So, you want to know how cloud gaming works, do you? Well, you’re in the right place. Cloud gaming has been gaining momentum in the gaming industry for around a decade. But now it is growing more rapidly. According to many gaming companies, cloud gaming is indeed the gaming industry’s future. Local video gaming can dominate for a few more years, but cloud gaming can become a dangerous competitor in no time.
The cloud gaming services like PlayStation Now and GeForce Now are already used by many gamers. So, it can shape a large part of the gaming industry in the upcoming years. The technology used by cloud gaming has been used for many years by gamers. So, the lack of technology is not the factor that is stopping it from getting the spotlight.
A smooth gaming experience depends on internet speed, remote input technology, base, and network capacity. Now we will discuss how cloud gaming works so that you will be able to understand whether it is a suitable solution for you or not. Firstly, it is essential to understand that cloud gaming lets you play the same games on other platforms like PCs. Still, it differs from conventional gaming consoles like XBOX, PS4, and PS5.
What Is Cloud Gaming? How Cloud Gaming Works Explained.
You are not alone if you don’t know about cloud gaming. The theory of cloud gaming is not new. Over the last few years, many gaming companies tried to build a large-scale cloud gaming environment. They failed because the available infrastructure and tech did not support them.
In video gaming, you insert a disk into your gaming console or download games from the internet. Your gaming performance depends on your gaming console’s processing speed and graphics card. Ideally, it would be best to have a powerful machine to run high graphics video games without any problem. It is impossible for gamers with low-end devices.
While in cloud gaming, the console exists in a data hub with many servers. You stream your games like you run a video on Netflix or Youtube. In cloud gaming, you can control the video by giving input commands through a controller. For example, an input signal is sent to the remote server if you press a button to run. Then a new video frame is received on your console that shows the output of your command.
The basic concept of cloud gaming is that the game is running on a powerful PC or console. And you receive a video on your laptop or PC. It would be best to have a fast and robust internet connection to run your games. It means that you don’t have to download the game on your computer. With a strong internet connection, you can directly play any latest high graphics game on your low-end system. There is no need to buy a powerful PC for gaming, thanks to cloud gaming. Using cloud gaming services as Shadow can convert any PC, laptop, tablet, and smartphone into a powerful gaming console.
The main objective of cloud gaming technology is to empower gamers to play their favorite games without downloading them. The players play games through live-streamed connections. It would be best to have a laptop, PC, or smartphone with a strong internet connection for cloud gaming. Using a controller for a better cloud gaming experience is also recommended. You should check out HyperX Cloud Gaming Headset and PowerA Moga XP5-X Plus Bluetooth Cloud Gaming Controller.
How Does Cloud Gaming REALLY Work?
Cloud gaming is not a brand-new trend for gamers. Many people watch movies and videos live or through streaming rather than buying CDs or DVDs for every movie. They use Netflix and Youtube to stream their favorite movies and videos. So, you don’t need a separate DVD for every movie or video you watch. The basic system of cloud gaming serves precisely like this. You don’t have to buy separate gaming disks for games you want to play.
Cloud gaming uses game streaming technology, so there is no minimum hardware demand for gaming. Typically for video games, your PC or system must match the processor, graphics card, and operating system requirements specified by the game you want to play. You will need a powerful high-end PC to play the latest games with perfect performance. You must spend a lot of money on building a powerful gaming device.
You need not bother if you don’t have funds for a good PC. Cloud gaming saves you from the problem of purchasing the latest laptop or PC. The process of playing games is different in cloud gaming from traditional gaming. A game is loaded into a server located hundreds of miles away from your home whenever you start it on a cloud gaming server. The server runs the video game and streams its video to your device. You will control the game running on the server by giving input commands through your device.
Then the action is performed in the game, and its video is streamed on your device. It is very much similar to the games that you play online. But the only difference is that you don’t have to download the game on your system. Also, you are not bound to platforms to play your favorite games. For example, you can not play games like GTA 5, Far Cry 6, and cyberpunk 2077 on smartphones or low-end systems. But thanks to cloud gaming, you can play these popular games online through your smartphone or low-end laptop.
Your gaming performance depends on your internet connection only. If you have a weak internet connection and are playing cloud gaming on 1080p. Then you will face lag and poor performance during gaming. Cloud gaming lets you run any game perfectly with a fast internet connection. Yes, now you need fast internet, and you can play any game irrespective of hardware requirements. So, you have to log in to a cloud gaming service and then enjoy your favorite games without any worries.
Why Should We Use Cloud Gaming?
Most industries are moving to cloud service models, whether you like it or not. Like in the entertainment industry, these service models have emerged with the advancement in technology and bandwidth. The cloud service model was first adopted by music and songs. Then this service model was utilized for movies and videos, and now finally, for video games. Why should we switch to cloud gaming instead of the conventional gaming we are used to at home?
Let’s talk about gaming companies. They can earn much more through cloud gaming than just by releasing their games. Because in cloud gaming, the players have to pay a small amount of money (mostly between $10 to $30). So, gaming companies have an opportunity to make money from their games for a long time.
If we talk about gamers, cloud gaming gives them a lot of benefits as well. Like you don’t need to buy a $5000 giant system to play the latest games that demand high hardware. You can play absolutely any game at 4k quality on any low-end system or smartphone. But you need fast internet to prevent lag during cloud gaming. Such as, you can play Fortnite on any small system through a cloud gaming service. Also, gamers don’t have to pay $60 for a game they want to play because they can play tons of the latest and old games at less than half the price of cloud gaming.
You can access your games through any device you want. Mobile gamers are rapidly increasing in the US. According to a report, there were about 244 million mobile gamers in the US in 2020. So, cloud gaming is worth trying for gamers. This service benefits gamers with limited gaming budgets and who cannot afford a pricy gaming console.
Which Cloud Gaming Service Is Best?
If you are interested in cloud gaming, then there must be a question in your mind. Which is the best cloud gaming service is best? Currently, cloud gaming services are only available in the US and Europe. There are many cloud gaming services to choose from. Any cloud gaming service can be used to stream games and turn your laptop, PC, or smartphone into a powerful gaming console.
Every cloud gaming provider has its pros and cons. Some of them have low prices, while others offer a wide range of games. There are also some big names in this list of the best cloud gaming services. Here are the top 5 best cloud gaming services to try:
Nvidia Geforce Now
Nvidia is a famous graphics card manufacturer, and now it has started a cloud gaming service known as Nvidia Geforce Now. Gforce Now was officially launched on February 4, 2020. This cloud gaming service is performing well in the gaming market. The Geforce Now can convert almost every device into a powerful gaming console. This gaming service allows you to stream through platforms like Origin and Steam to access and play your favorite games without problems.Â
You must download the Nvidia Gforce Now app to experience cloud gaming on your PC, Android, or laptop. This cloud gaming service also offers you one-hour free gaming. So, you have to restart the app every hour. But don’t worry; you can get rid of it by buying a monthly subscription. You can buy their monthly subscription for $4.99 and play your desired games without restrictions. You will also get a 90-day free trial with a monthly subscription, but it’s a limited-time offer.
Gforce Now also provides access to a lot of famous free-to-play games. Including Fortnight, Rocket League, CSGO, Apex legends, League of Legends, and Warframe. They also allow you to play paid games like Cyberpunk 2077 or Assassins Creed Valhalla.
Google Stadia? Nope!
Don’t bother – Stadia is dead. Google pulled the plug, and it is officially toasted. Stick to your browser and search engine, Google. I had two Stadia’s, and it sucked. Glitches, but no support from Google other than to blame the developers. It was not a good experience, so I’m glad they decided to pull the plug, given that they couldn’t fix the massive issues.
Playstation Now
Playstation Now is developed by Sony Interactive Entertainment. Sony launched this cloud gaming service on January 28, 2014. Playstation Now is one of the oldest cloud gaming platforms but is getting better yearly. This cloud gaming service allows its users to stream all the games of PS2, PS3, and PS4. The Playstation Now works similarly to Netflix. All the members will have access to a library of games of different varieties. You can become a member of Playstation Now by subscribing to its monthly plan costing $9.99. You will also get a 7-day free trial to test the performance of this cloud gaming service.
The recommended internet speed to stream games on Playstation Now is 5 Mbps. Also, they advise a wired connection instead of a wireless connection. You can enjoy decent gameplay through this cloud gaming service if you have a recommended internet connection. The only shortcoming of Playstation Now is that some games are removed after some time. So, you cannot stream those games once they are removed from the cloud service. You can check out Playstation Now and stream your favorite PlayStation games through any PC, laptop, or smartphone connected with a PS4 controller.
Project xCloud
Microsoft Corporation also provides a cloud gaming service called Project xCloud. Microsoft launched this gaming service on September 15, 2020. Project xCloud lets you stream PC and console games on your device over a fast internet connection. Project xCloud is the primary rival in the cloud gaming industry. Similar to other cloud gaming services, there is no need to waste your time downloading the game. All the games are streamed from the servers of Microsoft by using Azure cloud architecture.Â
This cloud gaming service is popular because of its overall stable performance than other cloud platforms. Project xCloud is not developed to replace conventional video gaming completely. This cloud platform is designed to help gamers that don’t have suitable hardware. So, gamers can enjoy console-quality gaming on their mobile device without purchasing an entire gaming console. This cloud service allows you to stream through an extensive collection of games without extra charges. You can have a better experience by using an Xbox One controller during cloud gaming through xCloud. You can buy the Xbox ultimate game pass to access a vast library of games on Project xCloud for just $15 per month.
Shadow
Shadow is another excellent cloud gaming service. This cloud gaming platform is the most stable, flexible, and powerful if you have a fast internet connection. Shadow offers a more extensive library of games than Nvidia Gforce Now. You can use Shadow to play any game available on GOG, Steam, Uplay, Origin, and Epic Games. This service is actually not a cloud gaming service but a cloud computing gaming service.
Shadow is, by default, gamers’ most recommended cloud gaming service. This cloud service dominates because of its gigantic library of games, better performance, and longer access time. Shadow provides 4k game streaming in UHD (Ultra High Definition) on any PC, laptop, Android, or tablet. The recommended internet speed to stream games on Shadow without any lag is 5 Mbps. You can subscribe to Shadow for only $35 monthly and access its powerful features.
Final Thoughts
No doubt, cloud gaming is the future of the gaming industry. Cloud gaming servers are gaining popularity day by day. Now you can stream millions of games on any PC or smartphone. The only thing you need is a good internet connection. So, cloud gaming servers are best for you if you cannot afford a high-end gaming PC. Cloud gaming servers are improving yearly to provide a gaming experience like a gaming PC or console.
