A strategic partnership for networks that deliver

A strategic partnership for networks that deliver

Sharkmob is a game development studio focusing on high-quality, multiplayer action games for PC and console. The studio is known for Bloodhunt, a battle royale shooter royale shooter  in the Vampire: The Masquerade universe, and is now developing Exoborne, a tactical open-world extraction shooter. With globalpartners and headquarters in Malmö, Sharkmob operates ina dynamic and fast-moving environment where connectivity is crucial.

Since its start in Malmö in 2017, Sharkmob has grown rapidly, placing increasingly high demands on the technical infrastructure and network. From game development to internal communication, everything in the company depends on a high-performance network. Developers need seamless access to internal services, global teams require stable connectivity, and large amounts of data must be transferred between different locations without interruption.

Security is also a key issue. Game developers are often targets of cyber threats, both from cyber criminals and from cheaters or disgruntled players. Protecting sensitive gaming resources and infrastructure requires an advanced and multi-layered security strategy.

– Game development is inherently fast-changing and unpredictable. Our network must be able to adapt quickly, handle high bandwidth and maintain strong security without slowing us down,” says Anders Holmqvist, CTO at Sharkmob.

A tailor-made solution for unique needs

The collaboration between Sharkmob and Aranya began in late 2020, just as the pandemic was creating supply chain challenges and increasing demands on the network. With a growing organization, partners all over the world, and increasing security challenges, Sharkmob needed a network partner who in addition to delivering hardware also understood their specific challenges.

To meet the needs, a hybrid solution was required, somewhere between a fully managed Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) model and a network infrastructure with internal control. Aranya helped design a solution that balanced flexibility, security and operational control.

– We had very specific requirements, such as multi-layered security, segmented networks and support for high-performance environments for our developers. Aranya worked together with us to create a solution that exactly met our needs,” says Anders.

A customized solution for cautious people

Unlike traditional IT providers, Aranya took an entrepreneurial approach in working with Sharkmob. Working closely together, they challenged the boundaries of what was possible and developed solutions that could adapt as the studio grew.

– We are a company that thrives on complex, high-tech solutions. Aranya understood that from day one. Their ability to adapt to our needs, rather than forcing us into a standard package, has been invaluable,” says Anders.

Aranya also added a more structured and flexible support function. Previously, Sharkmob relied heavily on a small internal network group, leaving it vulnerable if key people were not available. Aranya introduced a more robust support solution, ensuring that Sharkmob always had access to expertise when needed.

– We are cautious and like to do things ourselves. The fact that we trust Aranya says a lot,” says Anders.

Ready for the future

With multiple offices and a globally distributed organization, Sharkmob needed a secure and scalable network solution. Aranya helped them implement network segmentation, multi-tiered security policies and ClearPass authentication, ensuring that only authorized users and devices have access to critical systems.

– Security in game development is a big challenge. We are exposed to threats from all sides. Aranyahar helped us establish security practices that integrate seamlessly into our development process, while keeping our teams productive,” says Anders.

One of the most valuable parts of the collaboration between Sharkmob and Aranya is the strong trust between the teams. Sharkmob appreciates Aranya’s straightforward communication and technology-driven approach.

– With Aranya we know we are getting expert advice, not a sales presentation. Their technical expertise is at the heart of our collaboration, and that makes them unique,” says Anders.

About Sharkmob

Sharkmob was founded in 2017 in Malmö and has grown rapidly to around 350 employees at its headquarters in Malmö, Sweden. The studio focuses on the development of AAA multiplayer shooters for PC and console. Their first game, Bloodhunt, was released in 2022, and right now they are working on Exoborne, a tactical open-world extraction shooter.