As game development studios consider their infrastructure options, the allure of open source solutions on bare metal servers may seem like a cost-effective choice. However, beneath initial price tag of “free” is the development and management requirements, resource intensive operations, and other hidden expenses. 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, managing such a setup involves multiple layers of complexity:

1. Setting up and managing hardware &  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:

• Talos : A Linux distribution specifically designed for Kubernetes, providing a lightweight, secure, and easy-to-manage 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 are substantial. That also excluding the cost of learning, mastering and adapting them to the game's need.

For example, while Ubisoft claims it can manage 25,000 servers with Talos, it doesn't highlight the hundreds of thousands of dollars required to purchase these machines, nor the cost of the teams of engineers needed to run them. It may make sense at scale from an economic standpoint for Ubisoft with dozen of live games and giant open-worlds still requiring cloud authoring, but it is unlikely to be financially viable for anyone else.

The True Cost of Open Source on Bare Metal

The apparent cost savings of open-source solutions evaporate 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 shown by Michal Buras, Lead Network Engineer at Highwire games during his conference at Live Service Gaming Summit, those costs are “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 offer a more cost-effective solution:

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 may seem appealing, the hidden costs and complexities make them a more expensive option in the long run. 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. Ensure scalability and performance

Don't be fooled by the "free" label. Calculate the true costs, including multiple six-figure engineers to build and manage just the infrastructure, of open source on bare metal and consider the benefits of a managed solution for your game server needs that gets your multiplayer online and maintains it at a fraction of the price in hours. Allowing you to focus on what matters most – making a better, more fun game.