A

SEMINAR REPORT
ON

“Cloud Gaming”
Submitted
To
UDHNA CITIZEN COMMERCE COLLEGE &
S.P.B. COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION &
SMT. DIWALIBEN HARJIBHAI GONDALIA COLLEGE OF BCA AND IT

Affiliated
To

VEER NARMAD SOUTH GUJARAT UNIVERSITY, SURAT

As A Partial Fulfillment For The Degree Of

BACHELOR OF COMPUTER APPLICATION (B.C.A.)
T.Y.B.C.A. (SEM. - 6)
ACADEMIC YEAR: 2022-23

PRESENTED BY: GUIDED BY:

Student Name :- Mendpara Jenil Maheshbhai Prof.:- Darshan Mehta

SEAT NO. :- 1728

UCCC & SPBCBA & SDHG COLLEGE OF BCA AND IT

[SURAT]
Cloud Gaming

INDEX
Chapter Page
No. Chapter Name No.

1. INTRODUCTION 4

2. What is Cloud Gaming ? 5

● Cloud Gaming Architecture 7

● How is a Cloud Game Different from a Downloadable 7

Game?

3. History of Cloud Gaming ? 8

4. Cloud Gaming Technology and How it Works? 23

● Here's how it works 23

● Works Like a Cloud Storage 23

● The Improvement of Virtualization Technology has 24

Helped Online Gaming

● How Much Internet Speed Is Required? 25

5. The Technologies and its Benefits / Drawbacks 27

Advantages of Cloud Gaming 27

● Advantages to Players
● Advantages to Developers/Publishers

● Is Cloud Gaming Safe? 28

● Drawbacks 29

● Characteristics of Cloud Gaming 29

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6. How to Access Cloud Gaming 32

● Infrastructure/Devices 32

● Best Cloud Gaming Service Providers 33

7. Cloud gaming vs traditional experience 36

8. The Future Of Cloud Gaming 37

9. Cloud Gaming Market Analysis

40

● Cloud Gaming Market Trends 41

● Cloud Gaming Market Share: 2022 43

● Cloud Gaming Market Share: 2021 43

10. Conclusion 44

11. Reference 45

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Cloud Gaming

CLOUD GAMING
REPORT

Mendpara Jenil Maheshbhai

Seat No. 1728
Guid by. Prof. Darshan Mehta

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Cloud Gaming

INTRODUCTION
As a result of the pandemic, video games shot up in popularity as a way of
entertainment during the lockdowns. COVID helped propel U.S. video game sales
to a record $56.9 billion in 2020, a massive 27% increase over the previous year.
Video games are constantly evolving in terms of graphics, mechanics, and more.
They progressively require better computer specifications to run properly. It’s
unlikely that you’ll be able to run a game made in 2021 on a PC you got in the
2000s, unless you’ve significantly upgraded your rig. Cloud gaming seems to be
an increasingly viable solution to this issue. But what exactly is it?

When you usually play games, you download the game or (increasingly rarely)
play it off a disc. The way your game looks and runs depends upon your device’s
processor and graphics card. With cloud gaming, you stream the game as a series
of compressed video frames which react to your input. The game is running on a
remote server that bears all the processing load instead of your system. When
you press a key for your character to move forward, this input gets sent to this
server which tells the game what you pressed, then sends you a new video frame
which shows you the result of your action.

The cloud gaming idea has been around for a decade or two, but has become a
serious contender as of late. With the continuous difficulty customers are facing
in securing state-of-the-art gaming hardware such as graphic cards, processors,
and consoles, it is growing increasingly attractive as an alternative and was
estimated to be a $1.5 billion industry in 2021. Current mainstream cloud gaming
services include console cloud gaming services PlayStation Now and Xbox Cloud
Gaming, as well as Amazon Luna and Nvidia’s GeForce Now. Google has also
committed to bringing at least 100 new games to their cloud service Stadia by the
end of 2022.

The future only seems brighter as cloud gaming is expected to expand at a

compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 48.2% from 2021 to 2027.

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What is Cloud Gaming ?

Cloud gaming is a new way of playing high-quality video games with the use of
remote servers in data centers. It is also known as Game streaming. There is no
need to download and install games on a local machine or console. Instead,
streaming services require a strong internet connection to send gaming
information to an app or browser installed on the recipient device. The game is
rendered and played on the remote server, but the user sees and interacts with
everything locally on their machine. Most services support PC, Mac, and Android
devices, with iOS development lagging in Game Streaming.

But cloud gaming is more than streaming content to devices with content delivery
network (CDN) technologies (e.g., Netflix, Disney+, YouTube). Many cloud gaming
services process game data at multiple levels and stream customized low-latency
data to players during gaming sessions. Cloud gaming architectures are generally
organized into 3 primary levels, each of which performs distinct functions:

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1. Compute Endpoint
Compute Endpoint is the mobile device or PC the player uses to access the
game portal and play games. Gamers may also use a thin client (a device
that runs from resources stored on a central server instead of a localized
hard drive) to access the game. At least 10-15 Mbps of bandwidth is
recommended (for comparison, 5Mbps is recommended for Netflix HD and
3Mbps for Zoom video conferencing).

2. Frontend – Dedicated Game Server and Game Platform Services

Game servers host the game, and game platform services provide features
including leaderboards, matchmaking, chat, inventory management, and
game service analytics.

3. Backend – Game Database and Analytics Services

Game Database and Analytics Services (regional or central) manage the
game system of record (game state), store and query analytics and
gameplay events, and keep the dedicated game servers updated with the
most recent versions of the game.

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Cloud Gaming Architecture

How is a Cloud Game Different from a Downloadable Game?

Cloud games are streamed from servers, they are not like the normal video game
software we download. In some cases, a small download may be required
(usually at the point of launch), but there is no need for the full software
download into an electronic gadget.

Furthermore, cloud games don't perform well without a stable internet. It is not
like regular video games which can run offline after a successful download. It
needs stable high-speed internet to keep it connected and running on remote
servers.

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History of Cloud Gaming ?

Cloud gaming seems to have gained popularity in 2019/2020, but there have been
initial trials and innovations.

Below is a chronological timeline that showcases its evolution and revolution.

2000 - Finnish Cloud Gaming Producer G-Cluster made the First Attempt to
Produce Cloud Games
A startup founded in 2000 first demonstrated cloud gaming technology at E3. Its
major aim was to provide gaming services without the need to buy costly devices
to play it.

In 2000, upon its invention, its target was to provide the most deployed gaming
platform. While it later had a huge platform for gamers, its earliest attempt in
2000 had a limited outreach.

In the early stages, G-cluster used IPTV set-up boxes for their service, targeting
players who already have gaming consoles. Cloud gaming technology has

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Cloud Gaming

gradually improved since its inception, and G-cluster has been a great brand in
the gaming industry. Its first commercial rollout since its invention was in 2005.

2005 - German Game and Software Developers, Crytek, Explored an Original

First-person Shooter Video Game
The Yerli brothers Avni, Cevat, and Faruk are the founders of Crytek, under which
they explored Crysis for cloud gaming in 2005.

The research to develop Crysis towards cloud gaming stopped in early 2007 due
to the economic studies they had earlier done.

It was not viable as the doubts concerning the economics of scale were present.
Cevat Yerli made a statement and mentioned that in 2005, Crysis wouldn't have
scaled as a cloud game due to the high cost of bandwidth then.

2007 - Scalability Concerns After 2005 Research Halted Crytek’s Cloud Gaming
Initiative
In 2007, Crytek’s game “Crysis” became better on PCs.

It won the PC game of the year award in 2007. However, scaling it to become a
cloud game was halted after economic research.

Crytek released “Crysis” in 2007. Despite its success due to the amazing visuals
and creative gameplay, it’s a move to scale it to an on-demand game that was
stopped the same year.

It discovered the high cost of running cloud gaming will be high, including a
limited outreach due to the insufficient Internet connection.

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2010 - Cloud Gaming Service, OnLive, Released the First Games-on-demand

Service
It was available for Mac and PC browsers and was streamed through OnLive's
Micro console.

OnLive demoed their first commercial on-demand game at E3 before their official
launch on June 17th, 2010. The game release was successful featuring over 20
titles including Mass Effect, Assassin's Creed, etc.

After a successful launch, the games were available to players without the need
for software or app download. During its first launch, players were subscribing
for free for the first year, this was in partnership with AT&T.

2011 - Gaikai Launched a Cloud-Based Gaming System

In 2011, Gaikai kept to its promise to market games to players on-demand,
without the need for them to download and install them into their computers.
The new game launch came with a demo that allowed players to test it before
they purchase it.

It featured games like Dead Space 2 from Electronic Arts and The Sims 3, It can be
embedded on a Facebook page where gamers can share the links for better
engagement. The game’s quality was good, although the setting was limited,
especially the display options.

2012 - Sony Buys Gaikai’s Cloud Gaming Service for $380M

In June 2011, Sony acquired Gaikai for $380M to help improve the cloud gaming
technology. This acquisition helped Sony gain dominance in-game streaming
services.

Before the acquisition, Gaikai had effortlessly created video game streaming
compared to Sony’s effort at inventing cloud gaming. It made Sony’s existing
hardware games benefit from streaming functions.

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The combination of joint efforts, especially Sony’s existing game knowledge, was
to help Sony to provide unparalleled cloud gaming service to its players.

Additionally, Sony’s PlayStation fanbase was also a contributory factor that was
promising to grow the virtual gamers’ numbers. But all this excitement about
cloud gaming did not materialize.

2013 - Nvidia Appeared to Have Tested Game Streaming Once More

In December 2013, Nvidia launched the limited beta of Nvidia Grid but made it
exclusive for the Shield. As at the time of launch, players could only experience
better streaming when they are close to the company’s data center in San Jose,
California.

One of the requirements was a wireless router and a steady internet connection.
The picture resolution and experience were better than the previous two
attempts. It featured a responsive control and better experience compared to the
existing android games that were available then.

After its launch, things gradually improved, gamers got satisfactory experience
streaming the Grid miles away from Nvidia headquarters.

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Cloud Gaming

2014 - Sony Announced the PlayStation Now, a Game Streaming Service

Available on Televisions, Smartphones, and Tablets
Using Gaikai’s cloud technology, Sony launched its games into a cloud gaming
system in North America. During its launch, it showcased a demo of one of its
games without a console on sight, which intrigued its fans. In the same year, it
launched a closed beta version of the program to provide a better user
experience. All these were yet to be made accessible.

The full service was designed to allow players to subscribe and explore a range of
titles. There were also options for players to rent games and play within a limited
time frame.

2015 - Sony Made the Streaming Version of PlayStation Open to the Public and
Acquired Onlive
After the previous year’s announcement and public testing, Sony made the
PlayStation available for streaming as a cloud game. It also added a meter that
made it easy for users to their storage space and deletes unwanted files. This
feature made the gaming experience faster and accessible.

Players were able to stream PlayStation live over Twitch and Youtube, which
created more engagement.

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Cloud Gaming

In the same year, Onlive shut down its game streaming services and sold its cloud
gaming assets to Sony. Even though it disrupted the gaming industry, it helped
improve the delivery of quality game streaming to just about any computing
device.

2017
1. Nvidia’s GRID Service Targeted Towards Cloud Gaming is
Being Tested to Allow Users Link Their Existing Steam
Libraries for Content
Nvidia’s GRID is part of the graphics processing unit produced by them to
aid the cloud gaming experience. It was launched way back in 2008, it
included video encoding that can go into a compatible device.

In 2017, Nvidia improved its operation, so users can link their existing
steam libraries for content. At the same time reduce the input of the
latency of on-demand gaming. It made this service open for user testing to
know areas that need improvement.

2. Blade Introduced High-End Cloud Gaming PC Configuration

Called Shadow
Blade is a French cloud gaming startup that aims to give users control over
a computer device in the cloud. They made computers virtual, according to
Emmanuel, the Cofounder and President of Blade, "they aim to change the
ways people use computers and encourage virtual operation”.

Rather than constantly trying to deliver content for gaming, Blade wants to
replace players' gaming PC or consoles.

Using Shadow, smartphones, and other related gadgets users can have full
access to a virtual Windows machine.

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2018

1. Electronic Arts Announced “Project Atlas” After Acquiring

GameFly Cloud Gaming Division
In 2018, Electronic Arts came up with its new gaming platform, Project
Atlas. Bringing in the expertise of GameFly, they aimed to innovate and
expand the technology of cloud gaming.

Project Atlas is a platform that was set to stream Electronic Art's latest
video games. Its design is meant to function in any smart device with a
stable internet connection.

According to Electronic Arts, the service will facilitate game development

by providing a centralized platform for developers.

After the final acquisition of GameFly in May 2018, EA has strategically

focused on the advancement of on-demand gaming technologies.

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2. Google and Microsoft Team up to Announce Project Stream

and Project xCloud.
Project Stream and Project xCloud is a combined state-of-the-art Cloud
gaming initiative that offers players the freedom to stream games online
using any device. Like earlier attempts, it aimed to prevent gamers from
being locked on a particular gaming device.

Project xCloud’s theme: “Gaming With You at the Center'' was to scale the
gaming experience of the fan base. Its public trials were set to begin in
2019.

During its announcement, it focused on delivering a high-quality gaming

experience to existing Xbox players and reaching new players by
delivering consistent speed.

2019

1. Google Launched a Cloud Gaming Service Stadia

Stadia was the earlier project Stream service which was improved and
launched in November 2019. During the launch, the available games were
limited to 22 titles including Cyberpunk 2077 and Baldur’s Gate III.
However, they rolled out more games later.

The games that came with stadia had limited features, especially the
inability to work on other services. Google later provided cross-save
support that allowed players to share their progression between Xbox,
Stadia, and Computers.

As of 2019, during its launch, Stadia was capable of streaming video games
to players up to 4K resolution at 60fps. Including support for
high-dynamic-range (HDR) through Google's numerous data centers.

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2. Sony and Microsoft Collaborate to develop Future Cloud

Gaming Solutions
Kenichiro Yoshida, President, and CEO, Sony Corporation, and Satya
Nadella, CEO of Microsoft announced on May 16, 2019, that both companies
will team up to enhance the on-demand gaming experience of players.

This partnership puts PlayStation Now on Microsoft’s Azure and helped

both companies explore a joint expansion of cloud gaming technology.

The azure datacenter was to be the solution for Sony's content streaming
services to better user experience.

3. Tencent and NetEase Tests Mobile Cloud Gaming

Technology in Browsers
Tech giants Tencent and NetEase began testing on-demand gaming in
mobile devices in China. It went Live in November same year, without the
need for downloading or installation. It worked well on mobile browsers in
Androids.

It required a 4G network connection, featuring a collection of 38 mobile

games that can be accessed through a dedicated cloud gaming app.

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Popular titles like Tencent’s “Honour of Kings” and Bilibili’s “Fate/Grand

Order” were reportedly featured. When it went live, PC games were not
supported and graphics quality was dependent on the available internet
connection.

4. Facebook Acquired PlayGiga- A Madrid-Based Cloud

Gaming
PlayGiga was a Madrid-based game streaming startup offering cloud
gaming services to mobile carriers across Spain, Chile, and Argentina.

While operating, it had plans to launch in the Middle East later, its gaming
technology was top-notch that it had partnerships and delivered over 300
video streaming games.

Facebook reportedly acquired it for $78 million to enhance its

gaming-as-a-service platform. Through the added expert services of
PlayGiga, it wants to develop its live streaming service in gaming.

2020

1. Sony’s PlayStation Now Amassed Over 2.2 Million

Subscribers
In 2020, Sony announced that its cloud gaming subscription service has
surpassed 2.2 million subscribers since its launch.

Sony's PlayStation provides a growing selection of first and third-party

titles for subscribed players to access without download or app installation.

Since then, its pricing strategy has been favorable to players, including an
expanded available catalog of AAA games for players to choose from.

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2. Microsoft’s Project xCloud Replaced with Xbox Game

Streaming Service
Microsoft’s development and moves towards enhancing its cloud gaming
technology are on the rise. The Xbox cloud gaming that replaced its earlier
project xCloud was launched in 2020 with the integration of Xbox Game
Pass Ultimate.

The Game Pass Ultimate subscribers service enables players to stream over
100 games without installation or download. Gamers simply sign in with
any compatible device and get started.

Xbox cloud gaming makes it easier for players to engage with friends and
family while gaming. They can also gain access to a common library
through dozens of multiplayer games.

3. As Cloud Gaming Gains More Popularity, Apple Introduces

Rules to Prevent Game Streaming Services From Marketing
Through its IOS Store
These new rules from Apple are a clear indication that cloud gaming has
gained popularity and needs to be regulated on its platform for a better

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business model.

While these rules halted the launch of xCloud and Stadia in the App Store,
they still thrived with other platforms.

Apple wants game streaming services to have their store page with rightful
metadata provided by developers. It wants to be able to review all game
streaming services including its updates before users can access them on
the App Store.

4. Amazon Announced the Launch of Luna

In 2020, Amazon announced the launch of Luna, a game streaming service
similar to Google Stadia. Before its official launch, it gave an invitation to
access a few selected players for testing.

Luna offers a growing library of games, including some popular ones from
“Assassin’s Creed”.

Luna’s game streaming services differ from other popular cloud games. It
offers dedicated channels for publishers and specific categories, and
Ubisoft was the first to launch this feature.

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5. Facebook Introduces its Cloud Gaming Service

Facebook launches cloud gaming service, Incorporated with its social
media platform. Facebook’s game streaming service is not the same as
Microsoft‘s Cloud or Google's Stadia.

It is made available for mobile users on Android and the web. Apple's
terms and conditions halted its launch on the App Store, but the web users
and Android device owners can stream different games on their social
platform.

6. Deutsche Telekom launched MagentaGaming, a Game

Streaming Platform
MagentaGaming is Powered by Start-up Firm, RemoteMyApp. It provides
flexible game streaming technology and gaming content.

It works as an over-the-top (OTT) media service in Germany. After the

official release, it was then built to accommodate a large number of
subscribers who will have access to its amazing gaming experience.

2021

1. Verizon Announced its Game Streaming Service Launch

While speaking at the Electronic Entertainment Expo in 2021, Verizon
announced the launching of its Cloud Gaming Service in the US.

Its pitch to gamers was mostly on the benefits of 5G network technology.

Since 5G is a major internet game player when it comes to speed, Verizon
wants to drive it into its new cloud game technology.

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2. Apple Rules Presents Roadblock to Cloud Gaming on App

Store
Game streaming platforms now present their services to iOS users through
the web. Apple rules still prevent third-party game developers from
leading users away from its App Store platform

Most developers now offer their game streaming services through a web
app in the IOS Store. While this is similar to bypassing Apple's stringent
rules, it's not totally a violation.

Presently gamers can access game streaming through a Progressive Web

App (PWA).

3. Amazon’s Luna, Set to go Live to the Public.

Luna is Amazon’s attempt to compete in the thriving game streaming
market. It is set to launch on the Luna+ streaming platform to make it easy
for gamers to subscribe separately to games they are interested in.

Amazon's services are offered on different channels and are not covered
under one subscription price.

It is presently available for users to request an invitation for early access.

All that is needed is a high-speed internet connection, compatible game
controller, and supported devices like Windows PC, Mac, Fire TV, Fire
Tablet, Chromebook, iPhone, iPad, or supported Android phone

The Future
Over time, cloud gaming has evolved into a great game video streaming
service. It will reach over 24 million subscribers after 2021.

Just like other forms of streaming services, cloud gaming technology is

changing at a quick pace. This makes it significant for you to keep up with

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the latest cloud gaming trends.

2023 - 5G Network Has Enormous Potential to Revolutionize Cloud Gaming

Market

Due to the amount of speed 5G technology is bringing, cloud gaming will witness
a multitude of subscription titles with an extensive reach.

The technological transformation will lead to entertaining gaming experiences.

It can bring tremendous amounts of speed to engaging multiplayer game

streaming.

The mass market for online gamers will be worth more with a high increase in
mobile players.

2030 - The ‘Thematic Research – Cloud Gaming’ Conducted by GlobalData

Estimate Global Cloud Gaming Market to Worth $30bn

Even though cloud game streaming is still at its early stage of progress, the
prominence is set to be on the increase.

Non Gamers are gradually picking interest and tech giants like Sony, Google,
Microsoft, Tencent, Amazon, Facebook, etc are working to intensify the gaming
experience for their subscribers.

Telcos are not left out, Deutsche Telekom, China Mobile, Verizon, AT&T, Vodafone,
etc have formed partnerships with various game publishers to deliver flawless
game streaming.

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Cloud Gaming Technology and How it Works?

The internet bandwidth and the capacity of your server determine the streaming
service of your cloud game. Every online game is a product of a company, it is
made available to users on a subscription basis. You need to connect your device
to a remote server in the cloud, the server facilitates your inputs in real-time

They are cloud games that can work with 7-10 Mbps but the result will be
relatively low. Your distance from the nearest server is also a determining factor.
To play a cloud game, simply log into the app site and select a title, you'll get more
options when using an input device.

With cloud gaming, once the internet is accessible to many people and stable,
game playing becomes easy, interesting, and fast.

Each time you pick a device to play a cloud game, you can pick up from the last
point you paused, as long as you saved it before signing out.

Here's how it works

When you sign in to any gaming platform, you gain access to play video games
and save your progress till you are ready to play again. The process of this
technology is done over a live-streamed connection.

It functions by operating games through a virtual machine. While you are playing
it, a video stream is compressed to make it compatible with your device, then
transmitted through browsers, apps, and other related software. The gamer’s
input while playing is then sent to the server. The server processes the data and
transmits them back into reality.

Works Like a Cloud Storage

Some cloud game services support browser gaming, meaning you have to log in
through a browser into the game site to get started. Some use a dedicated client,

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which will be discussed later in the article.

Once you log into a game site, depending on how the game company service
works, the experience you may have includes:

● The ability to stream your game live.

● Access former paused games.
● Easily share your progress with others.
● Engage with other players.

The Improvement of Virtualization Technology has Helped Online Gaming

Before the use of virtualization technology in gaming, the early cloud gaming
companies used proprietary technology. The success was relatively low as
streamed games were lagging, and gamers had low-quality content to stream.

This was a result of the limited proprietary technology early game companies
had. While there were several attempts to launch new streaming services, the
servers available then were reasonably low.

During the initial cloud gaming attempts, services had very few data centers to
aid faster and wider transmission. For instance, a service provider with one or
two data centers has very limited locations for the game users to play. Few data
centers also increased lagging while streaming a game.

In recent times, competitive games have led to a better gaming experience for
players. The real-time data sent to your screen while playing is a combination of
the server’s communication and the interaction around your character.

Game companies now have enormous server farms distributed globally(with few
exceptions to some locations) to facilitate a better gaming experience for players.

Since the invention of virtualization technology, cloud gaming companies have

improved. However, all gaming platforms are not the same, while some work
with the interaction around your character, some use client-server architecture.
This process is the same as game-on-demand but the servers bear more of the
operation needs.

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There are different elements to make cloud gaming interesting, it ranges from the
background server that makes it easy for video game streaming, to the client that
aids the graphics and send-input display.

Different platforms have their game clients that enable users to stream games
online. For instance, Google chrome can serve as a game client for Google games.
Once a user has access to a game client, the only requirement will be a stable
internet connection for streaming.

Most games feature high-definition graphics (when sending or receiving data),

the internet support must be fast enough to handle it.

How Much Internet Speed Is Required?

The general internet speed one needs to stream cloud games differ as the video
resolutions are not the same. However, the higher the video resolution, the
higher the internet speed you'll require. For instance, to stream 720p resolution
videos, you need an average of 15 megabits per second, while multiplayer gaming
requires more.

If you want to know if your internet speed is sufficient to handle cloud games,
you can test your streaming connection briefly before purchasing it. Depending
on the game, if your experience is satisfactory, you can go ahead and purchase
full access to continue playing.

Another determinant of the speed of internet connection is the network provider

around the gamer. A successful speed test does not fully guarantee a regular
speedy internet in the future. But, you can reduce latency and manually improve
your network speed by optimizing the internet on your gaming device.

Although if you are close to a good server, the number of people trying to access a
particular game the same may affect the internet speed. Fortunately, gaming

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companies are making progress in addressing these issues. There are special
routers that give gamers access over other traffic, there are also servers that are
installed in strategic areas to give gamers easy access to play no matter the traffic.

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The Technologies and its Benefits / Drawbacks

Cloud gaming is not just a platform for entertainment, many players are making
profits from live streaming on social networks, developers and publishers are
benefiting too.

Advantages of Cloud Gaming

Advantages to Players

❖ No device limitation
➢ Most non-mobile video games are tied to specific consoles and PCs
(often Windows). They cannot work on other devices, so they can
only be used by the part of the population that has access to those
devices. Cloud gaming services allow games to be more
platform-independent. PCs and tablets running Linux, iOS, Android,
and Chrome O.S. operating systems can play games that previously
could only run on Windows devices.

❖ Game Security

➢ Cloud gaming systems store user data on secure servers. Data is also
transferred over secure connections, eliminating the risk of hacking.
In addition, game data is stored in the cloud, eliminating the hassle
of backing up data locally.

➢ By prioritizing user and game data security, players are less

concerned. They can enjoy their favorite games knowing that no one
can access their private data.

❖ Compatibility

➢ The highly scalable platform allows high-level video games to be

played on low-end devices. In addition, the limitation caused by
processing power, graphics capacity, and memory storage has been

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removed through the cloud platform, giving users a fantastic gaming

experience.

❖ Instant access

➢ Playing your favorite games on the cloud eliminates the need to wait
for downloads or updates because they are always available. The
moment your keyboard, mouse, and controller are connected, the
game may begin.

Advantages to Developers/Publishers

From the developers' point of view, the potential of piracy is eliminated as there
will be no need for real-time downloading (which is usually where contents are
hijacked for negative purposes). When streaming access is provided, all royalties
go to the necessary quarters.

Architectural differences don't matter in cloud gaming, developers no longer

need to create compatible games for Windows, Mac OS, and Linux differently.
The development of most cloud games is once, and it can be streamed on any
device.

All in all, the technology of cloud gaming has benefitted the gaming community.
Players can now easily engage with other players, there is also room for those
who like to relax and watch others play.

Additionally, players can stream a video game live on social media, users can join
an active game from anywhere and engage with others.

Is Cloud Gaming Safe?

When you send information (playing a game), the server hosts and stores your
data. It provides it when you sign in to play again. Your login information and
data are protected behind encryption to avoid unwanted access to your
subscription.

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Most cloud game services are usually clear about their requirements to help
serve you better.

Drawbacks
❖ High latency
➢ This is cloud gaming's main flaw. There is a small lag between
pressing a button and seeing the action on your screen because it
depends on servers to function. For those who don't mind waiting for
their games to load but want instant access, it is advised.

❖ It can be difficult to find your game

➢ It could be challenging to locate your game on your cloud account if
you have a large library and wish to play something different.

❖ It isn't always dependable

➢ Because cloud gaming relies on the internet to operate, everything
will stop if your connection is unreliable or slow. It might be wiser to
stay with actual copies of games if this occurs frequently.

Characteristics of Cloud Gaming

With cloud gaming, you may play games on any computer or mobile device that
has an internet connection. It's a great alternative for individuals who want to
play their favorite games in high definition but cannot afford a huge setup.

The versatility of cloud gaming is its key characteristic. One short download will
do the trick if you're traveling and can't use your PC at home. You don't have to
abandon your collection of beloved video games.

Users of cloud gaming can also receive new content updates remotely before the

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corporation makes them available locally offline on hard drive storage devices.
Hard drives from Sony Corporation's PlayStation and Microsoft Corporation's
Xbox One are two examples of offline devices.

1. No requirement for expensive hardware

➢ As was already said, cloud gaming services allow you to play your
favorite games without expensive equipment. The newest games can
be played on the ugliest hardware without spending a dime on
improvements. If you love gaming but don't own a high-end gadget,
choosing a cloud gaming service is your best bet.

2. No requirement to download games

➢ For contemporary AAA titles, requiring a few hundred gigabytes of
storage capacity is not a big concern. Such enormous files require a
lot of bandwidth and storage space on your device to download.

➢ To have a sizable collection of contemporary games, you'll also need

to update the storage on your smartphone. On the other side, if you
use a cloud gaming service, you won't need to download any game
files to play a game. Additionally, you get access to the largest game
library, which is practically not possible with traditional gaming.

3. Mobility to play anywhere

➢ In general, gaming equipment is not very portable. You can't game in
the subway or a waiting area, not even with the most portable
gaming laptops! Gaming on the cloud is incredibly portable and gives
you the freedom to play whenever and wherever you choose.

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4. All gadgets can be used for gaming

➢ You can play games on Android, iPhones, Windows, Mac, Linux, and
other devices thanks to cloud gaming services. The progress is
synced across all the devices enrolled into the same account, and
these services offer cross-platform play on smartphones.

➢ Even if you don't have access to a larger screen, you can still play on
a smartphone. Due to the amazing features, they offer, cloud gaming
services are the future of contemporary gaming.

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How to Access Cloud Gaming

You need to create an account with a game service to have access to the game.
Some will require you to subscribe to enjoy the full gaming package.

When you subscribe, depending on the type of game, you can connect a
compatible controller and start streaming. A game platform can feature over 700
games on demand.

You can save your progress and continue playing on any compatible device
anytime, anywhere.

Infrastructure/Devices
Even though it is an online game, you need hardware to send your inputs to the
server and stream its content, it functions the same way a remote desktop would.

Cloud gaming does not support all devices, especially old TVs, phones, and tablets
that may not stream some games.

At the rate of technological advancements, a good smartphone or PC suffices.

Each game service requires devices. Lately, most cloud games are capable of
streaming in 4K, on smartphones, smart TVs, Windows 7 and later PCs, Android
game controllers that switch phones to game consoles, etc.

Latest devices make it easy to experiment with first-party games with full touch
screen controls, including customizing layout.

Additional accessories include Bluetooth game controllers, stadia controllers, etc.

These are optional.

Due to the need for high-quality streaming, the aforementioned component

(speedy and stable internet connection) cannot be overstated.

Latency is also a major factor in cloud gaming as input and effect can affect the
game process. To support higher resolutions and quality experience, the

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provider's dedicated hardware must be in the latest version.

Enormous data centers and server farms need to be adequately provided to

enhance the gaming experience.

Best Cloud Gaming Service Providers

1. XBOX Cloud Gaming
Fans highly anticipated the XBOX Cloud gaming service, which Microsoft
officially launched on September 15, 2020. With this game streaming
service, XBOX fans will now be able to stream a ton of XBOX games through
Android phones, tablets, IOS devices, and PCs. However, even after two
years, this cloud service is still in Beta.

In our opinion, Xbox probably has the most innovative cloud gaming team,
and the company has spent a considerable amount of resources on
becoming this industry’s leader. They’re making revolutionary
breakthroughs every few months. For instance, the company is now
experimenting with games running right from its own browser, Bing!

The service offers an extensive library of games on all platforms. The

Ultimate version of GamePass allows you to stream games on PC as well as
Xbox consoles. Some games are exclusive to Xbox while some are only
playable on PC. The day-one release of AAA games on the service has
catapulted it to the top of the list. Big games like Atomic Heart and Starfield
are released on the service at no additional cost to the subscribers.

2. NVIDIA GeForce Now

NVIDIA GeForce Now provides a seamless gaming experience requiring
only a strong internet connection. A significant setback for NVIDIA GeForce
Now is that you need to own the games to play them from their server.
Unlike other cloud services, NVIDIA will not provide you with a game
library.

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NVIDIA GeForce Now is great if you have an already established PC gaming

library. Games on Steam, Origins, UPlay, Epic Launcher, or Battle.net will
work with GeForce. You don’t need to purchase games again if you already
own them. This gives GeForce Now an edge if you are already a PC gamer.

NVIDIA GeForce Now is an excellent cloud game streaming service that

offers options for users depending on their budget and even supports
multiple platforms. The caveat, however, is that the price is a bit steep and
you have limited gaming sessions; although you can rejoin a session again,
there’s no guarantee that you’ll be the first in line.

3. PlayStation Plus Premium

The PlayStation Plus Premium service launched in the middle of 2022 and
it is going strong. The service offers a wide variety of games to play or
stream on your PlayStation consoles. The service enables you to check out
older games on new consoles, games that were previously not compatible
with PS4 and PS5.

The PlayStation Plus Premium subscription service is available only on PS4,

PS5, and PC. There is no mobile app for the service. While there is a healthy
library of games to play on PlayStation-branded consoles, the PC library is
not impressive.

The PC app needs a complete UI overhaul as well. If you are a PS fan and
own either a PS4 or PS5, you’ll get a lot of value from PlayStation Plus
Premium. A huge catalog of older PSOne, PS2, PS3, and even PSP games is
available for you to stream on the consoles.

4. Amazon Luna
Amazon Luna is one of the recently launched Cloud Gaming Services from
Amazon themselves. From what it currently is, it seems that Amazon Luna
is a direct competitor to Xbox’s Cloud Gaming platform that offers a catalog

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of games under a much cheaper monthly subscription fee. It is currently

available on Fire TV, PC, Mac, and Android Phones via web applications.

Although the service is over 2 years old, it is not getting a lot of attention
from Amazon. The service isn’t anywhere to be seen both on the main
pages of Amazon or in Marketing. This doesn’t discount the fact that it is
still one of the best cloud gaming services in 2023. If you are already an
Amazon Prime subscriber, the service is completely free for you. This
allows you to check the cloud gaming service out without any entry fee.

Amazon Luna also has some of the best kid-friendly gaming titles. If you
have kids and want them to enjoy gaming, this is one of the best services
out there. The huge library combined with granular parental controls
makes Amazon Luna the best choice for parents. Video quality is capped at
1080p and 60 frames per second on Amazon Luna.

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Cloud gaming vs Traditional Experience

Many sources claim that cloud gaming will completely change the way we play.
However, David Pavón, Global Commercial & Content Director at Ludium Lab,
ALSO’s online gaming provider, says that cloud gaming does not mean that in a
few years gamers will stop using PlayStation or Xbox. He looks at the cloud
solution rather as a complement to traditional gaming although it should be a
standard on gaming consumption in the near future:

● The experience we deliver to gamers on SoraStream is similar, in terms of

graphics or latency, to that offered by consoles. Although the current gamer
profile looks a bit different, as cloud gaming is primarily interested in
casual or family gamers, I am sure that this will change significantly in a
few years. More and more gamers will be using cloud gaming. However,
this does not mean that they will abandon PCs or consoles. The two
experiences will complement each other.

This can be compared to a situation in which a coffee connoisseur has an

incredibly good coffee machine at home. However, they still occasionally buy
coffee from the bar that is located near their office. Both experiences are
different and make sense in different situations. Even when a gamer has a
console, they can continue playing on a smartphone while away from home.

Cloud games are in other words games on demand or games as a service ( Gaa).
Users do not (as is the case with classic games) have to install files; instead, all
game content is streamed to the device. So after the huge success of e-books,
podcasts, music and movies on demand, is it high time for games?

Main advantages of cloud gaming are that users can play AAA games from
anywhere and on any device (Mobile, TV, PC..) without the need to invest in
expensive hardware. That means an important democratization of gaming.

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The Future Of Cloud Gaming

Cloud gaming has been a hot topic in the gaming industry for several years, and
there is no doubt that cloud gaming is finally ready to take off. Cloud gaming has
been a false start for the industry, but the future of yesterday is beginning to
become today.

Cloud gaming is hailed as the future of the gaming industry, but it is still in its
infancy and we are here to enjoy the benefits it is supposed to bring. If Amazon
Luna has anything to say about this, then here’s your future for cloud gaming. We
conducted an in-depth interview with the company, in which we also explained
the challenges that need to be overcome and what they expect from the future of
cloud gaming. Do you want to influence the future with cloud gaming?

Our March report focuses on cloud gaming, with a focus on the future of cloud
gaming in the gaming industry and its potential for the industry.

We believe in the long-term future of cloud gaming, but we will not try to excite
you with our predictions for the next few years or even a few months. However,
we remain firmly convinced that continued investment in cloud computing and
distributed computing, in general, will redefine the creation, distribution and
consumption of games, and that cloud gaming is a key element in shaping the
future of gaming. As they move into this future, cloud gaming services may have
to work hard to revive a robust video game market that may not have an
immediate incentive to move IPs to the clouds.

Now, gaming companies may see new cloud gaming services as competitors and
disruptors rather than partners. Many agree that the success of cloud gaming
could mean an infrastructure arms race in the face of increased competition and
the mass adoption of cloud gaming.

While cloud gaming is currently a concept that is barely functioning, the

technology represents the future of gaming until quality issues on the Internet
are resolved. Cloud gaming will be more viable than the current system and has
produced a promising paradigm for cloud service delivery. Google Stadia has
already been well ahead of the cloud gaming trend and is therefore particularly

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well equipped to be a leading provider in the development and delivery of cloud

gaming as a service. That’s what makes cloud games so exciting for the gaming
industry and its users, but what makes them so promising?

A recent cloud gaming report found that the majority of gaming cloud platforms
with streaming infrastructure, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Google
Cloud Platform (GCP), have at least one of their games available on the cloud
platform.

This study provides critical insight into the cloud gaming market by segmenting
the market by the number of cloud platforms, the types of games available on
them, and the nature of their services. The cloud games market is divided into
three major segments: Gaming on Cloud, Gaming in the Public Cloud, and Gaming
in the Private Cloud.

Xbox Cloud Gaming is no longer available in Turkey, so using a VPN to access it

will destroy the very purpose of cloud gaming, as it will cause your pings to
skyrocket.

The future of cloud gaming looks much more exclusive than any other service,
and when it is rolled out globally, game enthusiasts will be able to play and
stream simultaneously. Subscription-based gaming services will soon become as
commonplace as Netflix, as they negate the need to download or buy a game.

Moreover, while this is a discussion for another day, the concept of cross-platform
synchronization makes cloud gaming a viable alternative to traditional console
gaming. This is one of the factors that cause people to want to take a detour from
traditional game consoles for entertainment.

Cloud gaming will ultimately enable a more open platform ecosystem, heralding
the start of a console – less of the gaming industry. Cloud gaming gives developers
the opportunity to offer a new and growing audience of players console and
PC-level experiences.

As Microsoft and Amazon begin to explore cloud gaming, it seems likely that it
will launch in the near future. As we move ever closer to a future where the
cloud will undoubtedly be an important part of the future business model of the

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gaming industry, some key trends will shape the adoption of cloud Gaming. The
integration of cloud gaming with the Internet of Things (IoT) and cloud
computing plays an important role in our future as an industry.

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Cloud Gaming Market Analysis

The global cloud gaming market (hereafter referred to as the market studied) is
expected to register a CAGR of 45.2% during the forecasted period. These
platforms are increasingly attracting more than hundreds and thousands of new
visitors in online traffic. According to Verizon's study, there has been a 115%
increase in gaming usage in the United States alone, compared to a general day
before COVID-19. The live streaming services and online gaming platforms also
continued to break their records for concurrent users throughout March and
April 2020. An increase in gaming traffic was witnessed during peak hours by
75% over the last year.

● Cloud gaming is an emerging technology across the gaming industry,

allowing the user to stream high-end games across hand-held devices, such
as laptops, tablets, and mobiles, with fast network connectivity, thereby
eliminating the requirement for a regular hardware upgrade gaming
console/PC/laptop. Such factors are expected to impact the market's growth
positively. Additionally, leveraging cloud technology in the gaming industry
is likely to fuel the demand and engagement of multi-players for different
games, boosting the market growth during the forecast period.

● Cloud gaming, considered a revolution in the gaming sector, is expected to

remove existing cost and platform barriers. It is also predicted to dwell
well with 5G. Cloud gaming platforms are expected to present multiple
benefits to gamers, who can access various high-quality titles without
expensive hardware. The developers, publishers, and platforms will
witness more profits with greater reach and ways to monetize their
solutions. However, the companies owning most parts of the value chain,
from the IP to infrastructure, will benefit the most and other gaming
sectors.

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● The advent of cloud gaming has also removed the constant need for
hardware upgrades, and players across the globe will be able to play cloud
games on their existing devices or possibly on future devices that may have
low specs but can accommodate games that can be played on the cloud.
The most significant opportunity for vendors in the segment is to access
smartphone gamers, who comprise a substantial share of the gaming
audience and prefer to play PC and console games easily on their mobile
devices.

● As cloud gaming platforms, such as Google Stadia and PlayStation, already

exist in the market, they primarily target console and PC players. With 5G
services launching across multiple countries, it is expected that cloud
gaming services will also increase in the market, leveraging the mobile
ubiquity and fast 5G connections to provide AAA quality gaming to
smartphone users. Cloud gaming services from game publishers and
mobile network operators will also drive the adoption of cloud gaming on
mobile devices.

Cloud Gaming Market Trends

● The evolution of cloud gaming is an emerging technology across the
gaming industry, which allows the user to stream high-end games across
smartphones with fast network connectivity, thereby eliminating the
requirement for regular hardware upgrades or gaming
consoles/PCs/laptops.

● The increasing demand for mobile games is a direct result of the various
technological advancements in cloud gaming, such as AR, VR, and 5G. This
trend is not surprising, considering the mobile game industry primarily
relies on new technology. A poll by the Mobile Video Industry Council
suggests that mobile operators expect cloud gaming to generate 25-50% off

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5G data traffic by 2022.

● The global games market report 2022 by Newzoo suggests that Nearly 3.2
billion people will play games in 2022, spending a combined total of $196.8
billion, holding more than a 55% market share and registering spending of
over the primary driver of the market growth across the world is mobile,
which will generate revenues of $103.5 billion in 2022. The report also
suggests that cloud gaming is expected to become increasingly relevant
across smartphones, coexisting with the global mobile gaming market.

● The release of 5G and the emergence of unlimited data plans are also
expected to be critical factors aiding the success of cloud gaming
worldwide, as most gamers today prefer playing games on their mobile
devices. In addition, the increasing services and investments in 5G
infrastructure are essential for this success. According to Ericsson, the
number of 5G mobile subscriptions in the Asia-Pacific region would reach
around 1,545 million by 2025.

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Cloud Gaming Market Share: 2022

Service Percentage

Microsoft Xbox Cloud Gaming 60 - 70

Nvidia GeForce Now 10 - 20

Sony PlayStation cloud 10 - 20

Google Stadia 0-5

Amazon Luna 0-5

Cloud Gaming Market Share: 2021

Service Percentage

Microsoft Xbox Cloud Gaming 20 -30

Nvidia GeForce Now 20 -30

Sony PlayStation cloud 30 - 40

Google Stadia 5 - 10

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Conclusion
The popularity of cloud gaming is on the rise, and it keeps increasing every day.
With cloud-based gaming, users may use practically any device with a reliable
internet connection to play the newest games. Although many obstacles are still
to overcome before cloud-based games are fully available, the introduction of 5G
technology will maximize cloud gaming’s power.

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Reference

https://beincrypto.com/

https://www.gameopedia.com/

https://www.digitaltrends.com/

https://appinventiv.com/

https://techstory.in/

https://www.analyticssteps.com/

https://gamerant.com/

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Thank You

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