AccelByte
Backend platform for AAA live service games
Overview
AccelByte is a backend platform for live service games, used by studios including NetEase, Telkom, and others. It provides player identity (OAuth 2.0), social features, e-commerce, game session management, dedicated server orchestration, and analytics. Available as shared cloud or private cloud deployment.
Architecture
How AccelByte approaches the key architectural dimensions for live service games.
Orchestrates developer-built dedicated servers
AccelByte’s Armada Management Service (AMS) deploys and scales your compiled game server binaries. Game logic is entirely developer-built; AccelByte handles orchestration.
DocumentationSeparate codebases (REST clients vs gRPC server)
Client SDKs communicate with AccelByte services via REST. Custom backend extensions use gRPC. The two codebases are separate with no shared-logic tooling provided.
DocumentationModular microservices (Foundations + add-ons)
AccelByte offers a foundation tier (IAM, player data, matchmaking) plus optional add-on modules (commerce, UGC, analytics). Each module is an independent microservice.
DocumentationSDKs + templates open; platform closed
Client/server SDKs and Extend starter templates are open source on GitHub. The core platform services and admin portal are closed-source commercial software.
DocumentationCloudSave JSON records (no dedicated config service)
Game configuration is typically stored in CloudSave as JSON documents. There is no dedicated config service with versioning, typing, or over-the-air delivery built in.
DocumentationFixed admin portal + optional AIS analytics
The admin portal covers player management, matchmaking config, and moderation. AccelByte Intelligence Service (AIS) adds analytics dashboards as an optional paid module.
DocumentationShared cloud, private cloud, or BYO AWS
Choose from multi-tenant shared cloud, single-tenant private cloud, or bring-your-own AWS account. Each tier offers different levels of isolation and control.
DocumentationMicroservices with per-namespace isolation
Each game title runs in an isolated namespace with its own resource allocation. Individual microservices scale independently based on demand within that namespace.
DocumentationCloud-only for platform services
Platform services require cloud connectivity for development. The Extend SDK provides local scaffolding for custom extensions, but core services cannot run locally.
DocumentationLive Service Features
Player Management
LiveOps
Economy & Monetization
Engagement & Retention
Analytics & Insights
Multiplayer
Infrastructure
Operations
Platform & SDK
Strengths
- Used by studios including NetEase, Telkom, and others for live-service titles
- Full e-commerce stack: store catalog, wallets, entitlements, IAP validation across 7+ platforms
- Cross-platform identity linking (Steam, Epic, PSN, Xbox Live, Google, Apple, Discord, Twitch)
- Dedicated server orchestration (AMS) with fleet management and auto-scaling
- Extend platform allows custom backend logic via gRPC (serverless or containerized)
Limitations
- Enterprise/Private Cloud pricing requires contacting sales
- Free trial limited to 25K play hours within 90 days (not an ongoing free tier)
- No remote config or A/B testing features
- Closed-source platform; no source code access
Pricing
Free trial up to 25K play hours (90-day limit). Complete tier $100/month (shared cloud). Private Cloud from $2,500/module/month or $3,500/month for Complete package. Enterprise pricing on request.