ESL debuts eSports matchmaking toolkit aimed at indie game makers

This week eSports firm ESL made of show of rolling out its ESL Matchmaking toolkit, a variably-priced SDK designed to allow developers to build cross-platform skill-based multiplayer matchmaking into their games.

It's a potentially intriguing offering in light of the fact that indie developers often struggle with implementing competitive online multiplayer modes. 

"ESL recognizes the potential of indie games and we believe the ESL Matchmaking toolkit will help level the playing field for indies,” stated ESL Technology VP Arne Peters in a press release. “While many indie titles are ideally suited for competitive play from a design perspective, sadly that aspect isn’t always an initial priority. Our ESL Matchmaking toolkit makes it quite easy for indie developers to deliver world-class support for competitive gaming."

Developers can request a free version of the SDK right now via the ESL Matchmaking website, but you'll be limited to doing 1-on-1 matchmaking with limited API calls (see ESL-provided design flowchart below) until you pony up some cash.