Welcome to Game Backend Mastery!

Overview

Ready to take control of your game’s backend? In this .NET-powered course, you’ll build custom backend systems for features like leaderboards, user authentication, in-game currency, and progress tracking—all within a Tower Defense game framework. Learn to create scalable, adaptable systems for saving progress, managing inventories, tracking analytics, and sending notifications—without relying on costly third-party tools. Each module covers a key system, from initial setup to seamless Unity integration, culminating in publishing your backend to production. By the end, you’ll have the flexibility, ownership, and control to design unique player experiences, giving you the skills to succeed in any game genre or engine.

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Course Modules

  • In this module, you’ll set up your development environment, installing and configuring .NET, Unity, LiteDB, and PostgreSQL. You’ll gain foundational knowledge on how .NET APIs interact with databases and Unity, preparing you for the custom backend development journey ahead.

  • Begin constructing the core gameplay of your Tower Defense game. You’ll create the game’s map, set up enemy paths, and add basic mechanics for towers and waves. This module gives you a solid game foundation to integrate backend systems in later modules.

  • Learn to create secure user authentication using .NET Identity. You’ll build an API for user registration and login, design a PostgreSQL database to store user data, and integrate login functionality directly into Unity. This ensures each player’s profile and progress is safely stored.

  • Create a leaderboard system to rank players based on scores and achievements. You’ll design the leaderboard API in .NET, set up a PostgreSQL database for high scores, and integrate the leaderboard with Unity, allowing players to compete and see their rankings.

  • Develop a robust currency system that allows players to earn and spend in-game currency. You’ll learn to design API endpoints for managing currency transactions, create a database for tracking balances, and add a Unity UI for players to view and use their currency.

  • Build an inventory system where players can manage upgrades and special abilities for their towers. You’ll design a database for item storage, create an API for managing inventory, and integrate the system in Unity so players can upgrade towers and access abilities in-game.

  • In this module, you’ll create a save/load system to keep player progress intact across sessions. You’ll build API endpoints for storing and retrieving game progress, set up a database to hold this data, and implement Unity’s save/load functionality, including autosave.

  • Gain insights into player behavior by building a custom analytics tracker. You’ll learn to log gameplay events, set up a database for analytics data, and use Unity to send tracking data. This helps you understand how players interact with your game and optimize accordingly.

  • Boost engagement by adding a notification system that reminds players of achievements, upgrades, and game events. You’ll build the notification API, set up a PostgreSQL database for scheduled messages, and configure Unity to display notifications in-game.

  • Integrate all systems into a cohesive game in this capstone module. You’ll review each feature, troubleshoot final issues, and ensure smooth functionality between Unity and .NET, giving you a fully developed Tower Defense game ready for launch.

Meet Your Instructor!

Creating this course comes from a desire to empower game developers to build and control every aspect of their game’s backend, from the ground up. Many developers rely on third-party services, which can limit flexibility, increase costs, and reduce ownership over key elements like player data and in-game features. With my background in both backend systems and game development, I want to teach others how to overcome these challenges by creating custom backend solutions with .NET.

Indie Game Developer | Full Stack Specialist

JOSHUA ALLEN

Course FAQ

  • You should have a basic understanding of Unity and C# programming, as well as some familiarity with game development fundamentals. No previous experience with .NET or backend development is required—each module provides detailed guidance on .NET and backend essentials, making it accessible for those new to server-side programming.

  • Yes, you’ll need Unity, an IDE for C# and .Net development, and PostgreSQL (or an alternative SQL database). Some modules may cover deploying your backend on a cloud server, which may require an account with a cloud provider (e.g., Azure, AWS, or DigitalOcean), though this is optional. The course includes step-by-step setup instructions for all required software.

  • Yes! By the end of Module 10, you’ll have a fully functional Tower Defense game and a custom backend, ready for production.

  • The course is designed to be self-paced, so the time to complete it will depend on your schedule and prior experience. On average, completing all modules, including building and integrating backend systems, should take around 8-12 weeks if you dedicate a few hours per week. However, you can progress at your own pace and revisit any lessons as needed.

  • Absolutely! While we use a Tower Defense game as the project example, the backend systems you’ll create—like authentication, leaderboards, currency, and analytics—are adaptable to nearly any game genre. The course provides foundational skills in .NET backend development, Unity integration, and scalable game design that can be applied to a variety of game types.

  • You’ll have access to a range of support resources, including detailed video tutorials, downloadable project files, and an online discussion forum where you can ask questions, share progress, and get help from the instructor - That’s me! Additionally, many lessons include troubleshooting tips for common issues to help you overcome any obstacles along the way.