You are already used to using your cell phone data for your music on iTunes and Spotify. We’re so far away that people get mad if a Netflix HD stream isn’t quite perfect.
Cloud gaming, however, is not as entrenched in our daily lives. It’s been around for a while, of course, but latency and a bunch of other issues have made the cloud a no-starter for most “serious” gamers.
You know what we’re going to say: Cloud gaming is changing. And it will radically change the way you play. Here’s how.
Wait, what is Cloud Gaming anyway?
For the uninitiated, let’s start with a quick rundown of cloud gaming. You’ve probably used “the cloud” before; think about iCloud on your iPhone or services like Dropbox or Google Drive. The cloud is basically a catch-all for storing data on remote servers, rather than your own computer (or any other device, like a console or tablet).
Cloud gaming is basically the use of remote storage to stream games directly to a device, whether it’s your smartphone or your computer. You need an internet connection (and a relatively decent connection) and a compatible device, but if not, you’re good to go no matter where you are.
The other added bonus is that you don’t necessarily need a very expensive setup with the latest processor and the latest graphics card to get things to work. The machine that powers your game smoothly, at least the way we think of traditional consoles work, lives remotely, aka “the cloud”.
Sounds pretty cool, right? It is.
Who offers cloud gaming?
The companies offering games in the cloud include big names, but also some are looking to beat the major players in this new booming industry.
Google Stadia is quickly becoming a fan favorite among gamers. It’s not coming out of the park for the tech giant yet, but it’s slowly gaining interest. For around $ 10 a month, you can become a member and play all the games available in the library. You can also buy games individually; most AAA titles are available, including the recent CyberPink 2077.
Companies known for their games, like PlayStation and Microsoft, are also expanding their offerings. PlayStation Now, for example, offers 800 games at the time of writing. Microsoft Project xCloud doesn’t have such a large library, with only 50 games, but it is growing. Expect both companies to expand their services as cloud gaming becomes more mainstream.
Another profitable niche industry is iGaming. The gaming industry has long struggled with the problem of slow data services, truncating the level of games available to users. Compared to physical casinos, the online equivalents are like the lower little brother.
Not anymore. Improved graphics, more complex gameplay, all bells and whistles are now possible. 4G is now offered in a wide range of countries and the data is inexpensive, meaning gamers in developing countries like India can find the best online casino experience without having to spend a fortune. As asiabet.org, one of the region’s leading online casino guides, explains, at these online sites you can find a huge selection of games ranging from traditional games like Teen Patty or Rummy to internationally renowned options. like poker. , blackjack, baccarat, roulette or slot machines. With such saturated choices, vendors are turning to the latest trends to free gamers from overly heavy apps. This is where cloud gaming comes in.
How this will change the industry
Okay, it should be pretty obvious that this technology is truly revolutionary. And now that data is cheap and fast (4G will seem slow soon), game streaming is a real thing that is going to take over the market.
Remember how Netflix absolutely killed companies like Blockbuster Video? It will have a similar effect. Just as it is now crazy to buy something like a VHS tape or DVD, you will soon be telling your kids how your old PlayStation used physical discs. Heck, young people will even laugh at you because you have to wait until you download a game before you can play it.
It also extends the reach of video games to a much larger group of people. You won’t need a bloated PS5 pro to play games. With a subscription to your favorite Netflix gaming equivalent, you’ll have a library of games right at your fingertips.
The cloud gaming market will grow massively in the coming years, with a recent GlobalData report estimate that the industry will be worth $ 30 billion by 2030. Ask us, and even that is a little conservative.
Compare that to 2020, where the total value stands at “only” $ 1 billion. That’s only 1% of the total gaming market right now. Do you think Spotify only owns 1% of the music industry? Exactly. Think about it, the owner of this business wants to buy Arsenal, just like that.
The only thing that has held back the rise of cloud gaming is data. Now that 5G is rolling out (albeit slowly), we are going to witness a meteoric rise in the industry. There is absolutely no doubt that the future of gaming is in the cloud.
Interesting related article: “How to choose a good Games Monitor?”