Seb Aoki - Freelance game backend engineer

I'll handle your backend while you focus on the game

Do you need help with your video game backend?

Your project deserves one that not only matches your vision but also stays out of the way so that you can focus on the creative process.

It's easy to overlook this part. Yet taking the right decision early, executing it effectively, and staying within budget is critical not only for a successful release but also for your reputation.

I am a lifetime gamer and have spent the last 20 years at the edge between web technologies and indie video game development. I have experience in complex critical systems that can scale to millions.

Services

I help game studios with their backends through three services

Consulting

It is difficult to choose between a third-party BaaS service, a self-hosted open-source solution, or a custom one. Yet it has major impacts. I will help you decide on the best strategy depending on your goals and budget.

End-to-end development

I can design your backend, set up your infrastructure, install and develop what you need.

Rescue

I can take over projects quickly and with minimal onboarding. Whether you need someone able to fix a chaotic situation, migrate a legacy backend, or are in a rush before the release, I can help you in the most difficult situations.

Why should you work with me?

My communication is clear, frequent and straight to the point: you will have peace of mind because you’ll know exactly where things are and when they will be done.
I act based on objective data and what serves your project the best, not on personal preferences or trends. Boring technologies that withstood the test of time are often the most robust and economical choice.
I work autonomously and fast, delivering uncompromised and sustainable quality with deep attention to details: no hidden technical debt, AI slop, future rework or broken deliveries. I consider testing and quality control to be my responsibility.
I am proactive and think systemically about the broad picture. Every decision accounts for the present and future impact on the budget, deadlines, customers, and team.

Works

Mu-Intensity
Highlights:
- Unofficial MMORPG server of thousands of players
- Fixed major security issues on an unmaintained backend
- Added features that revitalized the community and financials
Data-entry orchestration
Highlights:
- Audited and rescued a critical internal tool
- Saved 6 full-time worth of people handling the problems
- Upgraded to the top quality, then ran for years with no maintenance
Astral Divide
Highlights:
- Video game project made entirely by me
- Custom engine based on OpenGL and C++
Streaming platform
Highlights:
- Large Japanese platform with millions of users
- Social features including live chat and interactions
- Designed and implemented recommendation algorithms

I'll handle your backend while you focus on the game

Consulting

End-to-end development

Rescue

Why should you work with me?

Works

Mu-Intensity

Data-entry orchestration

Astral Divide

Streaming platform