In the video titled "[ASL] Valheim Case Study: Piktiv Shares Learnings from Integrating Azure PlayFab Multiplayer Services," published by Microsoft Game Dev, Kenneth Johnson from Piktiv discusses the challenges and ultimate successes of integrating Azure PlayFab Multiplayer Services into the popular game Valheim. The video covers the selection of middleware, the challenges faced during the integration process, and the key takeaways from the experience.
Kenneth begins by explaining the considerations for selecting middleware for the task, which included support for Windows, Linux, and Xbox, as well as compatibility with Unity. PlayFab was chosen due to its proven track record and comprehensive feature set. One of the main challenges faced was connecting players across platforms. To address this, Piktiv started tracking all game sessions as lobbies and added a public IP address and UDP information as search keys, allowing players to join cross-platform game sessions seamlessly.
Another challenge was creating a simple method for players to join sessions across multiple platforms. Piktiv introduced a six-digit joining code that is unique across all active gaming sessions. This code can be shared through various communication channels, and the sessions are password protected to prevent unauthorized access.
Coordinating releases across platforms was also a significant challenge. Middleware like PlayFab helps to handle the technical obstacles arising from differences in platform APIs, but coordinating releases of backward incompatible updates remains a critical issue to address.
Kenneth highlights several aspects of the integration process that went well, such as support for multiple operating systems and platforms, simple service setup, and excellent support from the PlayFab team. He also emphasizes the importance of error handling and sticking with one middleware to avoid complications.
In conclusion, Piktiv's experience integrating Azure PlayFab Multiplayer Services into Valheim demonstrates the potential benefits and challenges of using middleware for cross-platform game development. The video serves as a valuable resource for developers considering similar integrations and provides insights into the process of creating seamless cross-platform gaming experiences.
