Is Cloud Gaming the Future?

Featured article by Calvin Paige, Independent Technology Author

Cloud computing is perhaps the most important subject in all of computing today. Ever since cloud technologies have come along, there have been people looking for a way to make use of cloud technologies in the context of gaming. At the heart of cloud technologies is the notion that you don’t need to store your files locally in order to access them. Cloud computing allows users to access their files from wherever they are – and using a variety of devices.

Both Sony and Microsoft have now launched their own gaming-on-demand services, which have existed on other platforms for some time. These services make use of cloud technology to stream gameplay from a remote server to the user. This means that the game is hosted, and run, on the server, with the video being streamed back to the player.

An End to Expensive Hardware

With a cloud computing service, there is no need for the player to invest in and upgrade expensive hardware. Instead, the player only needs to have an internet connection that can handle the high definition video. On the best internet connections available today, this means that players can stream their game in full HD.

When players only need to invest in the technology to display their games, they can afford the best quality hardware for a relatively low price. Check out this guide from Gpu Nerd Guide for an idea of how much a decent monitor costs.

Truly Multiplatform

Because cloud gaming services run games remotely, delivering the resulting video to the player, the only requirement for the user’s device is that it be able to receive the video, and send inputs. In theory, at least, a smartphone could act as the display for a cloud gaming service, with a Bluetooth or USB controller being used to control it.

With cloud gaming services rapidly improving in terms of quality and affordability, it won’t be long until true multiplatform gaming becomes a reality. Hopefully, this will encourage some cooperation between game developers and hardware manufacturers. This technology could also help to blur the lines between portable and front room gaming.

Instant Play

For all the many upsides of the contemporary gaming scene, there is a lot of downloading involved. Even if you buy your game on a physical disc, there are numerous patches and updates to install over the course of its lifespan. With cloud gaming, players will be able to say goodbye to downloads. In fact, with players able to access their games instantly, or as near to it as possible, they will no longer need to invest in high-capacity storage.

Easy Spectating

Spectating gaming has become very popular over the last decade. There are now YouTubers who are making a living from regular subscribers who watch their content. Cloud services would make it easier for spectators to view what players are doing; the video stream simply needs to be sent to more viewers.

Cloud computing could easily revolutionize the future of gaming. The future of gaming is platform-independent, and cloud computing could finally free gamers from the need to constantly invest in new hardware to run and store increasingly complex games.