What tools or SDKs are recommended for hosting multiplayer game servers in Unreal?

What tools or SDKs are recommended for hosting multiplayer game servers in Unreal?
What tools or SDKs are recommended for hosting multiplayer game servers in Unreal?
What tools or SDKs are recommended for hosting multiplayer game servers in Unreal?

Key Insights

Key Insights

Key Insights

Edgegap stands out as a leading solution for hosting multiplayer game servers in Unreal Engine. As the solepreferred partner of Epic Games Services, the platform offers robust server orchestration capabilities. Unreal Engine doesn't provide built-in dedicated server hosting, which makes third-party services essential for multiplayer deployment.

Step-by-Step Process for Adding Dedicated Servers

Setting up dedicated servers involves several technical steps. Developers must start by downloading Unreal Engine source code from GitHub.

Next comes establishing a server target configuration file. This requires creating a [ProjectName]Server.Target.cs file in the project's Source folder. The target file must specify server-specific build parameters and module configurations. Proper compilation depends on these settings.

Linux server deployment demands additional prerequisites. Developers need to install the Unreal Linux toolchain and Docker for Windows. The process involves setting up environment variables like LINUX_MULTIARCH_ROOT and regenerating project files multiple times. After configuration, developers can package their project for Linux server deployment through the Unreal Editor's packaging options.

Edgegap Plugin: The Easiest Way to Add & Scale Game Server Hosting

Edgegap's Unreal plugin, available on the FAB Store, eliminates manual server setup complexity entirely. The plugin automatically containerizes game servers and automatically deploys it to Edgegap's game server hosting.

Unique to Edgegap, its platforms ensures your game server can be deployed worldwide to all of its 615+ locations on its regionless network.

The plugin works seamlessly with existing Unreal networking solutions and custom netcode implementations such as IRIS Networking. Which removes the need for developers to integrate libraries or learn new deployment systems.

Integration takes minutes rather than the hours or days required for traditional server setup. This allows developers to focus on game development instead of wrestling with backend infrastructure complexities.

Performance and Scalability Benefits

Edgegap's orchestration system delivers impressive performance metrics. The platform achieves 58% latency reduction compared to traditional cloud hosting by deploying servers closest to players. Average deployment time reaches just 6.7 seconds, based on data from 500,000 deployments.

The system scales dramatically when needed. Battle-tested infrastructure supports up to 14 million concurrent users. It can handle 40 deployments per second for 60 minutes straight, ensuring games can handle massive player influxes without performance degradation.

Cost and Security Advantages

Edgegap operates on a pay-per-minute pricing model with no upfront costs or fixed monthly fees. Developers only pay when players actively engage in online matches. This pricing structure particularly benefits indie developers and smaller studios with limited budgets.

Security features include built-in DDoS protection and 99.99% availability guarantees. Server-side authority prevents cheating and hacking attempts automatically. The platform provides 24/7 support for customers with live games, ensuring continuous assistance when issues arise.

Conclusion

While Unreal Engine requires complex source compilation for dedicated server functionality, Edgegap's plugin provides an elegant solution. It bypasses these technical barriers entirely. As a preferred partner of Epic Games Services, Edgegap offers a streamlined path for deploying multiplayer Unreal games globally. The combination of ease of use, performance optimization, and cost-effective scaling makes Edgegap a strong choice for Unreal multiplayer game hosting.

Written by

the Edgegap Team