Hive Matchmaking
Hive Matchmaking is a managed service that connects game users with opponents of similar skill for multiplayer matches.
What Hive Matchmaking is
Hive Matchmaking is a managed service that connects game users with opponents of similar skill for multiplayer matches. Developers can integrate it through the Hive SDK or by calling the Matchmaking API server. Random and score-based matching are supported, with individual or team units and matches of up to 16 players. Groups can form a party before requesting a match. Rules can include attempt time, score-range expansion, and maximum score range, while settings can change in real time without separate maintenance notices. If too few players are available, an option can end the search so bots or test-environment substitutes are used. Server Callback sends match results to a registered URL with an automatically generated secret key; API requests require a Bearer token made with the Hive Certification Key. SDK options include Unity, Unreal Engine 4 and 5, native Android and iOS, and Cocos2d-x. A free Trial Plan is available; usage-based and enterprise plans have unlisted pricing.
Good
- Supports matches of up to 16 players
- Offers random and score-based matching
- Allows party and team matching
- Real-time rule changes without maintenance notices
- SDKs cover major game platforms
Watch out
- On-Demand and Enterprise prices are unlisted
- API access requires Hive Certification Key authentication
- Bots or substitutes require insufficient-player settings
Who it suits
It suits mobile and PC game developers implementing random, score-based, party, individual, or team matchmaking. Teams can use the SDK or server API across supported engines and platforms.
Verdict
Hive Matchmaking provides configurable multiplayer pairing with party support, callbacks, and broad engine coverage. Its free trial offers an entry point, while ongoing plans use usage-based or custom pricing.
Plans and prices
From Hive Matchmaking's own pricing page, checked 1 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Trial Plan | Free | free when you sign up · unlimited admin accounts · mobile and PC development cross-play |
| Enterprise Plan | Priced on request | direct technical support · SLA · customized services · secure data management · custom offer |
| On-Demand Plan | — | no fixed base fee · all Hive Platform features · email technical support · usage-based; monthly free usage included |
The facts
Each one read from Hive Matchmaking's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Analytics
- Hive Analytics provides real-time analysis based on more than 200 indicators and unlimited data storage capacity.checked 1 Oct 2026
- API security
- The Matchmaking API requires a Bearer authentication token using the Hive Certification Key.checked 1 Oct 2026
- Backend integrations
- Hive game backend services include authentication, billing, push, promotion, customer center, blockchain, abuse detection, and AI monitoring.checked 1 Oct 2026
- Group matching
- Group matchmaking lets multiple users form a team before requesting a match.checked 1 Oct 2026
- Insufficient players
- An option can end matching when there are not enough players, allowing bots or test-environment substitutes.checked 1 Oct 2026
- Integration methods
- Matchmaking can be used through the Hive SDK or by calling the Matchmaking API server.checked 1 Oct 2026
- Match types
- The service supports random matchmaking and score-based matchmaking.checked 1 Oct 2026
- Player capacity
- Matchmaking supports up to 16 players in individual or team matches.checked 1 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Hive Matchmaking connects game users with opponents of similar skill levels for balanced multiplayer play.checked 1 Oct 2026
- Real-time settings
- Matchmaking settings can be changed in real time without separate game maintenance notices.checked 1 Oct 2026
- Security compliance
- Hive states that its services have ISMS-P and ISO/IEC 27001 certifications.checked 1 Oct 2026
- Server callbacks
- Server Callback integration sends match results to a registered callback URL and uses an automatically generated secret key for secure communication.checked 1 Oct 2026
- Support
- The platform offers a dedicated technical support team, with email support on the On-Demand Plan and direct technical support on Enterprise.checked 1 Oct 2026
Where it runs
- Game platform
- Hive provides an all-in-one SDK for mobile and PC game development and supports cross-play implementation.checked 1 Oct 2026
The company
- Headquarters
- Seoul, South Koreachecked 28 Sep 2026
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