If you’re from the 80s or 90s generation of floppy disks, CDs, and game cartridges, you understand both the nostalgia and modern conveniences of cloud gaming and streaming. We’re already into a new world where games live in some sort of cloud platform. There have been, and continue to be, numerous obstacles in achieving this incredible feat of convenience.
We’ll look at there the future of video game streaming is going.
What is Video Game Streaming, Cloud Gaming?
We hear these terms a lot in marketing, but what do they actually mean?
Game Streaming
Game streaming allows players to stream video games in real-time. The game is loaded on a server that the user accesses typically from a gaming console, mobile device, or computer. Its the same way we interact with Netflix and the likes.
Game streaming eliminates downloading and of course, gaming cartridges which today feel like relics.
To stream a game, you’ll need a high-speed internet connection and a device that’s equipped with some facet of modern hardware depending on the tech specs of the game.
All processing of the game is accomplished on the server, which makes gaming more accessible than ever.
Cloud Gaming
Cloud gaming is a bit of broader concept. Its the higher-level term that encompasses game streaming and all related cloud services, such as game storage and multiplayer hosting.
Cloud gaming services offer libraries of games which are typically accessed via a subscription membership. Rather than buying a game every time it comes out, you have access under your cloud membership pending the game is found within the subscription.
Cloud gaming allows players to play across multiple devices. Start a game on your laptop, pick up where you left off on you tablet. That’s the big draw to cloud gaming models.
Gone are the days of needing powerful supped up computers to game. Less capable devices typically handle gaming streams decently well. No downloading means a safer environment. But there is a dependence on internet quality which over recent years has placed tremendous pressure on ISPs.
Popular Game Streaming/Cloud Services
There are a variety of competitive services to choose from when it comes to cloud gaming subscriptions. Here are the most popular ones:
Xbox Cloud Gaming (formerly known as Project xCloud)
- Integrated with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
- Offers a wide range of Xbox titles for streaming on various devices.
PlayStation
- Sony’s cloud gaming subscription service.
- Provides access to a vast library of PlayStation games on PS consoles and PC.
NVIDIA GeForce Now
- Lets users stream games they already own on platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, and Ubisoft Connect.
- Offers different membership tiers, including a free option with session limits.
At one time, Google Studia garnered some popularity however Google ended the service earlier this year.
The Future
Technology advances are driving the future of cloud gaming. The most impactful changes will come with advancements in internet connectivity. For that reason, high speed internet and 5G connectivity expansion will act as the biggest forces of change. Faster and more stable internet connections enable smoother streaming experiences with minimal latency. The rollout of 5G promises significantly faster speeds and lower latency compared to current 4G networks. This could revolutionize mobile game streaming, making it more viable and accessible on the go.
Faster is most definitely going to be better in the case of streaming anything.
But on the inverse, we should consider that all the pressure for increased efficiency shouldn’t be on the ISPs and carriers. Data is data, right? The bigger the data, the more difficult the upload and download.
For that reason, efficient video compression will play a pivotal role in advancing game streaming. Improved compression reduces bandwidth which decreases network strain.
Edge computing, which processes data and the network nearest to the user’s location, is another advancement likely to help improve cloud gaming.
There’s a whole lot to be excited about when it comes to cloud gaming. Things are only going to get better as technology improves on all sides of the spectrum.