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Thanks to the significant technological advancements over the past 20 years, gaming has been one of the industries with the fastest growth. The gaming industry’s development rate consistently breaks records, and innovations keep things fun and exciting. The game market size in the US was estimated to be over $97 billion, setting a new all-time industry record. This year, the video game market is predicted to reach $200 billion on a global level.
The concept of cloud gaming has the potential to disrupt the industry. But what exactly is cloud computing for gaming? This post describes the top benefits and challenges of cloud computing for gaming, the best cloud gaming providers, and more.
What Is Cloud Computing for Gaming?
Cloud computing for gaming makes it possible to play online games via remote servers in data centers. There’s no need to download and run games on your console or system when using cloud computing services for gaming. Instead, you stream games like you stream a YouTube or Netflix video.
The streaming service relies on a steady internet connection to deliver data to a browser or program running on the recipient device and charges for server space and internet bandwidth. Users must pay a monthly fee to access the sophisticated system used by cloud gaming providers in order to stream content.
Benefits of Cloud Computing for Gaming
Cloud computing for gaming has many benefits. Here are the most important ones:
Increased security. Cloud computing companies employ industrial-level security to guard against outside disruptions like cyberattacks. Information is kept in a virtual storage area in cloud computing systems, which makes them safer than other traditional applications.
No chances for piracy. Since the physical gaming software is not available to the market, the likelihood of piracy is reduced. In fact, gamers play games on cloud servers with access from their personal devices. In this way, cloud computing for gaming reduces the likelihood of unwanted interference and interruptions.
Easy access. Cloud computing for gaming is an advanced technological concept that’s easy to implement and enables users to access games from any location and device without having to download and configure applications.
Compatibility with any type of device. Thanks to the highly scalable cloud platform, high-end online games are now able to be enjoyed even on low-end machines. With the help of cloud solutions, any limitations brought on by memory needs, graphic capabilities, and computing power are now reduced, giving users an outstanding gaming experience.
Availability of multiple devices. Cloud computing services for gaming enable the use of numerous devices including smartphones, desktops, laptops, tablets, etc., rather than being reliant on “consoles.” Players can enjoy the games from anywhere on the globe without having to carry the console.
Lowered costs. When there is a lot of system traffic, companies using traditional gaming models must pay more for bandwidth. Gaming companies reserve 90% of the server room and bandwidth and only use 10% of it during times of normal traffic. The cloud systems use a “pay as you go” method of payment, whereby gaming companies only pay for the resources they actually use.
Effective backend support. Cloud applications are more adaptable and scalable in terms of storage capacity when compared to traditional applications. Because of this, gaming companies now inform players as soon as they log into their accounts. Cloud gaming solutions make it simple for players to carry out tasks like saving their game or locking it away from public access. The quick reaction and consistent accessibility give players a more enjoyable user experience and maintain high user satisfaction levels.
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The Challenges of Cloud Computing in Competitive Esports
Despite the many benefits, cloud gaming services also bring a host of unique challenges. Here are the three most important challenges of cloud computing for gaming:
Latency. Gaming is significantly impacted by latency, i.e. the time it takes for data to move between two points. A split second can make all the difference in a gaming match between winning and losing. A competitive gaming experience requires low latency, which cloud gaming must be able to give.
Platform compatibility. In order to function properly, cloud gaming needs a variety of software, hardware, and networking components. This means that not every platform can be supported, which is a big problem for competitive gameplay and esports.
Cost. Even though playing games on a console or computer can be more expensive than playing games on the cloud, the cost is still high, particularly for competitive gaming and esports. Cloud servers, bandwidth, and other gaming infrastructure can rapidly increase expenses.
The challenges associated with cloud computing for gaming are a major barrier for the sector but the good news is that these obstacles can be overcome with the use of the right technology and gaming infrastructure.
Cloud Gaming Providers
The list of most popular cloud gaming providers includes:
- Amazon Luna. Launched in October 2020, Luna reduces input lag in games by using an optional gamepad controller and a separate Wi-Fi connection. The platform is powered by Amazon Web Services and is can be used on Android, IOS, Mac, Windows, and Amazon Fire TV. It is available only in the US, Canada, Germany, and the UK.
- Google Stadia integrated its cloud architecture with the Google Cloud Platform. The service gained a subscriber base of 2 million after undergoing some restructuring in reaction to complaints after its release in 2019, but it was ultimately shut down permanently in January 2023.
- Xbox Game Pass is a video game subscription service from Microsoft. Launched in 2017, this cloud gaming option offers unlimited access to more than 100 high-quality games in its library of games. You can play on a variety of gadgets with Xbox Cloud Gaming, including mobile. Considering the fact that the number of mobile gamers in 2021 was 2.6 billion, it is safe to say that a large portion of the 25 million subscribers is thanks to mobile gaming.
- PlayStation Now, Sony’s cloud gaming platform, has a new and old game feature that enables you to enjoy games dating all the way back to the PS2. The service was introduced in 2014, has 3.2 million subscribers, and has 300 games that can be downloaded in addition to the 800 games that can be streamed.
Even though there are cloud gaming service providers to suit every player’s requirements, the cloud gaming option you pick will depend on your goals for using the service.
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EdgeUno’s Role in Overcoming the Challenges in Esports and Gaming
With the expansion of digital gaming in Latin America, there is significant potential for cloud gaming providers to join this market. Latin America’s entertainment and economic landscape is transforming as a result of online gaming, and there is tremendous room for expansion.
But despite the potential, there are still a lot of challenges that need to be overcome. The effect of latency on online gaming is a problem that cloud providers need to solve. Other major difficulties include finding affordable devices and high-speed internet connections.
EdgeUno can help in this situation. Ranked 28th by the Center for Applied Internet Data Analysis (CAIDA), EdgeUno is equipped to assist in overcoming these challenges. As a top supplier of cloud-based telecom technology, EdgeUno provides cloud gaming services on the fastest network in Latin America and can assist you in taking advantage of this expanding cloud gaming market.
Bottom Line
As the competitive esports and gaming industry continues to increase in popularity, cloud computing for gaming has emerged as a new technology that revolutionalizes the way desktop and mobile games are experienced.
Gamers can now have an exceptional gaming experience with little lag, better graphics, and quicker reaction times by using cloud-based servers and cloud computing technology. The esports and competitive gaming communities have used this technology to improve the overall experience and raise the standard of competition.
Even though there are still many challenges to overcome before cloud-based gaming becomes truly accessible, the future definitely looks bright.
