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SmartFoxServer
What it is
SmartFoxServer is a client/server SDK for building real-time multiplayer games, MMOs, virtual communities, and other multiuser experiences. Its listed client technologies include Unity, Godot, HTML5, iOS, Android, and Adobe Flash. SmartFoxServer 3 runs on Java 25 LTS and uses the BitSwarm Engine 4.0 TCP/UDP socket engine. SFS3 offers reliable UDP with configurable quality of service, multiple channels, and different delivery options. Teams can write server-side extensions in Java, Kotlin, Scala, or Groovy. The server includes live analytics, an expanded AdminTool, performance history, database connectivity and pooling, protocol compression, HTTP tunneling, and an embedded HTTP server. Strict Mode disconnects requests that fail its protocol rules. A free Community Edition allows 100 concurrent users and commercial use when a readable Powered by SmartFoxServer notice is shown. Paid licenses start at €32.50 per month for 500 concurrent users; each covers one server machine. Licenses include one month of direct email support, with continuing forum support.
For and against
For
- Supports clients including Unity, Godot, HTML5, iOS, and Android.
- Server extensions can use Java, Kotlin, Scala, or Groovy.
- Free edition permits commercial use for up to 100 concurrent users.
- Includes live analytics and persistent performance history.
- Provides integrated database connectivity and pooling.
Against
- Free edition requires a readable Powered by notice.
- Commercial licenses have concurrent-user limits.
- Each license is valid for one server machine.
- Real-time audio streaming currently supports only .NET clients.
The verdict
SmartFoxServer combines multiplayer networking, server-side extensions, and administration tools for real-time shared applications. The free edition has a 100-user limit and required notice, while paid licenses start at €32.50 per month for 500 concurrent users.
Who it suits
It suits developers building multiplayer games or other multiuser services who need client/server tools, networking options, and server extensions. The free edition may fit projects with up to 100 concurrent users that can display its required notice.
Plans and prices
Community Edition
100 concurrent users · Full features · Commercial use allowed with readable Powered by SmartFoxServer notice
Read 2 Oct 2026 · smartfoxserver.com
Elastic license
500 CCU starting point · One server machine per license · Optional addons
Read 2 Oct 2026 · smartfoxserver.com
Perpetual license
500 CCU starting point · One server machine per license · License never expires
Read 2 Oct 2026 · smartfoxserver.com
On the record
- Analytics and administration
- SFS3 includes real-time analytics with live metrics, an expanded AdminTool, and persistent performance history.smartfoxserver.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- Company
- The platform overview identifies gotoAndPlay() as the Italian company behind SmartFoxServer and says it has more than 20 years of experience.smartfoxserver.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- Database integration
- The platform overview says SmartFoxServer provides integrated database connectivity and an optimized database pooling system.smartfoxserver.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- Extensions
- Server-side extensions can be developed in Java, Kotlin, Scala, and Groovy; server-side JavaScript may be reintroduced later.smartfoxserver.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- Game engine and client support
- The platform overview names Unity, Godot, HTML5, iOS, Android, and Adobe Flash among supported client technologies.smartfoxserver.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- License limits
- Commercial SFS3 licenses apply a concurrent-user limit, and each license is valid for one server machine.smartfoxserver.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- Network and web features
- The platform overview lists an optimized protocol with automatic compression, HTTP tunneling for clients behind proxies and firewalls, and an embedded HTTP server for web content.smartfoxserver.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- Networking
- SFS3 includes reliable UDP with configurable quality of service, multiple channels, and reliable/ordered, unreliable/ordered, and raw UDP options.smartfoxserver.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- SmartFoxServer is a client/server SDK for building real-time multiplayer games, MMOs, virtual communities, and other multiuser experiences.smartfoxserver.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- Real-time audio limit
- SFS3 supports real-time live audio streaming, currently only for .NET clients, with other client support planned for later updates.smartfoxserver.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- Security
- SFS3 Strict Mode applies stricter protocol rules and disconnects nonconforming requests to deter bots, scrapers, or hacked clients.smartfoxserver.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- Server runtimes
- SmartFoxServer 3 is built on Java 25 LTS and uses the BitSwarm Engine 4.0 TCP/UDP socket engine.smartfoxserver.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- Support
- Licenses include one month of direct email support and continuing support through online forums; the maker also offers documentation, examples, and video tutorials.smartfoxserver.com · read 2 Oct 2026
