AGS Version Support Lifecycle

Last updated on May 30, 2025

AccelByte is announcing a new guidance policy for AGS (AccelByte Gaming Services) version support lifecycle. This policy is designed to streamline support, optimize resource allocation, and ensure clients are leveraging the latest features and security enhancements. It also applies to AGS add-ons, including AMS (AccelByte Multiplayer Servers), AIS (AccelByte Intelligence Service), and Extend.

Summary

AccelByte is introducing a structured approach to AGS version support, defining Supported, Limited-Support, and Unsupported versions. This policy aims to reduce the complexities and costs associated with maintaining multiple legacy versions, allowing AccelByte to focus on innovation and providing the best service to our clients while ensuring that clients can access the latest features and security enhancements.

Key Highlights

• Defined Version Lifecycle: Introduces clear definitions for Supported, Limited-Support, and Unsupported AGS versions.
• Reduced Maintenance Overhead: Alleviates the engineering and operations burden of supporting numerous legacy versions.
• Focus on Innovation: Enables the team to concentrate on developing new features and improving the latest AGS version.
• Clear Client Upgrade Path: Provides a structured approach for clients to transition to Supported Versions.

More Detail on Version Lifecycle

• Supported Version: This is the latest AGS version. AccelByte actively maintains this version by providing regular updates, bug fixes, security patches, and comprehensive technical support. Clients using the Supported Version receive the full benefits of our ongoing development and are ensured optimal performance and security. At any given time, AccelByte will aim to maintain only ONE Supported Version.
• Limited-Support Version: A Limited-Support Version is in the process of being phased out. While it remains functional, AccelByte strongly encourages clients to plan their upgrade to the Supported Version. Limited critical fixes may be provided temporarily (See 'Critical fixes may be allowed in the following situations' section for details) for Limited-Support Versions. Clients should begin planning their transition away from Limited-Support Versions as soon as possible. Typically, AccelByte will have TWO Limited-Support Versions at a time.
• Unsupported Version: An Unsupported Version has reached its end-of-life. AccelByte no longer provides any updates, bug fixes, security patches, or technical support for these versions. Using an Unsupported Version carries significant risks, including potential security vulnerabilities and compatibility issues. Clients using Unsupported Versions are not covered under the standard Uptime Service Level Agreement (SLA) and do so entirely at their own risk.

AGS Release Cadence

AccelByte follows a monthly release cadence for AGS (AccelByte Gaming Services), aiming to provide regular updates and ensure a smooth upgrade process for clients.

• Monthly Releases: New AGS versions are released approximately once per month.
• Version Support: At any given time, AccelByte maintains one Supported Version, two Limited-Support Versions, and all older versions are considered Unsupported.
• Recommended Upgrade Frequency: While releases are monthly, to ensure a smoother upgrade process and minimize disruptions due to accumulated changes, clients are recommended to perform upgrades every month. Upgrading monthly reduces the complexity of each update by addressing fewer accumulated changes compared to waiting for longer periods. This helps mitigate risks and streamline the process.
• Environment Freezing: It is recommended that freezing the environment be limited and only performed during specific, short window periods, such as events, game launches, or certification processes. Long-term environment freezes are discouraged due to the increased risk and complexity of eventual upgrades.

In essence, while new releases occur monthly, the recommendation to clients is to upgrade monthly for a smoother and less disruptive experience due to the complexity of the system and the numerous parts that require upgrading. Freezing the environment should be kept to short, critical periods only.

Critical fixes may be allowed in the following situations

In extremely rare circumstances, AccelByte may provide critical fixes for Limited-Support versions.

1. Launch or Certification Blocking Issues: Fixes are necessary to resolve critical bugs that prevent a game launch or completion of certification processes. The allowed version in the documentation will also be updated accordingly.
2. Security Vulnerabilities: Critical security vulnerabilities are identified that pose an immediate and significant risk to client environments.
3. Service-Impacting Bugs: Severe bugs are discovered in a Limited-Support Version that are causing significant service disruptions or outages for clients who have not yet upgraded.
4. Data Corruption or Loss: Issues are identified that could lead to data corruption or loss if not addressed immediately.
5. Essential Third-Party Dependencies: A critical dependency used by a Limited-Support Version has a severe bug or security issue requiring a fix to maintain essential functionality.
6. Unforeseen Platform Changes: Changes in underlying platforms or infrastructure necessitate a critical fix to maintain basic compatibility of a Limited-Support Version.
7. Client-Specific Agreements: Under specific, pre-existing agreements or contracts with a client, a critical fix for a Limited-Support Version may be warranted.
8. Facilitating Upgrades: A targeted critical fix might be provided to address a specific issue that is blocking a significant number of clients from upgrading to a Supported Version.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some frequently asked questions about the new AGS Version Support Lifecycle Policy:

1. What level of support is provided for different AGS versions?
   1. Supported Version: New feature additions, bug fixes, critical hotfixes, and full operating support are provided. AccelByte accepts new customers on the Supported Version.
   2. Limited-Support Version: New feature additions and routine bug fixes are not supported. Critical hotfixes are supported (especially if blocking launch or certification). The version is still supported for general operation, but AccelByte does not accept new customers on Limited-Support Versions.
   3. Unsupported Version: New feature additions, routine bug fixes, and critical hotfixes are not supported. Standard and Professional clients using Unsupported Versions are not supported for general operation. Enterprise clients may operate on Unsupported Versions, but they will not receive AGS updates or hotfixes. AccelByte does not accept new customers on Unsupported Versions. Note that Unsupported Versions are not covered under the standard Uptime Service Level Agreement (SLA).
2. Can the SDK version used by the game client be different from the AGS version without affecting SLA coverage?
   1. Yes, the SDK version used by the game client can stay behind the AGS version without impacting SLA coverage. The SLA coverage is determined by the backend (AGS) version. As long as the backend AGS version is Supported, the SLA applies, even if the game client is using an older SDK.
3. What happens if a client wants a bug fix for an Unsupported Version?
   1. Enterprise clients: AccelByte will generally recommend and prioritize upgrading to a Supported Version. Only in critical situations, a custom AGS version may be created for a hotfix, which will be charged.
   2. Standard/Professional Clients: Need to upgrade to the Supported Version, there won't be any bug fix support for Unsupported version.
4. Does the AGS Version Support Lifecycle Policy apply to SDK hotfixes and feature updates?
   1. Yes, while the SDK version itself doesn't directly dictate SLA coverage, hotfixes and feature updates for the SDK still follow the AGS Version Support Lifecycle Policy guidelines (Supported, Limited-Support, Unsupported). This means it is important to stay up-to-date with SDK hotfixes and features to ensure stability, security, and to be in line with best practices, even though the SLA follows the AGS version.
5. What is the AGS upgrade policy?
   1. Upgrades can only be performed to the Supported Version. Upgrading to Limited-Support or Unsupported Versions is not allowed.
6. What communications will clients receive?
   1. To ensure environments remain up-to-date and within supported versions, clients will receive notifications about AGS upgrades and support status changes.
      Notifications will be sent in the following cases:
      1. AGS Upgrade Email Notification
         1. Sent one week before the scheduled upgrade to ensure the version remains supported, including the upgrade schedule.
         2. If a client skips the upgrade or freezes their environment, their version will enter Limited-Support.
      2. Unsupported Version Notification
         1. A separate notification will be sent when it becomes Unsupported.
7. What about additional costs for long environment freezes?
   1. Extended environment freezes may lead to increased infrastructure costs, which could be subject to cost sharing with the client. For example, if a mandatory infrastructure upgrade such as a database engine or Kubernetes version required for continued cloud provider support is blocked due to dependencies on an outdated AGS version, AccelByte may be unable to proceed. In such cases, any resulting cost increases will be reviewed and may be shared with the client.
8. What steps should existing clients take due to this policy?
   1. This policy applies to all clients. Existing clients will be contacted individually to review their specific upgrade paths and understand how the policy affects their environments. For any further questions or clarification, please reach out to your designated AccelByte Account Manager.
9. What if breaking changes are introduced in a new version?
   1. If breaking changes occur, the team will revert the endpoint and release a new one in a subsequent minor or hotfix version.
10. What is the consequence for Standard or Professional clients requesting to freeze their environment using an Unsupported version?
    1. Standard/Professional Clients need to upgrade to the Supported Version. There won't be any bug fix support for an Unsupported version. Consequently, no bug fix support will be provided for environments using Unsupported Versions.