I've experimented with several Ark Survival test servers, and it appears that they can accommodate the 80 servers you require with a minimum of 8GB of RAM per instance. However, some of these initial hosting companies offer dedicated machines/vps with 50-80 slots at a cost of $45 to $110 per month.
It's impressive that with only a dual-core processor and 8GB of RAM, you can operate on more than 35-100 devices per month. I'm curious, how do you manage to turn a profit even in a cloud like Amazon or Azure?
Although theoretically possible to run a server with 8GB of RAM, it is only capable of supporting up to 10-30 players.
In standby mode, the server consumes 8 GB of RAM, whereas 10 GB of RAM for every slot machine instance appears appropriate.
By purchasing an E3-1240v3 with 32 GB of RAM at $110 per month and selling a game server for the same amount, you can earn anywhere from $200 to $400 per month. Since the game is primarily RAM-intensive, utilizing a high-performing processor with 64 GB of RAM could potentially double your profits.
I can provide some insights into how cloud platforms like Amazon Web Services (AWS) or Microsoft Azure manage to turn a profit.
Cloud providers typically operate on a large scale, hosting multiple virtual machines on powerful hardware infrastructure. This allows them to optimize resource allocation and achieve economies of scale. By spreading the cost of hardware and infrastructure across many customers, cloud providers can offer competitive pricing.
Additionally, cloud platforms often offer a wide range of services beyond just virtual machine hosting. These additional services, such as storage, databases, analytics tools, and more, can generate additional revenue streams.
In terms of profitability for ARK Survival servers specifically, hosting companies might operate on thin profit margins, relying on volume and customer retention to sustain their business. They may also leverage other revenue streams, like offering additional in-game items or customization options for a fee.
Ark Survival is a popular online multiplayer survival game that allows players to explore a vast open world filled with dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures. Setting up your own Ark Survival server can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it's important to consider the cost. Here are a few tips to make it more affordable:
1. Choose the right hosting provider: Look for hosting providers that offer competitive prices and reliable server performance. Compare different providers and read reviews to ensure you're getting the best value for your money.
2. Opt for a small server size: Determine how many players you expect to have on your server and choose a server size accordingly. If you're hosting a server for a small group of friends, a smaller server will be more cost-effective than a larger one.
3. Consider shared hosting: Shared hosting means multiple game servers are hosted on the same machine. While this may result in slightly reduced performance, it can significantly lower costs as you're sharing resources with other users.
4. Use a prepaid plan: Some hosting providers offer prepaid plans that allow you to pay for several months or a year upfront at a discounted rate. This can save you money in the long run compared to monthly payments.
5. Optimize server settings: Adjusting server settings, such as reducing the maximum number of structures or lowering the number of wild creatures, can help reduce server resource usage and minimize hosting costs.
6. Utilize scheduling and maintenance options: Some hosting providers offer features that allow you to schedule server downtime for maintenance during off-peak hours. This can help optimize server usage and reduce costs.