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Ocean View Games
FishNet Multiplayer Development

FishNet Multiplayer Development

Server-authoritative Unity networking for MMOs and competitive games

Why We Chose FishNet

When we started building Domi Online, we chose FishNet for a server-authoritative backend on AWS. That decision reflected the project’s architecture and hosting requirements.

FishNet gave us the bandwidth efficiency and server authority used in Domi’s closed alpha stress tests, which ran with up to 500 players on a single AWS EC2 server. Those results apply to that deployment; they do not establish a capacity limit for every FishNet game.

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FishNet’s Technical Strengths

Server Authority & Validation

FishNet supports server-authoritative gameplay. We design validation around the game rules and treat client requests as untrusted. The networking framework alone does not prevent cheating.

Bandwidth Efficiency

Synchronisation settings and configurable update rates help control bandwidth. Capacity and hosting cost still depend on the game state, player activity and infrastructure, so we profile the actual workload.

Prediction & Reconciliation

Client-side prediction and server reconciliation can make controls more responsive while the server validates the simulation. Results depend on implementation and need testing under expected latency and packet loss.

Object Pooling & Spawning

Networked object pooling can reduce allocations during repeated spawning and despawning. We profile the remaining allocation and frame-time costs in the target build.

Scene Stacking

Additive scene management supports zone-based worlds. Loading, visibility and transitions still need to be designed and tested for the game.

Maintenance Planning

Source access gives a team options for investigating issues and maintaining its integration. We still assess version compatibility, dependencies and the effort needed for upgrades; future maintenance cannot be guaranteed.

FishNet vs Mirror vs Photon Fusion 2

This comparison covers Photon Fusion 2 in Server Mode, rather than treating all Photon products as one offering. Fusion supports a dedicated game server hosted with your chosen provider alongside Photon Cloud. See Photon’s dedicated-server documentation, Mirror’s authority guide and FishNet’s server configuration. The right choice depends on your architecture and workload.

FishNet vs Mirror vs Photon Fusion 2 feature comparison
FeatureFishNetMirrorPhoton Fusion 2
Server AuthorityServer-authoritative gameplay supported; game rules need validationServer authority by default; client authority can be assignedServer Mode gives the dedicated game server state authority
Dedicated Game ServerHeadless Unity build on infrastructure you manage or chooseDedicated server build on infrastructure you manage or chooseHeadless Unity build with your chosen hosting provider, alongside Photon Cloud
Deployment PlanningPlan hosting, orchestration, monitoring and updatesPlan hosting, orchestration, monitoring and updatesPlan game-server hosting and orchestration separately from the Photon Fusion Cloud subscription
Scale ValidationUp to 500 players in Domi closed alpha stress tests on one server; specific to that deploymentLoad-test the intended architecture and workloadLoad-test the intended architecture and workload; dedicated game servers do not inherently require Enterprise Cloud

FishNet in Production

Domi Online

Building an MMORPG With a Core Team of Four

How we built Domi Online in Unity, from 64-bit progression and server-authoritative networking to combat, quests and environment art.

  • MMORPG
  • Full-Cycle Development
  • Multiplayer
  • Environment Art
Read Case Study
Domi Online gameplay screenshot

Related Services

Multiplayer & Networking

Full netcode implementation, backend infrastructure, and matchmaking systems.

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Co-Development

Senior Unity engineers embedded directly in your team for networking sprints.

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Performance Optimisation

Network profiling, bandwidth reduction, and server-side performance tuning.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. FishNet is free and open-source under the MIT licence. There are no per-CCU fees or revenue share requirements, which makes it particularly attractive for indie studios and startups managing tight budgets. Optional commercial support packages are available from the FishNet developer for teams that need direct assistance.
FishNet suited our Domi architecture and hosting requirements. Mirror also supports server authority and dedicated servers. Photon Fusion 2 supports a dedicated game server with a hosting provider of your choice, alongside Photon Cloud services. Compare the authority model, existing code, operational responsibilities and expected workload, then prototype and load-test the options.
Our Domi Online case study reports four closed alpha stress tests with up to 500 players on a single AWS EC2 server, using FishNet with server-authoritative gameplay. This is evidence from that deployment, not a per-server capacity guarantee or a benchmark against other frameworks. Your game needs its own tests for player activity, bandwidth, server CPU, database load and latency.
Yes. FishNet supports client-side prediction and server reconciliation. These need to be integrated with your simulation and tested under expected latency and packet loss; the framework alone does not guarantee a particular response time.

Building Multiplayer With FishNet?

Tell us about the game, expected player behaviour and scale, and the networking architecture you already have or need to design.

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