Unity game servers work exceptionally well with Docker containerization. This technology packages your server application with all its dependencies into a single, portable unit that runs consistently across different environments.

Unity Cloud Dashboard supports container image builds specifically for game server hosting. Developers can create these containers through the official Unity interface, streamlining the deployment process significantly.

Why Use Containerized Game Servers?

Containerization solves multiple deployment headaches simultaneously. Your Unity server runs in an isolated environment that eliminates "it works on my machine" problems entirely.

• Consistency Across Environments: Docker containers ensure your game server behaves identically whether running on your development laptop, staging servers, or production infrastructure. No more configuration drift or environment-specific bugs.

• Simplified Scaling: Modern orchestration platforms can spin up new server instances in seconds rather than minutes. When player demand spikes, additional containers deploy automatically to handle the load.

• Resource Efficiency: Unlike virtual machines, containers share the host operating system kernel. This means you can run more server instances per physical machine, reducing hosting costs substantially.

• Faster Deployment: Container images deploy much faster than traditional server setups. What previously took 15-20 minutes now happens in under a minute.

• Rollback Capabilities: If a server update causes issues, you can instantly revert to the previous container version. This eliminates extended downtime during problematic deployments.

• Edge Computing Benefits: Containerized servers can be distributed globally across edge networks. Players connect to servers physically closer to their location, dramatically reducing latency.

The technical benefits extend to development workflows as well. Testing becomes more reliable when your local development environment mirrors production exactly. Debugging server issues becomes easier since the container environment is reproducible on any machine.

Modern game server orchestration platforms handle the complexity of container management automatically. They monitor server health, handle automatic scaling, and manage deployments across multiple geographic regions without requiring deep Docker expertise from game developers.

The Easiest Way to use Docker and host game server in Unity

Edgegap's Unity plugin simplifies the entire containerization process into just five straightforward steps. No Docker expertise required. See the documentation for details.

• Step 1: To build your server, make sure to install the plugin and configure your Unity project for Linux builds. Install Docker, and ensure Docker Desktop is running.

• Step 2: Using your Edgegap account, input your Token ID and then clikc on "Containerize with Docker". The plugin packages your server with all dependencies into a Docker container without manual Dockerfile creation.

• Step 3: Use the default parameters then select "Test Locally your Deployment" to test your container locally and verify everything works perfectly. Connect your Unity client to localhost and test gameplay as well, before uploading to the cloud.

• Step 4: Select "upload image and create App version" to automatically upload your game server to Edgegap's registry. Configure your server ports from your deployment in your netcode's from Unity's editor.

• Step 5: Then, launch the game from Unity's editor. Depending on your test, players should be able to connect immediately using the provided IP and port through the game server hosted on Edgegap.

The entire process takes minutes instead of weeks with traditional hosting solution platforms. Edgegap handles Docker complexity, global deployment, scaling, and infrastructure management automatically when you're past the initial tests and ready to launch your multiplayer game.