Build and release engineering
Unreal Engine pipelines for reproducible Windows and Linux client and dedicated-server builds, with verification before release.
GAME INFRASTRUCTURE + BUILD ENGINEERING
Build systems that keep AA studios shipping.
A game build is more than a script. It is source flow, build environments, caches, artifacts, compatibility checks, and the recovery path when something fails. Merlin Mines helps AA studios make that delivery path repeatable, visible, and easier to operate without a large internal platform team.
OUTCOMES
DELIVERY OUTCOMES
Operational outcomes
The goal is a delivery path the studio can run under pressure, not a new pile of platform work.
- Reproducible client and dedicated-server builds instead of one-off machine state.
- Recoverable builder failures with clear ownership and a known baseline.
- Traceable artifacts and release inputs, so teams can see what moved and why.
- Source-control flow that supports release work instead of creating manual queues.
- Practical content and DCC gates that catch problems before they reach the build.
BUILD SYSTEMS
CAPABILITIES
The system, end to end.
Each engagement starts with the delivery boundary creating the most risk, then works outward only as far as the studio needs.
Perforce and source-flow automation
Perforce workflow design, RoboMerge, review boundaries, integration policy, and automation that reduces manual queues.
Builder fleets and artifacts
Elastic builder fleets, recoverable environments, workspace policy, shared caches, artifacts, and traceability.
Dedicated-server delivery
Client and server release paths with explicit compatibility checks, handoffs, and release inputs.
Content and DCC gates
Validation, publishing gates, version-control integration, and practical DCC-to-engine handoffs.
Horde and custom build systems
Horde assessments, integration planning, and custom build-system design for game delivery teams.
Studio operations utilities
Small, purpose-built utilities, runbooks, and operating boundaries that remove repetitive platform work.
METHOD
ENGAGEMENT MODEL
How an engagement works
The work stays tied to an observable delivery outcome and a system the studio can own.
- 01
Map the path
Identify the source, build, cache, artifact, compatibility, and handoff boundaries that affect delivery.
- 02
Stabilize the failure mode
Fix the immediate blocker, define a recovery path, and make ownership explicit.
- 03
Make it repeatable
Standardize environments, automation, observability, and the operating model around the path.
- 04
Hand off or continue
Leave a usable runbook or provide the agreed build, release, and platform support.
AA STUDIOS
AUDIENCE
Built for the people who own delivery
For AA studios that need fewer manual recoveries, clearer release ownership, and a build path that holds up on a demanding schedule.
- CTOs and VPs of Engineering protecting a critical game delivery path.
- Technical Directors aligning engine, content, and build systems.
- Build, release, and platform leads carrying operational ownership.
- Production and studio operations leaders reducing fragile handoffs.
FAQ
COMMON QUESTIONS
Questions before we start
Who is this for?
AA studio CTOs, VPs of Engineering, Technical Directors, and build, release, or platform leads who need a delivery system to become more predictable.
Can you work inside an existing Unreal Engine and Perforce estate?
Yes. The first step is to map the current delivery path and decide what should be stabilized, changed, or left alone.
Do we need to replace our current CI platform?
No. The right answer may be to improve the existing system, define cleaner boundaries, or build the missing utility around it.
Can you help with Horde or a custom build system?
We can assess where Horde fits, plan its integration with the surrounding delivery path, or design a custom build system when the studio's requirements call for one. Discovery verifies the scope before any platform recommendation.
What do you need to start?
A short discovery conversation, an owner for the delivery path, and enough read-only visibility to map the relevant system boundaries.
Talk through your delivery path.
Tell us where builds, source flow, or release operations are getting stuck. We will identify the first system boundary worth fixing.
GAME INFRASTRUCTURE + BUILD ENGINEERING
Game delivery infrastructure.
Repeatable build, source-flow, and release systems for AA studios.
Capabilities
- Build + release: Repeatable client and dedicated-server builds.
- Source flow: Perforce policy, integration, and queue-reducing automation.
- Builders + artifacts: Recoverable builders, shared caches, and traceable artifacts.
- Server delivery: Compatible client and server release inputs and handoffs.
- Content gates: DCC validation and version-control publishing gates.
- Horde + custom systems: Horde assessment, integration planning, and custom system design.
- Studio utilities: Focused tools, runbooks, and operating boundaries.
Operational outcomes
- Reproducible client and dedicated-server builds.
- Recoverable failures with clear ownership.
- Traceable artifacts and release inputs.
- Source flow that supports releases.
Engagement
- Map: Trace source-to-release boundaries.
- Stabilize: Fix the blocker and define recovery.
- Standardize: Automate the path and make it observable.
- Hand off: Leave runbooks or continue support.
Who this serves
- CTOs and VPs of Engineering
- Technical Directors
- Build, release, and platform leads
- Production and studio operations leaders
Talk through your delivery path.Start with the delivery boundary creating the most risk.https://www.merlinmines.com/game-infrastructure · https://www.merlinmines.com/contact