Cloud gaming is a method of playing video games using remote servers in data centers. There’s no need to download and install games on a PC or console. Instead, streaming services require a reliable internet connection to send gaming information to an app or browser installed on the recipient device. The game is rendered and played on the remote server, but you see and interact with everything locally on your device.
That opens up a lot of possibilities. You can grab a phone clip and play the latest AAA games on your phone or boot up a cloud gaming app on a Chromebook for some highly portable PC gaming. That’s why cloud gaming is exciting, but the tech hasn’t fully matured quite yet.
How Does Cloud Gaming Work?
Cloud gaming — in most cases — requires a subscription paid on a monthly or yearly basis in order to access the content. With certain services, games must be purchased on top of that fee.
Cloud gaming services often provide dedicated or web-based apps to stream games. For example, Google Stadia is played through a web app on desktop PCs. Google also serves up a web app to play Stadia in Safari on Apple devices. Android has a dedicated app distributed through the Play Store. In all cases, gamers tap or click the Play button to start the streaming session.
Cloud streaming services are typically compatible with the latest controllers via Bluetooth, along with the traditional mouse and keyboard setup. On devices with touchscreens, like phones and tablets, you’ll also see an option to use on-screen controls. Even Google Stadia works with these inputs unless you’re streaming through the Chromecast Ultra, which currently requires Google’s $70 Stadia Controller.
Why Is Cloud Gaming So Popular Now?
The biggest issue that’s held cloud gaming back is infrastructure. Previous attempts like OnLive and Gaikai couldn’t hold up because they didn’t have the bandwidth and scope of services today. Cloud networks from Microsoft, Google, and Amazon have enabled global reach, allowing different cloud gaming platforms to rapidly deploy and expand to different regions.
Outside of the technical explanation, cloud gaming is becoming popular now because it works. The trailblazers of cloud gaming were still working with growing technology, and although enthusiasts may have bought in, services like OnLive and Gaikai didn’t have the performance or reach to break into the mainstream.
Now, cloud gaming has financial backing from some of the biggest tech companies in the world, enabling lower latency, higher frame rates, and a more convenient setup process. Services like Stadia and GeForce Now have the basic performance down, allowing them to push the more practical benefits of cloud gaming.
Some Of the Best Cloud Gaming Services Are
- Google Stadia
- GeForce Now
- Xbox Cloud Gaming
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