Nakama
The open-source, scalable game server.
Overview
Nakama is an open-source, scalable server designed for building social and real-time games and applications. While focused on gaming, it provides many core MBaaS features like user accounts, storage, real-time chat, and multiplayer. It can be self-hosted or used via Heroic Labs' managed cloud service.
✨ Key Features
- User Accounts & Profiles
- Real-time Multiplayer
- Chat (1-on-1, group, global)
- Social Features (friends, groups)
- Leaderboards & Tournaments
- Storage Engine
- Custom Logic (Go, Lua, TypeScript)
🎯 Key Differentiators
- Open-source and self-hostable for maximum control.
- High performance, designed for low-latency real-time games.
- Flexible custom logic with Go, Lua, and TypeScript.
Unique Value: Provides a scalable, open-source foundation for building social and real-time games, offering the performance of a dedicated game server with the flexibility of a general-purpose backend.
🎯 Use Cases (4)
✅ Best For
- Powering the backend for scalable, real-time multiplayer games.
- Implementing social features like chat, friends, and leaderboards in games.
💡 Check With Vendor
Verify these considerations match your specific requirements:
- General purpose web or business applications without real-time or social needs
- Simple CRUD mobile apps
🏆 Alternatives
Nakama offers more flexibility and control than fully managed, proprietary services like PlayFab, making it a strong choice for developers who want to avoid vendor lock-in.
💻 Platforms
🔌 Integrations
🛟 Support Options
- ✓ Email Support
- ✓ Dedicated Support (Startup plan and above tier)
🔒 Compliance & Security
💰 Pricing
Free tier: Free for self-hosting (open source). Managed cloud has a free developer tier.
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