for testing when you should be able to launch a few releases every day.
- Dev teams taking on too much in-house rather than seeking outside assistance (netcode, game engine, backend services).
- Trying to save funds through open-source projects that eventually become outdated, unsupported during your dev cycle or ends up in engineering money pits.
- Developers waiting until post-launch to focus on important elements such as crossplay.
- QA teams lacking constant access to the game build.
Any of these sound familiar? If so, it might be time to rethink your core strategy and whether you’re adhering to the DevOps methodology. Do you have a structured approach or are you lurching leftfield and drifting off course?
While developing your own netcode and game engine in-house can seem appealing, it’s important to consider the potential risks that might emerge further down the road. If problems with your netcode or a proprietary game engine present themselves at a particularly busy stage of development, you’ll wish you’d have outsourced them.
Considering where you can offload certain aspects of development to external partners can help reduce your team’s workload and improve their efficiency so they can focus on more pressing matters.
Mistakes to avoid just before the launch
One of the biggest mistakes you can make just before launch? Underestimating your CCU (concurrent users worldwide) and employing a low percentage buffer of around 10%. Misjudging your CCU is going to put too much strain on your servers and overall backend services and is one of the most common reasons players experience crashes around the launch. Similarly, don’t underestimate the number of regions you’ll need servers in too. A global game launch requires an equal distribution of worldwide servers to avoid latency issues.
When it comes to servers, it’s always best to plan ahead and scale back, rather than the other way around. Prioritise network partners who offer pay-as-you-go options for server access, so if you do need to scale back (or up) you can do so easily. This should always be the preferred option and will prevent you from being charged for servers you’re not using. It’s important to be aware of the risks associated with overestimating, as this can lead to studios signing long-term contracts and ultimately being overresourced.
Finally, one issue that can cause developers and studios a lot of trouble is data protection regulation laws. I’ve heard plenty of horror stories about studios turning a blind eye to privacy laws such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). Make sure you’ve checked the specific rules regarding data collection in your region as early as possible to avoid a frantic rush of paperwork towards the end of development or, worse, incurring costly fines.
Obstacles on launch day
It can be easy to think that you’ve made it through the worst once you reach launch day, but this is usually the stage where major issues can suddenly appear. You may notice a bombardment of negative responses from Twitter, Steam and other platforms addressing critical issues with the game – make sure you address these rather than ignoring them. These responses can be important indicators of how the players are responding to your game and if you’ve factored their feedback in the development phase.
Once the game has launched, you will have the clearest indicator of how many servers you’ll need to support the players. This is where your planning will prove to be correct or wide of the mark if you’d reserved say 1000, but you only need 200.
A 24/7 support plan is an important consideration when the game is live, this will enable rapid fixes to negate as many disruptions as possible. A low-cost DDoS solution is also a crucial facet to bear in mind. A server orchestrator will help developers manage influx of traffic along with capturing crucial data that can be incorporated into the game as part of the observability phase.
Post-launch issues
Now that your game is in the world, there can be a strong temptation to introduce a plethora of new elements to the game to enhance the player experience. While on the face of it these are good ideas, new mods or minor updates can prove problematic and contain major bugs. Responding to these new issues can be distracting and take weeks or even months to solve.
On top of this, if you haven’t properly planned earlier in the process, major updates to your game servers could potentially lead to maintenance issues and significant downtime for your player base. If players have a bad experience on launch, they’ll likely just move on to the next best thing. When EA launched Battlefield 2042, server issues, loading times and game-breaking bugs plagued the game. Within months, player numbers dropped to fewer than 1,000 concurrent players on Steam.
Of course, there are a number of ways to circumvent these issues. It is crucial to choose a backend that can support multi-versioning A/B testing and facilitate rolling updates without outages. You’d be hard-pressed to find a gamer who enjoys an unplayable game. Automation can also help in the production pipeline, this includes deploying quick fix updates and upgrades which will reduce the human error factor.
Another consideration that is often overlooked is outsourcing for network and platform providers to remove a large in-house team dedicated to DevOps or Engineering. This is intensive work that will take up the time of staff, and outsourcing is a viable option and it makes perfect sense for smaller studios, especially to pursue this option purely from a cost-saving perspective.
Making edge count
Edge computing is often overlooked by game developers, but it can alleviate many of the issues described here, particularly around server provisioning and latency issues. Edge technology brings computation and data storage closer to the source of the data, placing it at the edge of the network where performance gain is most optimal. This reduces unnecessary travel and drastically speeds up the process resulting in close to a lag-free experience.
If you’re looking at cross-play for your game, infrastructure requirements become more complex. Edge computing helps to negate some of the most nagging delay issues that come with playing across different platforms. As cross-play becomes more of a consideration for developers, edge computing along with automation can come to be one of the solutions to some of the associated problems. Developers should consider the automation part of the equation when planning their game project. It becomes even more vital when you add more latency-reliant elements to a game.
Fail to plan, plan to fail
There is no one size fits all approach to game development or the challenges associated with it. But taking some of the steps outlined above can help negate potential issues and lessen their impact, preventing total derailment of a game before it even launches.
Small steps like putting your trust in external partners or looking at technologies like Edge computing to squeeze as much performance out of your game as possible might seem small, but their impact on development can’t be underestimated.
Planning for different eventualities at key stages of development will go a long way in ensuring your game is the best it can possibly be at launch. This will give your game the best chance at becoming a lasting hit, not a flash in the pan that’s marred by server issues or bugs.
The logistical side of creating a game might not always be glamorous or exciting, but it’s unavoidable. If your development pipeline is hit by server issues, you’ll be glad you planned ahead.
Industry News
Europe Sports Betting Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report 2024-2030 Featuring Bet365, William Hill, Betfair, Paddy Power, 888sport, Bwin, Unibet, Ladbrokes, MGM, and Betsson
The “Europe Sports Betting Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Type, Platform, Sports Type (Football, Basketball, Baseball, Horse Racing, Cricket, Hockey, Others), Country, and Segment Forecasts, 2024-2030” report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com’s offering.
The Europe sports betting market size is anticipated to reach USD 65.54 billion by 2030 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 9.9% from 2024 to 2030
The globalization of sports and the integration of international leagues and tournaments into European betting markets have fueled the growth of sports betting. Major sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup, UEFA European Championship, Wimbledon, and the Olympics attract widespread attention and betting interest from European consumers, driving significant betting volumes and revenues for sports betting operators, thus driving the growth of the sports betting market in Europe.
The COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on the European sports betting market. The cancellation or postponement of sports events during the pandemic restrained the market growth. With major tournaments, leagues, and competitions either suspended or canceled outright, the absence of live sports events severely diminished consumer betting opportunities. It led to a significant decline in betting volumes and revenues for sports betting operators.
The presence of favorable betting policies in the region is driving the growth of the sports betting market in the region. Many European countries, such as the UK, Ireland, Denmark, and France, have progressive policies promoting a competitive and well-regulated betting market. It facilitates the entry of new operators into the market and encourages competition, leading to innovation, improved services, and better value for consumers.
Moreover, established responsible gambling initiatives and regulatory bodies in Europe, such as the European Gaming & Betting Association, help build trust and confidence among consumers by promoting responsible gambling practices, ensuring fairness and transparency in betting operations, and providing avenues for dispute resolution, to protect consumers and maintain the integrity of the betting market, thus driving the growth of sports betting market in the region.
Europe Sports Betting Market Report Highlights
- Based on the type of betting, the fixed odd wagering segment accounted for the highest revenue share of 27.7% in 2023 due to the stability and predictability of the payouts
- Based on platform, the online segment dominated the market in 2023 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR from 2024 to 2030. It can be attributed to the collaborations between sports teams, leagues, and betting companies, thus increasing the visibility of sports betting and attracting a larger customer base.
- In terms of sports type, the football segment accounted for the largest revenue share in 2023. It can be attributed to the popularity of football in Europe due to popular football clubs like Real Madrid, Liverpool FC, FC Barcelona, and Manchester United.
- The UK held a significant share of 34.6% in 2023 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. Favorable gambling policies in the country drive the market’s growth.
Company Profiles
- Bet365
- Ali William Hill
- Betfair
- Paddy Power
- 888sport
- Bwin
- Unibet
- Ladbrokes
- MGM Resorts International
- Betsson
Key Attributes:
| Report Attribute | Details |
| No. of Pages | 80 |
| Forecast Period | 2023 – 2030 |
| Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 | $33.75 Billion |
| Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 | $65.54 Billion |
| Compound Annual Growth Rate | 9.9% |
| Regions Covered | Europe |
Key Topics Covered:
Chapter 1. Methodology and Scope
Chapter 2. Executive Summary
2.1. Market Outlook
2.2. Segment Outlook
2.3. Competitive Insights
Chapter 3. Europe Sports Betting Market Variables, Trends & Scope
3.1. Market Lineage Outlook
3.1.1. Parent market outlook
3.1.2. Related/ancillary market outlook
3.2. Market Dynamics
3.2.1. Market driver analysis
3.2.1.1. Increasing number of sport events
3.2.1.2. Growing number of sporting events and leagues in Europe
3.2.2. Market restraint analysis
3.2.2.1. Lack of unified regulations
3.2.3. Market opportunity analysis
3.2.3.1. Growth in E-sports audience
3.3. Europe Sports Betting Market Analysis Tools
3.3.1. Industry Analysis – Porter’s
3.3.2. PESTEL Analysis
Chapter 4. Europe Sports Betting Market: Platform Estimates & Trend Analysis
4.1. Platform Market Share, 2023 & 2030
4.2. Segment Dashboard
4.3. Europe Sports Betting Market by Platform Outlook
4.4. Market Size & Forecasts and Trend Analyses, 2018 to 2030
4.4.1. Offline
4.4.2. Online
Chapter 5. Europe Sports Betting Market: Type Estimates & Trend Analysis
5.1. Type Market Share, 2023 & 2030
5.2. Segment Dashboard
5.3. Europe Sports Betting Market by Type Outlook
5.4. Market Size & Forecasts and Trend Analyses, 2018 to 2030
5.4.1. Fixed odds wagering
5.4.2. Exchange Betting
5.4.3. Live/In Play Betting
5.4.4. eSports Betting
5.4.5. Others
Chapter 6. Europe Sports Betting Market: Sports Type Estimates & Trend Analysis
6.1. Sports Type Market Share, 2023 & 2030
6.2. Segment Dashboard
6.3. Europe Sports Betting Market by Sports Type Outlook
6.4. Market Size & Forecasts and Trend Analyses, 2018 to 2030
6.4.1. Football
6.4.2. Basketball
6.4.3. Baseball
6.4.4. Horse Racing
6.4.5. Cricket
6.4.6. Hockey
6.4.7. Others
Chapter 7. Europe Sports Betting Market: Regional Estimates & Trend Analysis
7.1. Regional Market Share Analysis, 2023 & 2030
7.2. Regional Market Dashboard
7.3. Regional Market Snapshot
7.4. Market Size, & Forecasts Trend Analysis, 2018 to 2030
7.4.1. UK
7.4.2. Germany
7.4.3. France
7.4.4. Italy
Chapter 8. Competitive Landscape
8.1. Recent Developments & Impact Analysis, By Key Market Participants
8.2. Company/Competition Categorization
8.3. Vendor Landscape
8.3.1. List of key distributors and channel partners
8.3.2. Key customers
8.4. Company Profiles
For more information about this report visit researchandmarkets.com
Industry News
Leading online slot developer announces launch of Snoop’s High Rollers which will go live exclusively with popular crypto sportsbook and casino
Gaming Corps, a publicly listed game development company based in Sweden, has signed a major deal that will see it launch an exclusive slot game in collaboration with rap legend, Snoop Dogg. The game will drop exclusively on Roobet, the online casino where Snoop Dogg is a brand ambassador.
Snoop Dogg needs no introduction. He made his music industry debut when he appeared on Dr Dre’s 1992 album, The Chronic, and has since sold more than 50 million albums worldwide. He’s also made several movie and TV show appearances, making him one of the most iconic artists of all time.
The game is “Snoop’s High Rollers” and allows players to experience what it’s like to live life as a music legend. The soundtrack is inspired by Snoop’s early and later works and the main man has also narrated parts of the game to really bring it to life.
Snoop has also played a part in creating the gameplay, hand-picking mechanics and bonus features to really put his stamp on the game. Roobet has also got in on the action, leading to a unique online slot that will soar to the top of the charts among its players.
Snoop’s High Rollers will make its debut exclusively on Roobet, the crypto casino and sportsbook that has taken the market by storm since its launch in 2019. The casino’s team has put a comprehensive marketing strategy behind the game with plans to use it to drive new customer acquisition at scale.
“It is with much pride that we at Gaming Corps have had the chance to develop a game in close collaboration with Snoop Dogg and Roobet, where we have combined our unique gaming perspective with Snoop Dogg’s unparalleled style and charisma,” Juha Kauppinen, Gaming Corps CEO, said:-
“Our vision is to offer players an experience where music, culture and gaming merge into something extraordinary. Our close collaboration with Roobet has enabled us to do the impossible, namely world-class marketing, game release is planned for 20 of April. We’re thrilled, and discussions are already underway about several game concepts!”
Anthony Brennan, Head of Partnerships at Roobet, added: “Roobet loves pushing the envelope and never flinches at an opportunity to bring iGaming and pop culture together. Snoop loves his game, we love the game, and we’ve been delighted at the experience of building something that feels fresh in an industry full of remixes.
“We can’t say enough nice things about the Gaming Corps team, and we’re excited to hear what the gaming community has to say!”
IDnow, a leading identity verification provider in Europe, has unveiled VideoIdent Flex, a new version of its expert-led video verification service that blends advanced AI technology with human interaction. The human-based video call solution, supported by AI, has been designed and built to boost customer conversion rates, reduce rising fraud attempts, increase inclusivity, and tackle an array of complex online verification scenarios, while offering a high-end service experience to end customers.
The company’s original expert-led product, VideoIdent, has been a cornerstone in identity verification for over a decade, serving the strictest requirements in highly regulated industries across Europe. VideoIdent Flex, re-engineered specifically for the UK market, represents a significant evolution, addressing the growing challenges of identity fraud, compliance related to Know-Your-Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) processes and ensuring fair access and inclusivity in today’s digital world outside of fully automated processes.
As remote identity verification becomes more crucial yet more challenging, VideoIdent Flex combines high-quality live video identity verification with hundreds of trained verification experts, thus ensuring that genuine customers gain equal access to digital services while effectively deterring fraudsters and money mules. Unlike fully automated solutions based on document liveness and biometric liveness features, this human-machine collaboration not only boosts onboarding rates and prevents fraud but also strengthens trust and confidence in both end users and organisations. VideoIdent Flex can also serve as a fallback service in case a fully automated solution fails.
Bertrand Bouteloup, Chief Commercial Officer at IDnow, said: “VideoIdent Flex marks a groundbreaking advancement in identity verification, merging AI-based technology with human intuition. In a landscape of evolving fraud tactics and steady UK bank branch closures, our solution draws on our decade’s worth of video verification experience and fraud insights, empowering UK businesses to maintain a competitive edge by offering a white glove service for VIP onboarding. With its unique combination of KYC-compliant identity verification, real-time fraud prevention solutions, and expert support, VideoIdent Flex is a powerful tool for the UK market.”
Whereas previously firms may have found video identification solutions to be excessive for their compliance requirement or out of reach due to costs, VideoIdent Flex opens up this option by customising checks as required by the respective regulatory bodies in financial services, mobility, telecommunications or gaming, to offer a streamlined solution fit for every industry and geography.
Bouteloup added: “Identity verification is incredibly nuanced; it’s as intricate as we are as human beings. This really compounds the importance of adopting a hybrid approach to identity – capitalising on the dual benefits of advanced technology when combined with human knowledge and awareness of social cues. With bank branches in the UK closing down, especially in the countryside, and interactions becoming more and more digital, our solution offers a means to maintain a human relationship between businesses and their end customers, no matter their age, disability or neurodiversity.
“VideoIdent Flex is designed from the ground up for organisations that cannot depend on a one-size-fits-all approach to ensuring their customers are who they say they are. In a world where fraud is consistently increasing, our video capability paired with our experts adds a powerful layer of security, especially for those businesses and customers that require a face-to-face interaction.”
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