In essence, cloud gaming is revolutionizing the way video games are played. Rather than being dependent upon powerful consoles and gaming PCs, cloud gaming allows gamers to stream compatible games through the internet connection. In this regard, the server takes care of the processing, while the user's device simply receives a video stream and control signals sent back to the server.
Such technology makes it possible to have even the most advanced games available for less capable devices. Depending on the cloud gaming service chosen by a gamer, he or she will have access to the library of games via laptop, tablet, smartphone, smart TV, or compatible handheld device. Besides, some services provide cross-device functionality.
However, one should bear in mind that cloud gaming is quite different from downloading and traditional gaming in general. While the latter includes running games on local computers, cloud gaming is highly dependent on the quality of the connection as well as the infrastructure of a certain provider.
There is great variability of gaming experience among different players depending on such variables as the internet speed, quality of connection, proximity to a server, compatibility of the device, and the availability of a service in question.
How Cloud Gaming Technology Works
Remote processing for gaming relies on computers which are remotely located with processors and graphic cards that perform game processing. Upon starting the supported game, the cloud gaming application starts the game on the remote server and streams the video output to the client device.
This process requires constant transmission of information. Player presses the button on controller or performs other action on game interface. Information about that action is sent over the internet to the server where game is being played. The server computes the action and generates the next game frame.
This cycle is repeated for as long as game session is going on. To provide smooth gaming experience, the service needs to have lowest possible latency with acceptable video quality.
Video compression allows to reduce the volume of the streamed data. However, video compression often results in artifacts especially during fast action sequences and detailed scenes. Unstable network connection can also affect the quality of streaming.
Since cloud gaming companies use different configurations of hardware for their servers, technology of streaming and infrastructure of their network, the results may vary between two different companies that provide similar games.
Players generally do not need to know all the
Internet Speed, Latency, and Picture Quality
A quality internet connection is among the essential components that should be considered in cloud gaming. However, just the speed of downloading is not what defines the responsiveness of the game experience. The other things that might influence the performance are latency, jitter, and packet loss.
Latency is a measure of how long it takes data to get from one place to another. High latency in fast-paced games can make it difficult for a player to hit the target or perform various maneuvers in time. Therefore, even if the connection is very fast, but has high or unstable latency, then the performance will be poor.
By jitter, we understand variations in latency, while by packet loss we define instances when some part of the data is not transmitted to the player's device. It can lead to laggy game experience or even to interruption of the game process.
Image quality depends on the streaming resolution, video bitrate, monitor display, and bandwidth. Increased streaming resolution allows getting higher picture quality but uses more data.
Among the options for increasing quality is using a quality home network, proximity to the Wi-Fi router or the connection by Ethernet cable, and avoiding any downloads on
The Advantages of Cloud Gaming
A considerable advantage of cloud gaming is that one can avoid buying costly gaming equipment because in the case when the game runs on remote servers, a supported device will be capable of streaming games which are impossible to play otherwise.
Cloud gaming saves users from spending time on downloading or updating huge games on their devices as the bulk of work will take place on the servers. Thus, cloud gaming is a good choice for users with limited storage capacity.
Furthermore, cloud gaming provides flexibility because some services allow users to play on various devices, from computer to TV set and mobile devices. The level of experience will depend on the particular service, game, subscription and hardware capabilities.
Cloud gaming can also make it possible to test games without downloading them completely or upgrading hardware as a subscription service will give access to a library of supported games, but again availability of the game and conditions of membership differ from service to service.
However, advantages of cloud gaming do not necessarily mean that it is cheaper compared to other ways of playing video games. Internet
For users who have high-quality PC or console at hand, it will be much
The Limitations and Challenges of Game Streaming
However, this technology does have some disadvantages. The first one is the necessity to have a stable internet connection. If the connection will be unreliable or even interrupted, it will be uncomfortable or impossible to play games.
Another problem with cloud gaming is latency. It is especially relevant for multiplayer games when fast reactions are required. However, slow games can be less sensitive to latency. However, players' personal preferences and quality of connection can influence the experience.
The amount of data used for streaming can also be considerable. High-quality video transmission requires a lot of data and those who have monthly limits on internet data can check the amount they use while playing the game.
Game availability can be another issue. The game might be available at one cloud platform and unavailable at the other because of various factors including licensing agreements, geographical distribution of users, changes in service catalog.
Finally, players need to pay attention to prices, hardware requirements and terms of cloud services because they can change. Players will need to read up-to-date information and find out whether the game needs to be purchased separately from the service or requires only a subscription.
However, these factors do not
Is Cloud Gaming the Right Choice for You?
Whether cloud gaming is a good choice or not will depend on the way and conditions in which you intend to use it. One gamer who has stable broadband connectivity and compatible gadgets can use cloud gaming by simply streaming the games online rather than purchasing an expensive gaming PC. Another gamer who has unreliable internet or capped data could opt for local gaming.
First, look at the list of cloud gaming platforms that officially support your region and devices. Next, check the games catalogues, cost of memberships, controller support, and how players can access the purchased games on different platforms. The availability will be different per location, so you should not take it for granted that every feature advertised is available.
Try the short trial period or the limited time period of membership before committing yourself to the full membership. Test your favorite game genre while noting down factors such as latency or input lag, image quality, reliability of connectivity, and whether the platform works during the times you usually play.
At the same time, consider comparing it against the cost of purchasing the games locally and playing using the hardware you already own. It might turn out that