Online games

Online game development

Online gaming is one of the most dynamic and promising segments of game development. The high demand for online game creation is driven by the rapid development of server technologies and the availability of high-speed internet – a very popular area in the gaming industry.

The success of a product in this niche depends equally on the originality of the idea and the quality of its implementation. Therefore, when planning to order an online game, carefully consider the technical aspects of the product—more than half of its commercial success in the online market depends on it.

What are online games?

Online game development encompasses any game development product that requires an internet connection. This segment includes both simple browser-based games and complex multiplayer projects with large-scale virtual worlds, where players interact in real time via an internet connection. These games can include cooperative and competitive elements.

Note: Online games require a constant internet connection. Unlike browser-based games, online apps can be played not only through a browser, but also on phones, consoles, and computers.

The main differences between online and browser games:

• Greater technical capabilities. Unlike browser-based games, online products require downloading and installation, which increases the technical complexity of implementation. At the same time, this provides greater capabilities for processing gameplay and graphics, so the cost of developing online games, as well as the quality of the final product, is often higher.
• Graphics Quality and Performance. Client-facing online products often require more powerful hardware, as they typically offer higher detail and more complex visual and animation solutions, ensuring a high-quality user experience.

The cost of online game development depends on the project's genre and technical features. Arionis Studio specialists will be happy to provide you with more detailed pricing information during your initial consultation.

Benefits of online gaming for business

Statistically, online games generate the most revenue for their creators. Honor of Kings, Pokemon Go, Roblox, and other world-famous titles have millions of audiences who eagerly await releases, new gameplay mechanics, and storyline twists. This is especially true for titles for PlayStation and Xbox consoles.

The main advantages of custom online game development for businesses are increased audience engagement, retention, audience growth, additional sales, increased average purchase price through gamification, and the formation of a loyal community worldwide.

Types and popular genres of online games

Before creating an online game from scratch, it's important to determine its type, style, and genre, as there are a wide variety of them. They differ in mechanics, number of players, goals, and formats of player interaction.

By genre (gameplay) they are divided into:

• Online MMORPG games are multiplayer, massively multiplayer role-playing projects with character development, co-op, and quests.
• Online RPG games are role-playing projects without a multiplayer mode.
• MMO online games are projects with thousands of players and often with open worlds.
• MMOFPS/MMOTPS projects are multiplayer first- or third-person shooters.
• MOBAs are team-based projects with battles, strategies, and different characters.
• Battle Royale – multiplayer projects about survival until the last player on the map.
• RTS/TBS – strategies, turn-based or real-time (with army, base, and resource management).
• Sports simulators and sandboxes with construction, survival elements, management, and sports competitions.
• Racing is a competition in different types of transport.
• Casual and social projects, match-3 puzzles, and other games with simple gameplay, often designed for short sessions.

Based on the number and type of interaction between players, online games are divided into the following types:

• PvP – players compete with each other;
• PvE – players against artificial intelligence;
• Co-op – projects with cooperative completion of missions and tasks;
• Solo Online – the user plays alone, but in an online environment (in rankings, etc.).

Arionis specialists will help you choose the optimal genre for your project's goals and the needs of your target audience.

Classification of online games by connection type and platform

You can create a mobile online game, online games for PC, for consoles, and online browser games.

Browser

These are typically casual and gambling applications, but online browser games can also be created in other genres and styles. The web browser can serve as both the operating system and as a storage location for the virtual system that runs the product code. They don't require installation on the user's device; they run directly in the browser.

Due to size restrictions, such game development products typically have simple mechanics and uncomplicated graphics. They can be paid, free, or freemium. It's possible to include the option to exchange in-game currency or points for real money, meaning you can create an online game with cash withdrawals.

Client

These online game development products require downloading and installing the game on a computer or other device (phone, tablet, console). They use special client programs that connect to the server over the internet. This means that part of the gameplay occurs through software installed on the user's device. This allows for higher graphics quality and a greater variety of game mechanics compared to browser-based online games, as well as lower system requirements. All interactions between players and the server take place online.

Using the resources of user PCs allows for the creation of large-scale, complex online multiplayer games and MMORPG projects with open worlds, character customization, complex physics, graphics and animation, real-time mode, mod support, voice chat, and team sessions.

We'll discuss how to create an online RPG based on your concept for a successful release during a consultation after reviewing the project details. Contact us.

Mobile (online games for phones)

These are products designed for smartphones and tablets. Players interact with each other or with a remote server in real time, either continuously or intermittently. Mobile online game development is also a popular service, with numerous products for Android and iOS devices featuring online features. It's possible to create an online game from scratch for Android, iPhone, and other mobile operating systems.

Mobile online games are available in the App Store, Google Play, or via .apk files. Mobile online MMO games also often include social features (chats and clans) and in-game purchases.

Cross-platform

Creating an online game that can be played across multiple operating systems and devices is a practical and cost-effective solution. Cross-platform play increases engagement, increases the time users spend in-game, and simplifies updates and monetization.

Cross-platform online MMO games are convenient for both players and owners: a larger audience is achieved through a single server or infrastructure – players from PCs, consoles, smartphones, and tablets play together, with progress saved when logging in, especially from different devices, and a unified matchmaking system is available.

Stages of online game development and collaboration formats

Arionis Studio has been providing online game development services for many years – the algorithm for creating such projects, developed over years of practice, has proven its effectiveness.

Key stages of online game development from Arionis Studio

1. Forming a concept and compiling a game design document

Defining the concept, genre, target audience, key mechanics, and plot. Each of these points is important to discuss and consider at the initial stage, as creating a multiplayer online game and a simple arcade game are radically different projects in terms of timeframe, complexity, cost, and scope of work.

2. Selection of technologies

The second stage follows from the first: what technologies will be needed to implement the plan? Will this involve developing an online game using Unity, Unreal Engine, or another engine? What programming languages, libraries, and other tools will be used?

The technology stack is formed based on the project's objectives, target platforms, graphics features, and other characteristics of the future product.

3. Development of the game world and mechanics – production

Creation of the visual environment, gameplay, interface, logic, interactions, and user experience. Also developed at this stage are environment design, 2D or 3D character designs, combat systems, quests, and more.

4. Testing and debugging (functional, loading, user tests, etc.)

Profiling and diagnostics are essential for optimizing and bug-checking a product to ensure everything works as intended. Balancing and testing online games help ensure the product is engaging for the audience and stable in operation.

5. Launch and support

Before creating your online game, it's important to consider what kind of technical support you'll need after its release—whether updates, levels, characters, and seasonal events will be added, and if so, how often.

At Arionis Studio, you can order online game development from scratch, on a project-by-project basis, through outsourcing, and outstaffing. We also offer dedicated IT team services.

Online Game Development Technologies: Programming and More

A wide range of technologies and tools are used in the development of online games.

Game engines: Unity, Unreal Engine.

Programming languages: C# (for creating online games in Unity3d), C++, JavaScript/TypeScript (for browser games), Python, Lua (for scripts and logic).

Network technologies: Photon, Mirror, WebSocket, REST API, Node.js, Socket.IO.

Graphics and 3D modeling: Blender, Maya, 3ds Max (for creating 3D models and animation), Photoshop, Illustrator (for developing 2D graphics and interfaces).

Version control systems: Git, GitHub, GitLab.

Testing: Unity Test Framework, Unreal Insights, Browser Dev Tools.

CI/CD and DevOps: Jenkins, GitHub Actions, Docker, Kubernetes.

Databases: MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB.

The choice of technologies and tools for programming, game design, and other aspects of online game development depends on the genre, target platforms, and scale of the project. All these factors are outlined in the game's specifications at the initial stages of collaboration. Arionis Studio specialists will suggest the optimal tech stack for implementing your idea after reviewing the project details.

Where to order online game development

Arionis Studio's online game development team is comprised of experienced specialists who have successfully completed dozens of projects across various genres, targeting a variety of audiences and platforms.

Extensive practical experience, an understanding of the industry and current trends, and a structured approach to work ensure consistently high quality, performance, and competitiveness of the games created by the Arionis team for clients.

We offer full online game development services, from concept to launch and post-release support. We work on a project-by-project basis, through outstaffing and outsourcing, and provide dedicated IT teams.