Microsoft Azure 'PlayFab' multiplayer servers expand to more regions, AMD support in tow
Microsoft's PlayFab platform is expanding to new regions, and picking up AMD virtual machines as a bonus.
Azure PlayFab is Microsoft's suite of tools for game developers and service-type titles, with a range of products that provide everything from analytics to server hosting. In a blog post today, Microsoft announced it's expanding Azure PlayFab operation to new regions. It's also introducing AMD virtual machines (VM) as a cheaper option for certain scenarios.
Microsoft has now expanded Azure PlayFab Multiplayer Server Hosting to Korea Central, India Central, UAE North, and U.S. West 2 in its Azure server farm, bringing the total number of supported regions to 22. Developers can leverage Azure PlayFab to build and host games across virtually any platform — from Xbox, to mobile devices, and even Google Stadia.
Previously, players situated in these regions would've had to connect to a server that was further afield, potentially impacting latency. As Microsoft continues to expand its data locality, it says gamers on titles that leverage PlayFab servers will experience latency well below 100 milliseconds, all the way down to 15 milliseconds in optimal conditions. Microsoft also touted its current PlayFab users, which include games like Sea of Thieves, Minecraft, No Man's Sky, Rainbow Six Siege, and DOOM Eternal.
The new AMD VMs provide anywhere up to 40% performance gains, according to Microsoft, which may bring cost savings, too.
Microsoft is strongly recommending PlayFab customers migrate to the new server infrastructure to see these performance gains, although it'll ultimately be up to developers and publishers how they choose to handle it. Developers on Gears 5 at The Coalition lauded the new Dasv4 VMs, touting the improved cost-to-performance ratio over previous versions.
For more details on Azure PlayFab, be sure to take a look at Microsoft's official PlayFab website.
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Jez Corden is a Managing Editor at Windows Central, focusing primarily on all things Xbox and gaming. Jez is known for breaking exclusive news and analysis as relates to the Microsoft ecosystem while being powered by tea. Follow on Twitter (X) and Threads, and listen to his XB2 Podcast, all about, you guessed it, Xbox!