brainCloud
Backend-as-a-service for games
Overview
brainCloud is a backend-as-a-service platform for games providing 50+ cloud features including player management, cloud data, leaderboards, multiplayer, chat, and monetization tools. Originally oriented toward mobile and social games, it now supports console, PC, and a range of game types.
Architecture
How brainCloud approaches the key architectural dimensions for live service games.
API restrictions + JavaScript pre/post hooks
Server authority is enforced through API access controls and Cloud Code scripts (JavaScript) that run as pre/post hooks on API calls. No persistent server-side game loop.
DocumentationSeparate codebases (JS server, C#/C++ clients)
Cloud Code runs JavaScript on the server while clients use C#, C++, Java, or other SDKs. Logic must be duplicated or validated via API calls between the two.
DocumentationSingle integrated platform (30+ features)
brainCloud bundles authentication, player data, matchmaking, economy, push notifications, and 30+ other features into one platform accessed through a unified API.
DocumentationClient libraries only; server and portal closed
Client SDKs for multiple platforms are available on GitHub. The server runtime and Design Portal are fully closed-source hosted services.
DocumentationKey-value string properties with categories
Global Properties store string key-value pairs organized by categories. No built-in typing, schema validation, or compilation step — values are parsed at runtime by the client.
DocumentationFixed integrated portal (Design + Monitor + Report)
The Design Portal provides game configuration, real-time monitoring, and reporting in one interface. It covers most operations but is not extensible or customizable.
DocumentationManaged cloud; private instances for enterprise
Standard deployments run on brainCloud’s multi-tenant cloud. Enterprise customers can request private dedicated instances for data isolation requirements.
DocumentationManaged multi-tenant; elastic API billing
brainCloud manages all scaling internally across its multi-tenant infrastructure. Pricing is based on API call volume, which scales elastically with player activity.
DocumentationCloud-only development
All backend logic runs in brainCloud’s cloud. Cloud Code scripts are edited in the Design Portal or uploaded via API. No local server available for offline development.
DocumentationLive Service Features
Player Management
LiveOps
Economy & Monetization
Engagement & Retention
Analytics & Insights
Multiplayer
Infrastructure
Operations
Platform & SDK
Strengths
- 50+ built-in backend features (auth, data, leaderboards, multiplayer, chat, monetization, analytics)
- SDKs for Unity, Unreal (Blueprints + C++), and Godot (via C#)
- Built-in gamification: achievements, XP/leveling, milestones, quests, and tournaments
- Free development tier; production plans from $15/month
- Operating since 2014 (founded 2011)
Limitations
- Large API surface with many configurable features to learn
- Smaller community and ecosystem compared to PlayFab or Nakama
- API count-based billing can be difficult to predict; check overage rates per plan
- Cloud Code runs on Mozilla Rhino JavaScript engine (ES5-era)
Pricing
Free Development tier (100 DAU, 1M API calls). Production plans: Lite $15/month, Standard $30/month, Business $99/month, Business Plus $199/month. API overage billed per million calls.