Streaming technology has been making headway, changing the way we access entertainment in many ways. It is now revolutionizing the gaming industry, as cloud gaming platforms are emerging, allowing users to play video games on many different devices without the need for a download. We’ll look at current trends in this field and how you can play games via the cloud yourself.
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Streaming technology is shaping the entertainment sector
Streaming content online has become the norm. Services such as Netflix and Hulu have taken over our TVs and revolutionized how we watch shows and movies. Providers such as Spotify and Apple Music are our radio and CD players of today, with seemingly endless music choices available on demand. Concerts and events are streamed online in real-time for audiences from around the world to join in virtually and with videos of fitness classes streamed live into members’ homes, even the gym can be visited online. The gaming realm has long seen the effect of streaming technology as well, with new gaming experiences made available to players from across the globe. Nowadays, there are a large variety of online casinos available that offer classic casino games such as slots and table games on the web. Some of the best online casinos that have been reviewed and rated by experts don’t just offer digital versions of classic games, but also live casino games. These connect players with a real dealer via a live stream, allowing for an immersive experience. The technology is also connecting video gamers from around the globe through so-called “Let’s Plays”. On platforms such as Twitch, gamers stream their gaming sessions live online for others to watch and comment on. And now, with cloud gaming emerging in recent years, streaming technology has created a new way to play.
Cloud gaming is gaining traction
It all started at the end of 2019 when Google launched the first full-fledged cloud gaming service, Google Stadia. Since then, many other providers have followed suit, with Xbox, NVIDIA, and Sony leading the way in the cloud gaming space. Their platforms allow users to play games via the cloud without having to insert a disk, download a game or even own a gaming console. It works similarly to the best-rated cloud storage services, where users can access larger storage capabilities than their own device has by connecting to the cloud. In this case, users access the processing power of a remote data center. Instead of running the game on the user’s hardware, powerful data centers equipped with the newest gaming gear process the games. Solely the visuals of the title get streamed in real-time onto the player’s device. With this process, players don’t need powerful gaming hardware, as even devices with lower performance can process games played via the cloud. As all the processing power lies within the remote data center where the game is installed, users only need a strong and stable internet connection to be able to play. This is revolutionizing the way we access and play games, as you don’t even necessarily need to own a console to play console games. Many cloud gaming services allow you to stream your games on different devices, such as a laptop, smartphone, or TV. A powerful gaming computer or console are no longer a prerequisite for gamers.
What you need to play in the cloud
If you want to give this new gaming trend a try, you need a subscription to one of the cloud gaming platforms available in your region. One of the most popular and widely available platforms is Microsoft’s cloud gaming service via the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription. This will grant you access to a large library with hundreds of Xbox games, which you can play freely for a monthly subscription fee. Now you don’t have to be at home playing on your Xbox to jump into your favorite games, as Xbox Cloud Gaming lets you stream your games onto any device. You can simply play on your laptop, smartphone, tablet, or TV using a compatible wireless controller to play whenever and wherever you prefer. As long as you have a fast internet connection, you can access your Xbox games from anywhere.
Cloud gaming offers a new way to play video games, without having to download games or even own powerful gaming hardware. All you need is a cloud gaming subscription, a fast internet connection, and a compatible device, such as your smartphone, and you’re ready to play in the cloud.