At some point, you may have a crossroads on how to play your favorite game without having such resources. Fortunately, technology has its solution completely to enable individuals to play games on cross platforms.
How? Here is the answer, Cloud Gaming. While there is an emerging gaming world in the cloud space to provide you with an opportunity to play games. If you are interested in knowing more about like what it is and how does it works, then keep reading!
Let’s Start!
What is Cloud Gaming?
So, what exactly is cloud gaming? To understand this concept, you must first understand how the conventional gaming scene works. Traditionally, video games work on consoles, desktop or laptop PCS, smartphones, and other gaming outlets. These games get downloaded or transferred and installed on the device and run using the device’s central and graphics processing units (CPU & GPU).
Cloud gaming is a revolutionary innovation that changed this status quo. Instead of installing and running games on gamers’ devices, cloud gaming utilizes remote servers that do all the heavy lifting processing. Gamers just get to enjoy instant access to high-quality games on any compatible device, from PC to tablet, smartphone, TV, etc.
All the gameplay will be streamed through a web browser, an app, or a streaming platform without having to get any sophisticated hardware. However, it requires fast and stable internet connectivity for seamless gameplay. The concept here is similar to Netflix, Disney+, and other similar platforms. The only difference is that cloud gaming is two-directional and requires user gameplay input.
Is Cloud Gaming a Recent Innovation?
The concept of cloud gaming is not an emerging concept; however, it was introduced in the 2000s. It has been the backbone of the iGaming Industry because it provides the industry with online slots and games to play. The technology allows enthusiasts to play their favorite games anytime and from anywhere on these gaming sites without downloading anything. You can read more about these games here.
However, while it’s not new, technological infrastructures and internet connectivity have only recently caught up to the concept of cloud gaming. This is what makes it as seamless as it is today, even for heavy, sophisticated games.
How Cloud Gaming Works?
All cloud gaming platforms generally operate high-performance servers in massive data centers. They load games and the necessary hardware to run them smoothly on these servers. So, when a gamer accesses a game through cloud gaming, the servers also start running it. Every operational aspect of the gameplay, from graphics to sound, game logic, and input actions, gets processed in the remote servers.
Then, a compressed video and audio stream gets sent to the player’s device, displaying just like the conventional local gameplay. This drastically minimizes the need for a powerful CPU or GPU and makes gameplay available across virtually all platforms as long as it has streaming capability and internet connectivity.
Top Cloud Gaming Companies
Many technology-based companies have been investing heavily in cloud gaming development over the years. Quite a few of these have made headway, becoming true trailblazers in the revolution of cloud gaming services.
The table below shows a brief rundown of some of the most prominent players on the scene today:
| Cloud Gaming Platform | Developer | Launch Date | Supported devices | Subscription Model |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NVIDIA GeForce Now | Nvidia | October 1, 2015 (beta)February 4, 2020 (public) | Nvidia Shield, macOS, Microsoft Windows, ChromeOS, Android, iOS, Tizen, WebOS | Monthly |
| Xbox Cloud Gaming | Microsoft | September 15, 2020 | Android, Windows, iOS, iPadOS, macOS, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Steam Deck, ChromeOS, Meta Quest, Fire TV Stick 4K (2023 or later), and select Smart TVs and Smart Monitors | Monthly |
| Amazon Luna | Amazon | March 1, 2022 | Fire TV, Fire tablets, Samsung Smart TV, LG TV.Windows PC, Mac, Chromebook, iPhone, iPad, Android (as a web app) | Monthly |
Advantages of Cloud Gaming
As you might have already inferred, cloud gaming has many benefits, even over conventional platforms. Some of these benefits include:
Cost Savings
As I have mentioned before, cloud gaming can be explored by anyone because of its free resources. Therefore, it is really cost effective and it also reduces the barrier for newbies to enter a new space. When gamers get a place to enjoy everything easily, then there is no way to spend on expensive hardware.
Accessibility
Cloud gaming enables gamers to play games on cross-platforms, which also makes it accessible to various devices. To do so, they don’t require high-end hardware and software. This allows individuals to play games on smartphones, laptops, and personal computers.
Convenience
With cloud gaming, gamers no longer have to wait a while for download, installation, or update processing. You can quickly start playing games immediately.
Saves storage
Lastly, cloud gaming eliminates the need to store copies of different games on your PC or console. Everything you need is on the cloud remotely.
Challenges of Cloud Gaming
While there are many undeniable benefits to cloud gaming, as I have explored, the concept is not without its challenges. Here are a few of the drawbacks of cloud gaming:
- Internet speed and stability dependency: As mentioned, cloud computing relies heavily on internet connectivity. To enjoy smooth gameplay, gamers must have access to a stable and high-speed internet connection. Without that, chances are that you will experience lag and disruptions in gameplay.
- High latency: The need for real-time interaction between gamers’ inputs and the cloud gaming providers’ servers during gameplay introduces latency (input lag). This means that there can sometimes be a slight perceptible delay between when you press a button and when the expected action happens. This can be disadvantageous for gamers, especially with fast-paced games that require high-speed response.
- Limited game library: Another area of concern in cloud gaming is that despite the growing libraries, the collection of games is still quite limited. So, it can be difficult for gamers to find something to suit their gaming taste.
- Subscription cost: Although cloud gaming removes the need to buy high-powered hardware, many platforms require subscription payment from their users. Many users can find this less appealing than traditional gaming.
Tips to Make Cloud Gameplay Smooth
As mentioned, the challenge of internet connectivity and latency in cloud gaming can adversely affect gamers’ experience. Here are a few helpful tips you can use to overcome these downsides and improve the gameplay experience:
- Close any app or software running in the background on your device.
- Ensure your device’s operating system is up to date
- Connect to the 5GHz band if you are using WIFI
- If possible, utilize the superior Ethernet cable connection for a more stable network.
- Position your router well to avoid any possible interference
- While it’s not ideal, you can reduce your graphics setting and streaming quality to improve performance
Closing Thoughts
Cloud gaming is one of the latest technological innovations reshaping the gaming landscape and revolutionizing how people play games. Now, you no longer need high-powered hardware to access and play games. All you need is a device capable of streaming and an internet connection to enjoy high-performance gameplay from anywhere.
Cloud gaming will most likely not replace the conventional hardware route soon. However, it will continue to augment it and provide casual gamers the means to enjoy high-end gaming.
