Posted On: Aug 3, 2021
We are excited to announce an update to Amazon GameLift, an Amazon Web Services managed service. Trusted by game companies from all over the world like Wargaming, Metalhead Software, and Illfonic, GameLift FlexMatch launched in 2017 as a feature that uses a powerful matchmaking algorithm and flexible developer-defined rules to create high-quality matches at scale.
When playing multiplayer games, players expect to be matched quickly into competitive, fun games. To achieve this thrill for players, a good matchmaker must group together players based on their attributes, including skill level, playstyle, and latency. Often times, players get grouped in either large matches (>40 players) or smaller matches (up to 40). After speaking to customers, we’re delivering several updates that will allow for more evenly, appropriate matched, less fragmented player teams. We’re adding a new rule type, called a batchDistance rule, which allows for a string or numeric attribute to be specified, bringing a host of benefits.
For large matches (>40 players), instead of evenly balancing players by only skill, now get that same balance based on high or low skill levels, modes, and maps. As a developer, you can:
- Ensure everyone in the match is in a skill band, so that you get best players with the same skills in the same band
- Band multiple numeric attributes, such as league or playstyle
- Group according to string attributes, including map, game mode, and more
- Create expansions over time. For example, ideally developers want players to be matched within 10 skill levels of each other. However, the longer the player is waiting, the greater the skill level range is allowed to enter the match.
- Note: For any match under 40 players, you will also get the benefit of simplified rules expression.
As a reminder, GameLift is available in 64 instance types and 21 public regions so you can pick the instance type and geography that is best for your game. Public regions include: US East (Ohio and N. Virginia), US West (N. California and Oregon), Africa (Cape Town), Asia Pacific (Hong Kong, Mumbai, Seoul, Singapore, Sydney, and Tokyo), Canada (Central), Europe (Frankfurt, Ireland, London, Milan, Paris, and Stockholm), Middle East (Bahrain), South America (São Paulo), and Amazon Web Services China (Beijing) Region, operated by Sinnet.
To learn more, check out the GameLift FlexMatch documentation.