BETA
Distributed Authority
Create resilient and cost-efficient client-hosted games using Distributed Authority (Beta) in Unity 6.
Generous free Beta offer until January 31, 2025.
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Client-hosted games that scale
This networking topology is easy to implement using Netcode for Game Objects with Multiplayer Services and is versatile to ensure a great player experience all while reducing your hosting demands.
Benefits of Distributed Authority (Beta)
Simplify your networking setup
Setting up your game is simple and eliminates the need for extensive server setup and configuration. Connect your game to Unity Cloud and install the Netcode for GameObjects package and Multiplayer Services SDK to launch the service.
Get versatility in authority
Control how to distribute the simulation workload to improve processing and performance. Gameplay objects are owned and simulated on the client-side or server-side, providing the flexibility on how the authority is managed as the project evolves.
Deliver great player experience
Ensure session stability and smoother player experience with host migration on a high-quality global network. Session owners have “host-like” authority leading to clean transitions with graceful disconnects.
Reduce your hosting demands
This cost effective approach to networking has less hosting needs that can lower your hosting costs. Given the simulation workload is moved to clients, the server only needs to oversee all client connections based on roles and permissions.
Resources to get started
Quickstart guide
Use this guide to learn how to create your first Distributed Authority Netcode for GameObjects project. It walks you through the connection setup, including connecting to the distributed authority service, and adding basic gameplay.
Distributed Authority how-to video
Discover the advantages of Distributed Authority - a cost-effective solution - as well as the tradeoffs compared to dedicated game servers.
Asteroids Demo
This project is built to demonstrate Netcode for GameObjects (NGO) running in Distributed Authority, as featured in our latest how-to talk.
Get started today
Sign up for Distributed Authority (Beta) to begin creating your own client-hosted game today.
Frequently asked questions