Thomas Fraley

View Original

Navigating the Waves of Live Streaming: My Journey at the Mobies

Imagine being tasked with the responsibility of ensuring that a high-stakes, globally watched event like the Mobies doesn't just reach viewers but does so without a hitch, regardless of where they are in the world. This was my reality as a Network Streaming Engineer at Streaming Media Live during the Mobies Awards. It was not just any event; it was a landmark occasion that celebrated the burgeoning world of mobile esports and gaming, an event that in 2023, captivated a global audience in Los Angeles and set new benchmarks for viewership and community engagement.

The challenge? Delivering seamless, redundant streaming to multiple platforms across different continents. Redundancy, in the world of live streaming, is your best friend and your safety net. It's what keeps the show going, even if one stream goes down. The task was to create a fail-safe system that ensured uninterrupted streaming, regardless of potential hiccups. This involved a meticulous orchestration of hardware, software, and internet services, all working in tandem to create a network resilient against failures.

Our approach was multifaceted. We utilized a mix of primary and backup internet connections, ensuring there was always an alternate path for the stream to travel if one route encountered issues. Additionally, we employed multiple encoding setups, each ready to take over at a moment's notice. The complexity of streaming across different time zones and to a variety of platforms required not just technical proficiency but a deep understanding of the streaming landscape globally.

The result? A flawless streaming experience for viewers, no matter where they were. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the quiet suburbs of Sydney, fans experienced the Mobies in real-time, without missing a beat. It was a testament to the power of technology and teamwork, ensuring the spotlight remained on the incredible talent and thrilling competitions that define the Mobies.

This experience was more than just a technical achievement; it was a lesson in the importance of preparation, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. As we look towards London in the Summer of 2024, the excitement is building again. The journey of delivering unparalleled live streaming continues, and I'm here for it, ready to tackle the challenges and celebrate the triumphs that come with connecting the world to the Mobies.