As game development studios consider their infrastructure options, the appeal of open-source solutions on bare metal servers can look like a cost-effective choice. However, while open-source solutions carry no licensing cost, the full picture includes development, management, and operational overhead that can significantly affect total cost of ownership. In this article, we'll delve into the realities of using open source to build game servers on bare metal and explore why a managed game server orchestration solution may be the more economical choice.

What is a Bare Metal Kubernetes Cluster?

A bare metal Kubernetes cluster refers to the deployment of Kubernetes, a container orchestration platform, directly on physical servers without any virtualization layer. This approach promises increased performance, security, and control. However, it also introduces significant management complexities.

Can Kubernetes Run on Bare Metal?

Yes, Kubernetes can run on bare metal servers.

Solutions like Talos, a Linux distribution specifically designed for Kubernetes, enable this deployment. However, as demonstrated in the Talos presentation by Ubisoft (as presented at KubeCon, 2023), managing such a setup involves multiple layers of complexity:

1. Setting up and managing hardware and network layers

2. Managing OS layer with its own orchestration

3. Setting up and operating game server orchestration (e.g., Agones)

4. Game layers (game sessions and server containers)

How to Deploy Kubernetes on Bare Metal?

Deploying Kubernetes on bare metal requires:

1. Selecting a compatible Linux distribution (e.g., Talos)

2. Configuring the network and storage infrastructure

3. Installing Kubernetes and its components

4. Integrating game server orchestration tools (e.g., Agones)

5. Managing game server containers and sessions

Kubernetes Distribution on Bare Metal

Several Kubernetes distributions support bare metal deployment, including (as of writing):

• Talos: A Linux distribution specifically designed for Kubernetes, providing a lightweight, secure, and streamlined OS for containerized workloads.

• k3s: A lightweight, certified Kubernetes distribution designed for resource-constrained environments, such as IoT devices and edge computing.

• Rancher: A comprehensive Kubernetes management platform offering provisioning, monitoring, and security features for enterprise deployments.

• OpenShift: A container application platform built on Kubernetes, providing automated deployment, scaling, and management of containerized applications.

While these solutions are free and open source, the resources required to manage them can be substantial -- particularly for teams without prior Kubernetes or bare metal experience. This also excludes the cost of learning, mastering, and adapting them to the game's specific needs.

For example, the Ubisoft presentation cited above describes managing 25,000 servers with Talos (as presented at KubeCon, 2023). The presentation focuses on technical architecture; a full cost breakdown of hardware procurement and ongoing staffing would require separate analysis. This approach may make sense at scale for a studio with dozens of live games and a dedicated infrastructure organization, but for most studios without similar scale and engineering capacity, it is unlikely to be financially viable.

The True Cost of Open Source on Bare Metal

The apparent cost savings of open-source solutions often narrow when considering the following:

• Human Resources: Multiple engineers are needed to manage the complex layers, ensuring expertise in Kubernetes, networking, security, and game server orchestration.

• Hardware Requirements: Bare metal servers demand significant upfront investments and ongoing maintenance costs.

• Opportunity Costs: Resources spent on managing infrastructure could be better allocated to game development and innovation.

As noted by Michal Buras, Lead Network Engineer at Highwire Games, in his presentation at the Live Service Gaming Summit (per Edgegap's recap of the session): "But if you take a step back right now and think about all of this. At this point, you're not making a game, you're building infrastructure. Burning money on stuff that isn't helping your game grow with content, better tech, or features. What's the point?"

A Better Alternative: Fully Managed Game Server Orchestration

Services like Edgegap's are designed to offer a more cost-effective path for most studios, particularly those without dedicated infrastructure teams:

1. Scalability: Pay-as-you-go pricing eliminates upfront hardware costs.

2. Expert Management: Specialized engineers handle infrastructure complexities.

3. Focus on Game Development: Free up resources to enhance gameplay, user experience, and innovation.

Conclusion

While open-source solutions on bare metal have genuine appeal, the full costs and complexities often make them a more expensive option in the long run for most studios. By choosing a fully managed game server orchestration solution like Edgegap's, game development studios can:

1. Reduce infrastructure costs

2. Focus on core competencies

3. Benefit from scalability and performance suited to live game operations (as of writing)

It's easy to assume open-source means low-cost, but the total cost of ownership -- including engineering, hardware, and opportunity cost -- is typically much higher. You can use our pricing calculator to get a clearer view of what game server hosting and orchestration actually costs. Calculate the true costs, including multiple specialized engineers whose compensation typically ranges well into six figures (per Levels.fyi, as of 2026.04), of open source on bare metal and consider the benefits of a managed solution that gets your multiplayer running in hours and maintains it at a fraction of the total cost. Allowing you to focus on what matters most: making a better, more fun game.