title: Why use a server like Exit Game's Photon?
body: <p>I have done my research, but I am having a hard time understanding why someone would want to use these types of servers (Photon, SmartFox, etc.) for game programming, when they are already provided with things like the .Net framework.</p>
  
  <p>It seems to escape my understanding as to the benefits of using one of these expensive servers over rolling your own. Isn't most of the work in coding the game networking going to be something you have to do either way?</p>
  
  <p>I want to create a multiplayer Server/Client game, but I have heard from professionals here on StackOverflow that something like Photon is not worth paying for because he could "create something similar for his game in a day or two". My usage would be a game that is both singleplayer, multiplayer COOP (client to client), and possibly MMO if it sells well or I get kickstarter funding exclusively for the feature (Server/Client architecture). Although most likely, I will program the game like Valve does and have even singleplayer be a Server/Client architecture, with the "server" being on the client's offline system.</p>
  
  <p>What are the benefits of using Photon, over making your own game server using C# .Net?</p>