Learn how to Start a game server hosting company. Uncover the benefits of private gaming servers, cost insights, and available server options. Elevate your gaming experience with us!
Table of contents
- Introduction
- Steps to Follow Before You Start a Game Server Hosting Company
- Start a Game Server Hosting Company as a Reseller [Fully Managed]
- How to Start a Game Server Hosting Company
- Steps to Follow After You Start a Game Server Hosting Company
- Conclusion
Introduction
Stepping into the world of online gaming can be a thrilling endeavor. Yet, to truly elevate this experience, starting a game server hosting company could be an intriguing venture. The gaming server host serves as the pillar of the global online gaming landscape, offering a stage for gamers all around the world to join, work together, compete, and dive deep into their preferred games. This guide aims to familiarize you with the notion of gaming server hosting, its advantages, associated expenses, and a detailed methodology for establishing your own gaming server hosting business.
Moreover, it provides an illuminating path for those inspired to venture into the exciting realm of establishing a game server hosting company. A game server host is more than just a virtual platform; it’s a nexus where friendships are formed, strategies are tested, and worlds come to life. Through managing game server hosts, one not only facilitates these unique experiences but also becomes an integral part of an ever-growing global community.
Whether you’re a seasoned gamer looking to elevate your gaming experience, an entrepreneur seeking a new avenue in the booming gaming industry, or a tech enthusiast intrigued by server operations and hosting, this guide will be your valuable companion. It offers an accessible yet detailed pathway to understanding the intricacies of game server hosting and how to start a successful game server hosting company.
As we venture together through the ins and outs of this fascinating field, we’ll explore the vital role of a game server host, the distinct benefits of private gaming servers, the costs involved in maintaining a private gaming server, and the variety of server options that exist. Prepare yourself to dive deep into the captivating world of game server hosting, a journey that combines the thrill of gaming with the satisfaction of facilitating memorable experiences for countless gamers around the globe.
Steps to Follow Before You Start a Game Server Hosting Company
Venturing into the gaming industry with a Game Server Hosting Company requires meticulous planning and a strategic approach. An essential first step is Market Research. A thorough investigation of the gaming industry’s current trends, future prospects, and the overall market landscape offers crucial insights. These insights can help you develop solutions that perfectly meet customer expectations and market demands.
€ 2.99
First Month
Identifying your Target Market is another significant aspect. This process helps in recognizing potential customers, ranging from gamers and eSports enthusiasts to gaming enterprises. Subsequently, by tailoring your services and marketing strategies, you can directly cater to their specific needs. Competitor Analysis is a vital part of the planning phase. Studying similar service providers, their offerings, pricing, and service quality can help identify gaps that you can exploit to differentiate your services. Lastly, Identifying a Unique Value Proposition sets your hosting company apart. It could range from superior server offerings to outstanding customer service. This proposition establishes a distinctive identity for your business in a saturated market. Adopting these pre-launch strategies will set your Game Server Hosting Company on a successful trajectory in a competitive and customer-focused business environment.
1. Conducting Market Research for Your Game Server Hosting Company
Before launching any enterprise, a crucial step is conducting thorough market research. When it comes to starting a game server hosting company, it’s imperative to comprehend the current market scenario, emerging trends, and future growth prospects. Market research aids in making informed decisions about the business model, pricing strategies, and product offerings, ensuring they align with the current market demands and the expectations of potential customers. Given the rapidly evolving nature of gaming and hosting technology, your hosting business must be adaptive and offer the latest hosting solutions. Tools such as control panel access and options for dedicated servers should be considered as part of your market analysis.
2. Identifying the Target Market
Identifying your target market forms the cornerstone of your business strategy. The key demographic for a game server hosting company would typically include online gamers, eSports enthusiasts, and gaming communities. However, it could extend to businesses in the gaming industry seeking dedicated server solutions or even parents wishing to provide a safe gaming environment for their children. To effectively sell dedicated services or VPS hosting, you need to understand the needs, preferences, and pain points of your target audience. This understanding will guide your product development, marketing strategies, and customer service approach.
3. Analyzing Competitors and Their Offerings in the Game Server Hosting Market
A comprehensive understanding of your competition is integral to establishing a successful game server hosting company. This analysis involves identifying other companies offering similar services and examining their products, pricing, customer service, marketing strategies, and overall performance. Look into how they manage to host accounts, their reseller hosting programs, and how they handle virtual private servers. By studying your competitors, you can identify gaps in their offerings and leverage these insights to differentiate your services.
4. Identifying the Unique Value Proposition
Finally, the unique value proposition (UVP) is what sets your game server hosting company apart from the competition. Your UVP is a clear statement that describes the benefit of your services, how you solve your customer’s needs, and what distinguishes you from the competition. It could be anything from providing top-tier dedicated server reseller programs to offering a user-friendly control panel for gamers to manage their servers. It could also be providing exceptional customer service or hosting accounts with unique features. Your UVP should resonate with your target audience and be central to all your marketing and sales efforts. By crafting a compelling UVP, you create a strong identity for your game server hosting business in a competitive market.
Start a Game Server Hosting Company as a Reseller [Fully Managed]
To benefit from our reseller packages, the process is straightforward. All you need to do is place an order for one of our available reseller packages, and we will promptly provide you with the necessary Pterodactyl Panel details. Afterward, you can easily integrate the pterodactyl game panel module into WHMCS and proceed to add a server within the WHMCS system. By doing so, you will gain the ability to effortlessly create different kinds of game servers automatically. Simply configure the module settings for your desired products, and the server will handle the rest, seamlessly setting up Game Server instances on your behalf. We will provide you with a variety of Game Server Hosting Plans.
How to Get the Game Server Hosting Reseller Package Details and Add a Server in WHMCS?
- Register an account in our Client Area
- Submit a Ticket with the Subject “Reseller Game Server Hosting Package” Here
- We will generate a custom invoice, Make the Payment.
- Once the invoice mark as paid, we will provide you the Reseller Hosting Details
- Login to the WHMCS Admin area
- Go to Settings
- Type in search: Servers
- Once the Servers page is opened then Click on Add Server button
- Select the Pterodactyl Option
- Filled in the details (Provided by us) and then add it
How to Start a Game Server Hosting Company
Embarking on a journey to create your own game server hosting company can indeed be a rewarding and profitable venture, particularly for those with a fervor for online gaming. Nonetheless, this enterprise necessitates thoughtful strategizing and a robust comprehension of the gaming industry landscape. Let’s dive into the step-by-step methodology for launching your unique game server hosting business.
1. Choose the Server Type for Your Game Server Hosting Company
Starting a game server hosting company requires selecting the server type. The options include dedicated and virtual private servers (VPS). A gaming server host can manage the server-side copy of the game which can be physical or virtual. Opting for a hosted gaming server, such as cheap VPS hosting or a fully managed VPS,, brings benefits. These include lower costs, improved performance, and equal response times for all players.
Hosting solutions can be customized to meet specific needs. This includes game types, player capacity, and desired control panel for easy management. A wisely chosen server ensures fast response times, exclusive access, and the capacity to make mods. Popular games like ARK: Survival Evolved, Fortnite, and Minecraft have private servers. This opens up opportunities for tailored, game-specific hosting plans.
Whether it’s Linux VPS hosting or Windows VPS, both provide full root access. This gives you complete control over your hosting service.
1.1 Buy a Dedicated Server From the Plans Given Below
€ 37.39/mo
1.2 Select the Product Billing Cycle
1.3 Select the Desired RAM and Dedicated Video (if require)
1.4 Select the desired Setup Fee Option
1.5 Select only Mentioned Linux Operating System When ordering the Server
CentOS 7.x / 8.x (Beta) or Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7 or
Ubuntu 14.04 / 16.04 / 18.04 / 20.04 (Recommended) / 22.04 or AlmaLinux 8.x
1.6 Select KVM and Server Management Option
KVM Console will give you control to access your server offline.
1.7 Select BGP Session (If you want to use your own subnet)
1.8 Select the Storage Drive
1.9 If you selected the multiple drives then select the RAID else leave it as No Raid.
1.10 Register Account or Login If you already have an account
Fill up the required details if you creating a new account
1.11 Select the Payment Method option and fill up the required details
2.2.12 In The end accept the terms of service and Checkout
Once an order is placed then you will receive the Dedicated Server Information as soon as possible.
2. Implement Server Software
The second vital step to establishing your game server hosting company involves implementing server software. In this case, we’re focusing on the installation of the Pterodactyl Panel. After receiving your server details, carefully follow the necessary steps to install Pterodactyl; due to its complexity, meticulous attention is required. Pterodactyl, once installed, simplifies the process of adding numerous nodes worldwide. These nodes permit the creation of various server types with a single click. Moreover, the Pterodactyl Panel can be easily integrated with WHMCS via a module. This step underscores the importance of integrating functional server software when starting a game server hosting company, as it aids in efficient server management and facilitates user-friendly operations.
Step no. 1: Pterodactyl Panel Dependency Installation
Once you will receive server credentials via email then connect to the server using Putty
Copy below commands (CTRL +C) and paste it into Putty (Right click mouse)
apt -y install software-properties-common curl apt-transport-https ca-certificates gnupg
LC_ALL=C.UTF-8 add-apt-repository -y ppa:ondrej/php
add-apt-repository -y ppa:chris-lea/redis-server
curl -sS https://downloads.mariadb.com/MariaDB/mariadb_repo_setup | sudo bash
apt update
apt-add-repository universe
apt -y install php8.0 php8.0-{cli,gd,mysql,pdo,mbstring,tokenizer,bcmath,xml,fpm,curl,zip} mariadb-server nginx tar unzip git redis-server
curl -sS https://getcomposer.org/installer | sudo php -- --install-dir=/usr/local/bin --filename=composer
mkdir -p /var/www/pterodactyl
cd /var/www/pterodactyl
curl -Lo panel.tar.gz https://github.com/pterodactyl/panel/releases/latest/download/panel.tar.gz
tar -xzvf panel.tar.gz
chmod -R 755 storage/* bootstrap/cache/Step no. 2: Database Configuration
mysql -u root -p
USE mysql;
CREATE USER 'pterodactyl'@'127.0.0.1' IDENTIFIED BY 'somePassword';
CREATE DATABASE panel;
GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON panel.* TO 'pterodactyl'@'127.0.0.1' WITH GRANT OPTION;
FLUSH PRIVILEGES;
CREATE USER 'pterodactyluser'@'127.0.0.1' IDENTIFIED BY 'somepassword';
GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON *.* TO 'pterodactyluser'@'127.0.0.1' WITH GRANT OPTION;
FLUSH PRIVILEGES;
exit
nano /etc/mysql/my.cnf
[mysqld]
bind-address=0.0.0.0Step no. 3: Panel Installation
cp .env.example .env
composer install --no-dev --optimize-autoloader
php artisan key:generate --force
php artisan p:environment:setup
sudo nano /etc/redis/redis.conf
Now find "requirepass" and edit it.
redis-cli
CONFIG SET requirepass "YourPassword"
AUTH YourPassword
exit
php artisan p:environment:database
php artisan p:environment:mail
php artisan migrate --seed --force
php artisan p:user:make
chown -R www-data:www-data /var/www/pterodactyl/*
sudo crontab -e
and paste the below line at the end;
* * * * * php /var/www/pterodactyl/artisan schedule:run >> /dev/null 2>&1
apt install nano
nano /etc/systemd/system/pteroq.servicePaste the following code in the file
# ----- Start OF FILE -----
# Pterodactyl Queue Worker File
# ----------------------------------
[Unit]
Description=Pterodactyl Queue Worker
After=redis-server.service
[Service]
# On some systems the user and group might be different.
# Some systems use `apache` or `nginx` as the user and group.
User=www-data
Group=www-data
Restart=always
ExecStart=/usr/bin/php /var/www/pterodactyl/artisan queue:work --queue=high,standard,low --sleep=3 --tries=3
[Install]
WantedBy=multi-user.target
# ----- END OF FILE -----Now type the following commands
sudo systemctl enable --now redis-server
sudo systemctl enable --now pteroq.serviceStep no. 4: Webserver Configuration
You can configure the webserver in multiple ways, we will recommend you configure the NGINX webserver with SSL Certificate. Please note that for an SSL certificate, you must have a domain or subdomain pointing to the server IP. You can read the complete guide about webserver configuration from Pterodactyl’s official documentation.
Step no. 5: Wings Installation and Configuration
Once you will able to configure Webserver then visit the server name or server IP whatever you configure during server configuration on the browser.
Visit the game panel link (it can be Server IP or domain name) on the browser and log in to the panel and go to Nodes.
Now Click on Create New and fill up the required details based on your server specification. If it asks to add a location then add the location also.
Once the server is added successfully then Go to configuration and copy the configuration
Go back to Putty where you established the SSH connection to your server and type the following commands
lscpu | grep 'vendor|type'
sudo dmidecode -s system-manufacturer
curl -sSL https://get.docker.com/ | CHANNEL=stable bash
systemctl enable --now docker
Now follow the procedure of video
nano /etc/default/grub
ADD"swapaccount=1" in GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT (FOLLOW VIDEO STEPS)
sudo update-grub
sudo reboot
mkdir -p /etc/pterodactyl
curl -L -o /usr/local/bin/wings https://github.com/pterodactyl/wings/releases/latest/download/wings_linux_amd64
chmod u+x /usr/local/bin/wings
nano /etc/pterodactyl/config.ymlPaste the content copied from the Node’s configuration page and save the file.
Then test the Node by typing the following command and check in the Nodes page on the panel if the node status changes to green.
sudo wings --debug
Now exit the process by pressing the key: CTRL + D and type the following command to create a service for Wings so it automatically starts when you restart the server or if it crashes.
nano /etc/systemd/system/wings.servicePaste the following content inside the wings.service file and save it.
# ----- Start OF FILE -----
[Unit]
Description=Pterodactyl Wings Daemon
After=docker.service
Requires=docker.service
PartOf=docker.service
[Service]
User=root
WorkingDirectory=/etc/pterodactyl
LimitNOFILE=4096
PIDFile=/var/run/wings/daemon.pid
ExecStart=/usr/local/bin/wings
Restart=on-failure
StartLimitInterval=600
[Install]
WantedBy=multi-user.target
# ----- END OF FILE -----Now enable the wings service by typing the following command on terminal
systemctl enable --now wingsWith the successful installation and configuration of the game panel, you’re now in a position of power in the world of game server hosting. Your platform stands as a robust and efficient control panel, enabling the creation of diverse server types with just a few clicks. This forms a fundamental part of your hosting business, providing seamless hosting solutions to gamers worldwide.
From here, you have the ability to manage hosting accounts and offer a range of hosting services, including dedicated servers and virtual private servers. This positions you as a dedicated server reseller and paves the way for you to potentially branch out into a web hosting company. If you choose to utilize reseller hosting or initiate a reseller program, this will allow you to sell dedicated servers and VPS hosting. With this powerful game panel, you’ve made a significant stride in learning how to start a game server hosting company.
The setup and implementation we carry out are founded on the official Pterodactyl documentation. If you require additional information or a more in-depth understanding, you can peruse the comprehensive documentation available on their official website.
Step no. 6: Integrating WHMCS with Pterodactyl Panel in Your Game Server Hosting Company
WHMCS, a potent automation tool, efficiently organizes your hosting services, including your hosting accounts, dedicated servers, and virtual private servers. By simplifying operations like billing, customer support, and account management, it allows you to concentrate more on the primary operations of your business. In contrast, the Pterodactyl Panel, crafted specifically for game server hosting, is a dynamic control panel. It empowers you to effortlessly establish, manage, and upkeep game servers, thereby enhancing the user’s gaming experience.
The integration of WHMCS with the Pterodactyl Panel is an essential step in advancing your game server hosting company. This integration unifies two powerful tools in the hosting business, thus enhancing your ability to provide comprehensive hosting solutions to your customers.
- Download Pterodactyl Module.
- Move the
pterodactyl/folder into<path to whmcs>/modules/servers/. - Create API Credentials with these permissions:
- In WHMCS 8+ navigate to System Settings → Servers. In WHMCS 7 or below navigate to Setup → Products/Services → Servers
- Create a new server, fill the name with anything you want, hostname as the URL to the panel either as an IP or domain. For example:
123.123.123.123ormy.pterodactyl.panel
- Change the Server Type to Pterodactyl, leave the username empty, and fill the password field with your generated API Key.
- Tick the “Secure” option if your panel is using SSL.
- Confirm that everything works by clicking the Test Connection button -> Save Changes.
- Go back to the Servers screen and press Create New Group, name it anything you want and choose the created server and press the Add button, Save Changes.
- Navigate to Setup > Products/Services > Products/Services
- Create your desired product (and product group if you haven’t already) with the type of Other and product name of anything -> Continue.
- Click the Module Settings tab, choose Module Name Pterodactyl, and for the Server Group the group you created in step 8.
- Fill in all non-optional fields, and you are good to go!
By integrating WHMCS with the Pterodactyl Panel, you combine the strengths of both systems. This allows you to sell Game Servers efficiently, elevating your hosting solutions and making your hosting business more competitive. It also opens the door for you to potentially start a reseller hosting program, thereby expanding your revenue streams. With these steps, you are indeed making substantial progress in understanding how to start a game server hosting company. You are now able to provide unparalleled hosting services that cater to the unique needs of online gamers and web users alike.
Steps to Follow After You Start a Game Server Hosting Company
Starting your game server hosting company is merely the initial move. When your business is operational, it’s vital to differentiate yourself from rivals, provide excellent customer support, and adeptly advertise your offerings. Implementing these strategies not only propels your business forward but also ensures your customer’s satisfaction and continued patronage. By concentrating on these factors, you can nurture a prosperous game server hosting enterprise that genuinely stands out in the crowded market.
1. Offering Competitive Pricing in Your Game Server Hosting Company
In the intensely competitive landscape of game server hosting, establishing fair and competitive prices for your services is crucial. The pricing strategy you adopt has a significant influence on attracting and keeping clients. To define a price range that offers worth to your customers while ensuring profits, you should examine the pricing models adopted by your market competitors. Take into account the expenses related to dedicated servers, virtual private servers, and other services you provide. Stay updated with standard market prices for reseller hosting and alike hosting solutions. Offering competitive pricing could involve providing appealing price cuts for long-duration contracts or incentives for customer referrals. However, always maintain the sustainability and fairness of your pricing.
2. Establish Customer Support
An integral component of a prosperous hosting business is exceptional customer service. This involves prompt response times, well-informed team members, and the capability to promptly and effectively address issues. Given the nature of game servers, issues can emerge at any moment, making round-the-clock support practically mandatory. Establish a comprehensive customer support structure through various avenues such as telephone, email, live chat, and a designated support area in your control panel. Allocate resources towards educating your support team on handling typical problems related to game server hosting, dedicated servers, and virtual private servers. By ensuring that your customers can rely on you to be there when they need assistance, you’ll greatly enhance their satisfaction and allegiance to your business.
3. Market Your Services
It’s imperative to actively promote your services to expand your game server hosting business. Develop a well-rounded marketing plan that highlights your hosting solutions to your intended demographic. Your marketing initiatives should underscore the unique features of your game server hosting services, such as dedicated servers, an intuitive control panel, and top-notch customer assistance. Utilize platforms like social media, SEO, email marketing, and other digital marketing resources to connect with potential clients. Think about collaborating with prominent figures in the gaming world, implementing affiliate programs, or initiating a reseller scheme to broaden your influence. Remember, marketing is not just about attracting new customers—it’s equally important to retain existing ones. Regularly assess and improve your marketing tactics to keep pace with the dynamic trends in the gaming industry.
Conclusion
In the current era where online gaming is a pervasive phenomenon, launching a game server hosting company presents an exhilarating opportunity. This guide has been meticulously crafted to offer a holistic perspective on the various aspects entailed in successfully inaugurating and managing such an enterprise. The guide underscores the significance of thorough market research, target market identification, competitor analysis, and the creation of a unique value proposition. Moreover, it accentuates the crucial steps to undertake post-establishment to ensure the success and growth of your business.
Choosing the right server type, implementing appropriate server software, setting competitive pricing, delivering outstanding customer support, and devising effective marketing strategies are integral components of your game server hosting venture. Remember, your hosting company extends beyond being a mere business entity—it’s a hub that provides distinctive experiences for gamers globally and fosters a connected international community. Adopting a customer-centric approach and being responsive to the fluid trends of the gaming industry will position your company well within the competitive landscape. Whether you’re a gaming enthusiast, an entrepreneurial spirit, or a tech aficionado, this venture allows you to merge your interests with a profitable business opportunity. Keep sight of your ultimate objective as you progress on this journey—to craft memorable gaming experiences for players worldwide.
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