Implement cloud saves and leaderboards without running your own server by integrating a managed backend-as-a-service or a platform SDK. Solutions like GamePush, Supabase, Nakama, or portal data modules handle remote database storage, user authentication, and score ranking entirely through client-side API calls, removing the need to manage infrastructure.
At a glance
| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| GamePush provides cloud saves and leaderboards | no server needed | docs.gamepush.com |
| Dedicated database per project | managed instance | supabase.com |
| Cloudflare Pages Functions add server logic | without dedicated server | developers.cloudflare.com |
You don’t need to run a server: use a hosted game-backend service or a portal’s built-in module, and call it from client-side JavaScript. Services like GamePush let you “store players in the cloud, organize chats, leaderboards, in-game payments without using your own servers,” and say there’s no need to build cloud saves, progress sync or leaderboards yourself. Backend-as-a-service platforms (Supabase, Nakama) and edge platforms (Cloudflare Pages Functions, Workers) give you the same result with more control but more setup, since each Supabase project runs its own dedicated Postgres instance you don’t manage directly.
When using the Playgama Bridge SDK across platforms, its Storage module automatically persists player data to cloud saves without requiring a custom backend.
What to check before you build
- Never write player data straight to localStorage or engine-local persistence (PlayerPrefs, local files) if you use Bridge Storage – it won’t reach cloud saves.
- For competitive scores, add server-side validation (as some open backends do) rather than trusting client-sent numbers.
- Decide per portal: some (GamePush, Klyo) bundle saves and leaderboards with hosting; others expect you to bring your own or use their SDK module.
Pick a dedicated backend (such as Supabase or Nakama) if your game needs custom logic beyond saves and leaderboards.
Sources
- Getting Started | GamePush
- About billing on Supabase
- Server authority – Cloud Code – Unity Docs
- heroiclabs/nakama
- Account integration – CrazyGames Documentation
- Overview – Cloudflare Pages docs
- Playgama wiki: Storage (required)
- Playgama wiki: Leaderboards
- Playgama Bridge getting started
Related questions
Do I need a database for a simple leaderboard?
Not necessarily – hosted services like GamePush or a portal’s built-in leaderboard module handle storage and ranking, so you only call their API from your game code.
Is client-submitted score data safe to trust?
No – for competitive leaderboards add server-side validation, since a client-only score can be modified before it reaches storage.
Last updated: 30 September 2026