Partners in Success: How GPORTAL and Stunlock Studios Collaborated on V Rising

Stunlock Studios, renowned for their competitive multiplayer titles such as Bloodline Champions and Battlerite, ventured into new territory with V Rising, a game that combines base-building and monster hunting. Released in 2022, V Rising attracted a massive following, peaking at 150,000 concurrent players. GPORTAL, a seasoned server hosting company celebrating its 20th anniversary, approached Stunlock Studios in early 2021, recognizing the potential of V Rising. In an exclusive interview, Rickard Frisegård, CEO of Stunlock Studios, and Lars Kübler, Head of Business Development at GPORTAL, share insights into their partnership, the importance of server hosting in the gaming industry, and the impact of their collaboration on V Rising's development and launch. Frisegård explains that the decision to create a PvE-focused multiplayer game with private server hosting was a deliberate choice to cater to a different audience and expand their portfolio. He emphasizes that private server hosting allows players more control over their gaming experience and helps build a sense of community. When GPORTAL approached them, Stunlock Studios was excited about the potential partnership, given GPORTAL's expertise in private server hosting and commitment to delivering high-quality gaming experiences. Kübler notes that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to partnering with game studios, emphasizing the importance of research, timing, and personalized communication. The partnership between Stunlock Studios and GPORTAL had a positive impact on the development and launch of V Rising, allowing for optimized server management costs and a successful launch. Frisegård and Kübler agree that the relationship between a game studio and a game hoster is crucial for a successful launch, ensuring that the game's infrastructure can handle player demands and provide a smooth gaming experience. GPORTAL's support during the launch improved the overall player experience, providing stable and low-latency servers. The key benefits of working with a hosting company during development include better infrastructure planning, optimization, and a smoother gaming experience. Frisegård and Kübler advise game studios to prioritize communication, shared vision, and expertise when seeking partnerships, choosing a hosting provider that understands their game's requirements and is committed to providing the best possible experience for players.