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How to Develop a Game like Destiny

Learn how to develop a game like Destiny, diving into the essential steps to build immersive worlds, cooperative gameplay, and engaging character progression. This guide explores how to create a multiplayer experience with unique mechanics and environments that captivate players.

Growth Stats Of Mass Effect

To create a successful game like Destiny, it’s crucial to understand the growth metrics that demonstrate its reach and appeal. Key stats, including user count, annual revenue, and mobile downloads, highlight the game’s impact in the gaming world and reveal what resonates with players globally.

$ 300 M

2023 Annual Revenue

20 M

Number of Users

0 M+

Downloads

0 M+

Downloads

These numbers reveal the elements needed to make a compelling, lasting game. By analyzing key metrics, you can shape strategies to engage players and make your game thrive in an evolving, competitive market.

Architecture of a Scalable Gaming App

Building a scalable architecture is essential for a game like Destiny, designed to support millions of players in real-time, dynamic worlds. This architecture leverages components like CDN, auto-scaling groups, and distributed caching to manage the demands of open-world interactions and multiplayer features. By incorporating robust databases like MySQL, Redis for caching, and Kafka for event streaming, this setup ensures seamless gameplay, high availability, and reliable performance across different regions and devices

Users interact with the game, generating real-time requests like matchmaking, asset loading, and multiplayer actions. Each request flows through the architecture for rapid processing to ensure a seamless experience.

CDNs distribute and store game assets like textures, videos, and sound files close to players, minimizing load times. This setup keeps assets readily available across locations, reducing server load and improving the player experience with faster access.

These servers maintain player sessions and game state, storing data like player progress and live interactions. They ensure that players reconnect with their saved game progress, providing consistency and uninterrupted gameplay across sessions.

Auto-scaling groups dynamically adjust server numbers based on user demand, activating more servers during peak times and reducing resources during low-traffic periods. This ensures efficient resource allocation while maintaining performance.

Caching stores frequently accessed data in memory for faster retrieval, especially useful for repetitive requests like player stats or leaderboard data. Redis, for instance, can cache critical game data, reducing load on main databases and speeding up response times.

Regional deployment of servers places resources closer to players, reducing latency for real-time interactions and enhancing connectivity. This multi-region setup also improves failover options, helping to maintain service continuity during regional outages.

Game assets such as 3D models, textures, and UI elements are stored and accessed efficiently to minimize loading times. Organized asset management contributes to smoother gameplay, especially when players transition between environments or levels.

Redis serves as an in-memory data store, speeding up access to frequently used data like session details and player statistics. Its efficiency is particularly useful for high-speed retrieval of short-term data in an online multiplayer environment.

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MySQL manages the game’s structured, persistent data, such as player profiles, in-game transactions, and inventory. This reliable database system ensures that data remains consistent and accessible throughout gameplay sessions.

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Kafka manages real-time data streaming and event handling, essential for online games with continuous player interactions. It queues and processes events like in-game notifications, player actions, and server updates, ensuring smooth communication across services without delays.

 

A carefully designed, scalable architecture allows a game like Destiny to grow and adapt to increasing player demand without losing performance. By combining auto-scaling, distributed servers, and reliable caching, this architecture enables a smooth user experience, ensuring low-latency gameplay and efficient asset delivery worldwide. Each element, from stateful servers to Kafka event handling, plays a role in making the game responsive and immersive as user numbers grow

Features

Creating a game like Destiny requires designing key features that support an expansive, cooperative multiplayer environment. From unique player classes to dynamic matchmaking, each feature contributes to an immersive, shared-world experience.

Players choose from classes like Warlock, Titan, and Hunter, each with distinct abilities. This variety enables diverse playstyles, encouraging players to master roles and cooperate effectively in both PvE and PvP modes.

The game offers an expansive, persistent world where players can explore, complete quests, and encounter others. This shared-world design fosters player interaction, with activities ranging from solo exploration to cooperative raids.

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Team-based activities, like raids and strikes, require strategic coordination to tackle challenging content. These modes emphasize teamwork, rewarding players with high-tier loot and a sense of shared achievement.

PvP gameplay is available through Crucible, where players face off in competitive matches. This mode adds depth to gameplay, offering a change from PvE and allowing players to test their skills against others in various match types.

Players progress through experience points, unlocking skill trees and improving character abilities. This feature adds long-term engagement, as players evolve and customize their characters to suit their playstyles.

Random events occur throughout the world, encouraging players to team up for quick, cooperative objectives. These events add spontaneity to gameplay, keeping the world lively and unpredictable.

Players acquire loot, including weapons and armor, with customization options to enhance their characters. The loot system provides incentive for players to continuously engage, offering rewards that influence gameplay and visual appeal.

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Process To Build

Creating a game like Destiny involves a multi-stage process, from concept to launch. Each phase is vital to crafting a high-quality, engaging experience that combines cooperative play, progression systems, and real-time interactions in a shared-world setting.

requirement gathering

Conceptualization and Research

Start by defining the game’s core mechanics, themes, and target audience. Research other successful multiplayer shooters and outline features that will set your game apart in terms of gameplay, design, and community engagement.

 

development

Game Design and Storyboarding

Develop the characters, abilities, world maps, and narrative elements. Storyboarding helps visualize missions, PvE and PvP interactions, and world events to ensure a cohesive and immersive experience for players.

maintenance

Prototype Development and Testing

Build a prototype to test basic mechanics such as combat, movement, and class abilities. Iterative testing allows developers to refine gameplay, resolve early issues, and gauge the fun and functionality of core systems.

design

Art, Animation, and Audio Production

Create visual assets, character models, environments, and soundscapes to bring the world to life. This phase adds depth, making environments realistic and enhancing immersion with detailed visual and audio elements.

testing

Quality Assurance and Optimization

Conduct comprehensive testing to identify and fix bugs, optimize performance, and ensure server stability. This phase includes stress testing multiplayer servers to handle high player loads, crucial for seamless real-time interactions.

How To Build?

Creating a game like Destiny offers multiple paths: partner with a game studio, hire skilled freelancers, or develop it independently. Each option has unique benefits and challenges, helping you choose the best fit for your project’s goals.

To develop a game like Destiny, here are reputable companies known for their expertise in multiplayer, shared-world shooter development:

 

Each of these companies brings specialized expertise in multiplayer systems, shared-world mechanics, and immersive environments, critical for developing a game similar to Destiny

To hire skilled developers for creating a Destiny-inspired game, consider these reputable platforms for accessing top-tier talent:

  • Toptal
  • Upwork
  • Hired
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  • These platforms provide access to developers with the expertise needed to create a scalable, engaging multiplayer shooter like Destiny.

     
     
     

Here are some YouTube channels and online resources to guide you in developing a Destiny-inspired game:

  • Brackeys –Brackeys provides accessible tutorials on Unity, covering foundational mechanics for shooters, including player movement, weapon systems, and multiplayer basics—ideal for creating the fast-paced, shared-world experience of Destiny.
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  • GameDev.tv – GameDev.tv offers courses in Unity and Unreal Engine, focusing on multiplayer and FPS game mechanics. Their courses on player progression, combat systems, and world-building are excellent for developing a cooperative, open-world shooter.
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  • Code Monkey –Code Monkey provides tutorials for Unity, including advanced AI, dynamic quest systems, and real-time interactions. These features are essential for building engaging PvE and PvP experiences within an expansive world.
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  • Udemy: RPG Core Combat Creator –This Udemy course focuses on developing multiplayer games in Unity, covering core topics like player matchmaking, server hosting, and in-game economies, perfect for crafting the multiplayer dynamics of a game like Destiny.
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  • These resources provide practical tutorials and courses for core elements of a game like Destiny, including cooperative gameplay, real-time combat, and multiplayer scaling to create an immersive shared-world experience.
Game Developer

Cost Breakdown

Developing a game like Destiny involves various costs across key stages, including game design, programming, art and animation, sound, testing, and post-launch support. This section breaks down expenses to help you budget effectively for each phase, ensuring a polished, high-quality, and scalable multiplayer experience.

Features/Services

App Design & UI/UX

User-friendly design with custom themes

Advanced UI/UX with animations, personalized design, and high-end user experience

Core Features (User login, team creation, scoring)

Full-featured fantasy gameplay: user login, team creation, real-time scoring, leaderboards

Multiple game modes, dynamic user dashboards, and highly scalable gameplay

Backend Development

Robust backend with database and APIs for handling moderate user load

Scalable cloud infrastructure, real-time data processing, load balancing, and microservices architecture

Third-Party Integrations (payment gateways, notifications, etc.)

Integrated payment gateways, push notifications, and basic analytics

Advanced integrations: AI-based analytics, real-time notifications, blockchain for transactions, and cryptocurrency payments

Post-launch Support & Updates

3-6 months support with minor updates

12+ months of premium support, regular updates, AI-driven user personalization, and advanced data security features

Pricing

$10,000+

$50,000+

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Why Choose Us?

At SDLC Corp, we provide advanced game development solutions, leveraging the latest technologies like blockchain, AI, and immersive game mechanics. Our proficiency in multi-platform development guarantees smooth performance and engaging gaming experiences customized to your unique requirements.

Custom Design

We create custom battle royale experiences here at SDLC Corp, with a stress on innovative game mechanics and immersion in environments that bring the pace to the gameplay from the start.

Seamless Integration

Take a look at our impressive App Development Services Portfolio, showcasing a wide array of innovative, scalable, and user-focused solutions.

Development Solutions Full Cycle

From concept to launch, SDLC Corp offers comprehensive end-to-end game development solutions- design, development, testing, and post-launch support.

Track Record of Success

We have a history of success in launching games through our portfolio, thereby ensuring that your project will experience the benefits of all the experience, innovation, and quality commitment.

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“From quick setup to excellent ongoing support, these services have transformed how I game. The reliability and speed are unmatched. I can’t imagine gaming without them now!”

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FAQs

Development costs range from $10,000 for a simplified version to over $100,000 for a fully-featured game with advanced multiplayer, PvE/PvP modes, and scalable architecture.

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  • Unique Classes and Abilities: Diverse roles allow for varied gameplay styles.
  • Shared Open World: Persistent world with real-time player interactions.
  • Cooperative Raids and Strikes: Team-based missions with high-tier rewards.
  • PvP Crucible Mode: Competitive player-vs-player matches.
  • Progression and Skill Trees: Evolving abilities based on player choices.
  • Dynamic Event System: Spontaneous events for cooperative play.
  • Loot and Gear Customization: Endless customization options for weapons and armor.
  • Seasonal Updates and Expansions: Fresh content keeps the game engaging.

How SDLC Corp Can Help: SDLC Corp specializes in multiplayer architecture, PvE/PvP balancing, and real-time world-building, making it a trusted partner for implementing these dynamic features.

Depending on feature complexity, development may take between 1 to 12 months, factoring in time for prototyping, testing, and optimization.

  • In-Game Purchases
  • Battle Passes
  • Cosmetic Skins and Customization
  • Subscription Models
  • Seasonal Expansions
  • DLCs and Expansions
  • Sponsorships and Partnerships
  • In-Game Advertising
  • Early Access Sales
  • Event-Driven Merchandising

Description: These monetization options provide ongoing revenue streams, from in-game purchases to event-based items, helping sustain and expand the game’s community.

  • Game Engine (Unreal Engine, Unity)
  • Graphics API (DirectX, Vulkan)
  • Programming Languages (C++, Python)
  • Database (MySQL, MongoDB)
  • Networking (Photon, WebSocket)
  • Animation Tools (Blender, Maya)
  • Audio Engine (FMOD, Wwise)
  • Cloud Services (AWS, Azure)
  • Version Control (Git, Perforce)
  • Testing Tools (Selenium, TestRail)

Description: Choosing the right tech stack ensures stability, scalability, and rich gameplay, with SDLC Corp providing expertise in selecting and integrating these tools.

Games like Destiny typically use Unreal Engine for visuals, MySQL for data management, and AWS for scalable server support, ensuring reliable, low-latency multiplayer functionality.

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