Backend game engine Pragma levels up player engagement tracking with FirstLook acquisition

Pragma, a backend game engine built by devs who worked on multiple large games like Destiny 2, has announced an acquisition of FirstLook, an all-in-one playtester feature suite that drives and tracks player engagement data in the crucial testing phase.

FirstLook’s community management won’t be directly integrated into Pragma’s backend, but both tools and resources (while operating independently of each other) are accessible to devs. Developers can, as an example, track Steam keys and their uses without the need of third-party tools. According to Pragma, this includes developers at People Can Fly, Square Enix, and more.

“The best games and most successful aren’t just well-built; they’re supported by passionate communities, grown through word of mouth, virality, quality influencer engagements and more,” said Eden Chen, CEO of Pragma. “Bringing FirstLook into the Pragma ecosystem means studios no longer need to piece together fragmented solutions to engage with their players. Together, we’re bridging game infrastructure with community engagement, giving developers the tools to not only scale their games but also build thriving player communities from day one.”

In theory, this will help developers who are preparing games in early access or betas to better communicate with their audience from the engineers on up. Minute feedback can be accessed quickly, assuming that FirstLook’s absorption into Pragma goes smoothly. For Pragma, it provides a value-add to using their engine, which already attempts to make overtures to Games-as-a-Service titles with things like a launch war room and monitoring.

Developers already using Pragma will be able to use FirstLook’s new integration features, including the ability to reward entitlements to players and manage limited-access events seamlessly.

Pragma is currently being used in online multiplayer games like Spectre Divide.