Title

AWS re:Invent 2023 - Scaling a multiplayer game into the millions with Mortal Kombat 1 (GAM307)

Summary

Warner Bros. Games presented their approach to building and operating a video game platform for millions of users.
The session highlighted the importance of scale, security, and cost control in game development.
The speakers, Lionel Gatineau, Stephen Flenry, and Elliot Haas, discussed the challenges and solutions in scaling Mortal Kombat 1.
They emphasized the need to solve business problems alongside engineering ones.
The talk covered the structure of Warner Bros. Discovery, the role of WB Games, and the unique challenges of supporting multiple game studios.
The speakers detailed the central technology platform, Hydra Game Services, built by WB Games New York.
Hydra is a software-as-a-service platform that allows game teams to add online features and manage game operations.
The platform is designed with self-service in mind, providing developers with tools to innovate and customize features.
AWS services, such as EC2, EBS, Shield, and Gamelift, are integral to Hydra's operation.
The session also covered load testing methods and the importance of preparing for scale to ensure a smooth game launch.
Future focuses include engine technology, AI and machine learning for community safety, and cost-effective game development.

The gaming industry is massive, with billions of players worldwide, necessitating robust and scalable platforms.
Warner Bros. Games has a diverse portfolio of games, each with unique technical and business requirements.
The central technology platform, Hydra Game Services, is a key component in supporting the backend needs of various WB Games titles.
The choice of AWS as a cloud provider is strategic, leveraging AWS's global scale, security features, flexibility, and cost management.
The use of AWS Gamelift for managing game servers demonstrates the reliance on specialized managed services for critical game operations.
Load testing is a critical step in the game launch process, ensuring the infrastructure can handle the expected player traffic.
The future direction of WB Games' technology includes a focus on engine technology, AI for community management, and cost reduction strategies for game development.