Cloud technology has been the biggest disruptor in nearly all fields in the last decade. Companies that adopt the cloud technology have transformed their operations. For example, cloud technology has changed how we stream movies, provide CRM solutions, listen to music, and gaming.
Cloud technology has transformed the gaming industry significantly. For example, gaming providers have used the technology to change their business models. This article delves into these developments and explores the opportunities cloud gaming has brought.
What is Cloud Gaming?
Cloud gaming allows players to enjoy their preferred games remotely from the cloud. It is an online gaming approach that runs games on remote servers, and users stream them on their devices.
Many gaming providers including online casinos have embraced the technology to improve their services. For instance, you can enjoy online pokies at Joe Fortune without downloading any software. This allows more people to enjoy the games online.
The game providers store the games on dedicated hardware while the gamers stream them on their devices using client software. The client software takes care of the player’s inputs, sends them to the server, and the inputs are executed remotely.
The cloud gaming infrastructure includes servers and data centers. On the gamer’s side, they need to have the best gaming monitors for the best experience. Moreover, players need a high-bandwidth internet connection with low latency.
Latency is an integral factor that affects the quality of games because a delay between user input and output affects the gameplay. This is particularly critical for shooter and fighting games.
Opportunities Created by Cloud Technology
Cloud technology has created many opportunities for the gaming industry. Here are the most significant opportunities:
Mobile Gaming
Reports reveal that mobile gaming accounts for nearly half of the video game market worldwide. For example, the reports suggest that over 2 billion people play top games from mobile devices.
Cloud gaming will boost mobile gaming even further because players don’t have to download games onto their gaming devices to play them. Most developers are creating games suited to smaller screens.
Esports
Esports involves online multiplayer games where players compete for prizes and ranks. The games featured in eSports are mainly shooters, party games, fighters and multiplayer battle arenas.
Moreover, millennials spend much more time watching gamers play than traditional sports. As a result, modern gamers must learn how to record gameplay to share with their fans on different platforms.
Cloud gaming services use eSports influencers to endorse their services. The services enable companies to measure the success of their video games.
Consequently, cloud computing has created many opportunities for eSports companies. For example, they can offer better game quality at more affordable prices. Moreover, they can reach more players because the device is no longer an issue as the game is executed at the company servers.
Subscription Gaming
Cloud gaming has eliminated the need to download games before playing them. The cloud gaming approach has offered players ease of use by making games more accessible.
You simply log into your subscription and access your game of choice by browsing through the library of available games. Mobile gamers particularly love this form of gaming, making it even more popular.
Cloud Gaming Providers
Sony launched its cloud gaming platform in 2014 when it launched PlayStation Now. They started cloud gaming by acquiring Gaikai Inc, a top-rated interactive cloud-based gaming firm. Currently, PlayStation Now offers players hundreds of PS2, PS3 and PS4 games.
Nintendo, popularly known for Mario, a top video game character, launched the cloud version of their games on Switch. Players stream games from a server and need a download to launch.
Amazon launched Luna, its cloud gaming service, in 2020. The platform is built on AWS and harnesses the power of the industry’s deepest and broadest cloud platform.
Microsoft bought PlayFab in 2018 to enable it to build, launch and grow cloud-connected games. After that, the company announced the launch of xCloud to deliver a quality gaming experience using different devices. Within one year, the company announced the launch of cloud gaming (beta) for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members.
Final Thoughts
Mass data consumption in the digital world makes cloud computing a big disruptor of the gaming industry. Moreover, the technology has created massive opportunities for game providers and players.
Leave a Reply