Hamburg-based networking provider Exit games has unveiled Photon Cloud, a hosted network engine designed to aid the development of real-time multiplayer games.

Photon Cloud allows developers to add online gaming capability to their apps without the need for server setup or maintenance, with support on offer for apps on iOS, Android, Windows Phone, Flash, HTML5 and Unity, amongst others .

He's got his head in the Photon Cloud

In the four months since Photon Cloud's initial soft launch, Exit Games claims that more than 4,500 developers have linked utilised the service.

"Photon Cloud allows developers to build fantastic multiplayer games without any server-hassle, without having concerns of how to globally scale and operate the game as we are taking care of this," said CTO Christof Wegmann.

"With Photon Cloud is has never been so easy and affordable to build an online game. Photon Cloud starts at just US$9 per month so even a small indie can now build a stunning multiplayer experience for a global audience. We think this is a real deal."

Exit Games will be displaying Photon Cloud at GDC 2012 at booth #1416 at Unity Technologies. Further details can be found on the firm's website.