Photon Quantum is a deterministic ECS framework for Unity online multiplayer games, with sessions listed for up to 128 players. It uses a client-server network model in which clients exchange player inputs, predict other players’ inputs, and restore and resimulate game state when a prediction is wrong. Quantum separates simulation from presentation: Unity supplies editor tools and the view layer, while deterministic libraries cover math, 2D and 3D physics, navigation, animation, and bots. Photon Realtime transport and Photon server infrastructure synchronize clocks and manage input latency. Developers can extend the server component to connect customer-hosted services, including matchmaking, player services, and referee simulations. Quantum 3 webhooks can control rooms, validate configuration and player data, and send full match replays to a configurable endpoint. Photon describes deterministic gameplay, replay validation, and server referee simulations as ways to resist cheating, and states that Photon Engine is ISO 27001:2022 certified. Free plans cover development access for 20 connected users or games-only access for 100. Paid options include 100 CCU for 95.00 USD per once, billed one-time for 12 months, and 500 CCU for 125.00 USD per month.
Who it is for
Quantum suits Unity developers building online multiplayer games that need rollback simulation, deterministic libraries, and server infrastructure. Its customer-hosted backend options may suit teams with their own matchmaking or player services.
What is good
- Sessions listed for up to 128 players
- Includes deterministic physics, navigation, animation, and bots
- Quantum 3 webhooks support room control and replay delivery
- Free plans include options for 20 or 100 connected users
- Photon states that its engine is ISO 27001:2022 certified
What to know first
- Development Only plan is limited to 20 connected users
- Free 100 CCU plan is for games only
- Plugin SDK requires Gaming Circle or Industries Circle membership
- Premium Cloud has a $1,000 minimum monthly fee
Verdict
Photon Quantum combines rollback networking with Unity tooling and deterministic simulation libraries. Its free plans have defined user and usage limits, while Premium Cloud carries a $1,000 minimum monthly fee.
Photon Quantum plans and pricing
All plansCompared on game networking middleware
- Free plan
- Yes
- Network model
- client-server
- Supported platforms
- Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, WebGL, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, PS5
- Matchmaking
- Yes
- Rollback netcode
- Yes
- Max players per session
- 128 players
- Transport protocols
- UDP, TCP, WebSocket, Secure WebSocket
