AccelByte Gaming Services vs Epic Online Services
AccelByte Gaming Services
accelbyte.io
Epic Online Services
onlineservices.epicgames.comSide by side
| Figure | AccelByte Gaming Services | Epic Online Services |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $1,000/mo | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 8 | 3 |
| Spec score · Game Leaderboard Software | 9.5 (#1) | 8.9 (#5) |
| Spec score · Game Matchmaking Software | 9.5 (#1) | 8.8 (#8) |
| Spec score · Game Backend Services | 9.5 (#1) | 8.9 (#6) |
| Founded | 2016 | 1991 |
| Intended users | AccelByte describes AGS as a service for game studios building and operating online games, from small teams to global launches. | Epic describes the services as for game developers ranging from the smallest developer to the largest publisher. |
| Product | AccelByte Gaming Services is a managed backend platform for building and operating online games. | Epic Online Services is a suite of open, modular online services for game developers. |
| Support | The free Community support tier includes Discord, documentation, and the Byte Wars sample game; paid tiers list dedicated support and response times. | Epic directs developers with unanswered FAQ questions to its EOS support contact. |
| What it does | AccelByte Gaming Services is a fully managed SaaS backend for building, launching and operating scalable online games. | Epic Online Services is a hosted set of modular online services for building and operating cross-platform games. |
Plans
AccelByte Gaming Services
- CommunityFree
- Public Cloud FoundationsFree
- Standard support$1,000 a month
- Private Cloud Foundations$1,500 a month
- Private Cloud Multiplayer$2,500 a month
- Private Cloud Online$2,500 a month
- Private Cloud Complete$3,500 a month
- EnterprisePriced on request
Epic Online Services
- Epic Online ServicesFree
- Free licenseFree
- Enterprise Anti-Cheat agreementPriced on request
In their own words
AccelByte Gaming Services
AccelByte Gaming Services (AGS) is a managed backend platform for building and operating online games. Its packages cover player identity, progression and cloud saves, commerce, multiplayer, and live operations. Teams can use Extend to run custom backend logic, event-driven workflows, and service overrides. SDKs support Unreal Engine and Unity, with a TypeScript SDK for browser or service environments. Authentication options include Steam, Epic, PlayStation, Xbox, Google, Facebook, Azure Active Directory, Google Workspace, and OpenID Connect; web-login availability varies by provider and deployment. AGS offers Public Cloud and Private Cloud, both operated by AccelByte 24x7. Public Cloud Foundations is free while building, with usage fees as players arrive. Private Cloud plans start at $1,500 a month per environment, plus usage fees, and listed plans reach $3,500 a month per environment, plus usage fees. Usage is based on daily Peak Concurrent Users. AccelByte says it is ISO 27001 compliant and commissions regular third-party penetration tests. Its documentation says GDPR processes are not yet supported in AGS Public Cloud.
Epic Online Services
Epic Online Services is a suite of modular online services for game developers. Its service areas cover accounts and social features, multiplayer, player and game data, and trust and safety. Social capabilities include crossplay, friends, presence, overlay, and the Epic Games account ecosystem. Multiplayer tools include peer-to-peer features, sessions, lobbies, and voice chat. Developers can use leaderboards, stats, achievements, and storage for player and title data. Trust and safety services include Easy Anti-Cheat, sanctions, player reports, and Kids Web Services. The services can be used with Unreal Engine, Unity, or a developer's chosen engine. SDKs are available for PC in C or C#, Android, and iOS; console SDKs require a request through the Developer Portal. Epic describes the service as free to use, with no royalty or hosting fees, though usage restrictions may apply. Epic says it processes game-service data to operate the services and does not share partner data without explicit authorization. Use may be throttled or suspended for violations of service restrictions.