Moving Video Games to the Cloud
Popularity and increased application of cloud computing will definitely kill “consoles” in the gaming industry. While this may help game makers save on manufacturing cost, it also brings some comfort to game-players. Cloud gaming, as it is called nowadays, allows gamers to enjoy a series of games by merely connecting to the cloud (internet). So, in reality, gamers can have access to games through different machines.
Cloud computing streamlines the processes of playing games: now, game-players do not need to possess a physical copy of their games; all they need to do is just subscribe to online game-providers, download the games from the cloud and stream it on their devices. Inherently, this experience helps game-players quicken access to games, and they do not necessarily need to worry about losing or destroying physical copies!
Before this landmark transition to cloud gaming, every player was required to own a console. Hence, cloud gaming liberalizes the choice of devices to be used for game-playing. Similarly, no external installations are required to play these cloud games— players simply connect to the internet.
Since 2009, two frontline cloud-gaming companies that have taken the stage are Gaikai and OnLive. OnLive, in particular, allows game-players to access its cloud games using any of these devices: TV Consoles, tablets, PCs, Mac OS or smartphones. Customers can rent, purchase and download games from the cloud. Free trials are available, and game-players can buy the amount of playtime they can afford. This is contrary to the old way of enjoying games — every game-player was expected to buy a console and copy of the desired game. How expensive it was!
Gaikai, a prominent example of cloud-gaming providers, allows players to play games directly on its website or on devices. Players can select whichever game they desire from Gaikai’s library of games. If needed, they can access demonstrations of the games before they purchase them. Gaikai’s streaming ability has increased lately, and the company seems to be enjoying good relationships with other streaming partners, a factor that will probably open more of Gaikai’s games to international game-players.
It is interesting that the rapid development in cloud-gaming has caused even the big gaming players like Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo to seriously consider migrating their enter library of games to the cloud.
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About the Guest Author:
Jerry Olasakinju, a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degree holder, is a passionate researcher and writer whose interest in everything computing is unparalleled. He blogs about his literary works at http://jerryolasakinju.blogspot.jp/
