BACKND vs Joystick
BACKND
backnd.com
Joystick
getjoystick.comSide by side
| Figure | BACKND | Joystick |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $9/mo | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | — |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 10 | 2 |
| Spec score · Game LiveOps Software | 9.5 (#2) | 7.6 (#20) |
| Headquarters | Seoul, Republic of Korea | Hong Kong |
| Integrations | BACKND is available through AWS Marketplace and supports custom authentication servers and an HTTP Platform API for chat operations. | Joystick offers a native Google Sheets integration, webhooks, a REST API, and SDKs including JavaScript, TypeScript, Python, PHP, C#, Java, Unity, Unreal, and Godot. |
| Purpose | BACKND describes its SDK as a way to turn single-player games into multiplayer experiences while it handles complex backend work. | Joystick is a remote configuration platform for apps and games that lets teams update configurations and content without releasing an app update. |
| Support | The homepage advertises 24/7 support from experts in AWS, game servers and web back-office, and lists contact hours as KST 10:00–18:00. | The site says its team supports customers through onboarding, and the Enterprise offering includes one-on-one onboarding and support. |
Plans
BACKND
- FreeFree
- FREEFree
- FREE PlanFree
- BASIC 100$9 a month
- PRO 100$19 a month
- PRO Translate 100$28 a month
- PRO$29 a month
- SCALE$829 a month
- BasicPrice not published
- EnterprisePriced on request
In their own words
BACKND
BACKND is a backend API and SDK for game developers adding multiplayer and backend services to games. BACKND Base offers authentication, cloud data storage, rankings, notices, social functions, events, coupons, push notifications, receipt verification, and an admin console. Match handles 1:1, individual, and team matchmaking, with result processing and reconnection. Worlds provides persistent servers and real-time synchronization for MMO and other multiplayer games. Other services include real-time chat with moderation, profanity filtering, reports, sanctions, and translation; a database for user and shared game data; and server-side functions written in C# using Unity-style syntax. Documentation lists Unity and Unreal SDKs, a Platform API, and a.NET SDK. Worlds officially supports Unity, while other engines can call server APIs directly. The company says users can test all features for free, but gives no trial duration. Database FREE includes 300 MB read bandwidth, 100 MB write bandwidth, and 200 MB storage; exceeding the allowance can restrict game use. Listed paid plans include chat options from $9.00 per month and a database plan at $29.00 per month.
Joystick
Joystick is a remote configuration platform for app and game teams, delivered through the web and an API. Teams can change settings or content without releasing an app update, using JSON, XML, YAML, and other formats. It supports feature flags, phased rollouts, player targeting, live operations, localization, content management, and generative-AI prompt management. A/B tests and segmentation can deliver variants to selected users. Deployment controls include multiple environments, staged and scheduled changes, protected environments, and review policies. Revision history, audit logs, permissions, access controls, and JSON Schema validation track and protect changes. Integrations include Google Sheets, webhooks, a REST API, and SDKs for JavaScript, TypeScript, Python, PHP, C#, Java, Unity, Unreal, and Godot; Cocos is also listed. Cloud is hosted with edge delivery and caching. Enterprise is single-tenant with custom sizing and pricing.