Just like OTT platforms have made it easy for us to stream videos, Cloud gaming has made it easy for us to play games. Cloud gaming lets you stream games, and you don’t have to spend much on buying a gaming console and a disc.
Not everyone is familiar with Cloud Gaming, so we are here to take you through this term in detail.
What is Cloud Gaming?
Cloud Gaming is a process of playing video games using remote servers in data centres. With Cloud Gaming, you will be free from downloading and installing your favourite games on a console or PC.
You don’t even need a new Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5, or an RTX 3-Series graphics card for installing games. All you need is a reliable internet connection and you are good to go.
How does Cloud Gaming work?
Cloud Gaming in most of the cases operates on a subscription basis. In order to stream the content, you either have to buy a monthly subscription or a yearly subscription. There are some games that you need to purchase even after buying a Cloud gaming subscription.
If we talk about GeForce Now, the games you buy are usually from other stores like Battle.net or Steam. This allows you to use them locally if you purchase the hardware that is required for the same.
The only drawback here is, that you will have to wait for a long to stream games just to play them for a short duration.
Now, Google Stadia, which is Nvidia’s biggest competitor, uses a unique model. Stadia, which is a cloud gaming service developed and operated by Google, helps you to purchase games and stream them in full HD to any compatible device.
This is better than GeForce Now as you don’t have to wait for a long to stream and play games. The paid subscription allows you to stream and play games in 4K resolution and comes with several games that you can play for ‘free’. However, you can’t download and install games locally as you can in GeForce Now.
Cloud streaming services are much compatible with the traditional mouse and keyboard setup, and the latest controllers via Bluetooth. Whereas, on touchscreen devices, you get an option to use on-screen controls.
Interestingly, Google Stadia also works with these inputs. But if you stream through Chromecast Ultra, you will have to buy Google’s $70 Stadia Controller.
Front runners of Cloud Gaming
As of now, there are three front runners of Cloud Gaming. And these are:
- Google Stadia
- GeForce Now
- Xbox Cloud gaming
Google Stadia
Google Stadia is a gaming console in the cloud which is a free service, but it requires you to buy the games. As discussed above, the paid subscription offers a free library of games.
GeForce Now
GeForce Now is totally opposite of Google Stadia. As Google Stadia is a gaming console, GeForce Now works with the games you already own on the Epic Games Store, Steam, and various other PC gaming platforms.
GeForce is available on Windows, Android Tv, Safari, iOS, Safari, Chrome browser version, in beta currently, and Mac.
Xbox Cloud Gaming
Xbox Cloud gaming was officially launched as a part of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate back in September 2020. Two components of this platform are:
- One for Installed games, and
- One for Xbox Game Pass
As of now, the Xbox Game Pass Component is limited and is only compatible with mobile devices with Android 6.0 or newer and Bluetooth.
We have talked about the most popular cloud gaming services and front runner of Cloud gaming. You can choose the cloud gaming service as per your preferences.
