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Supporto Messoanuovo
11 May, 2022

Cloud gaming, the future of gaming is online, discover features and advantages

A playful video evolution of Cloud Computing, Cloud Gaming deals with transmitting games to the user's terminal via an Internet connection.

Cloud Gaming

The player will therefore simply have to play the content, without having to think about discs to load and store, purchases in store and consoles to buy.

A solution that seems to have only advantages, but is it really like that?

Let's find out more about Cloud Gaming , its features, the advantages and yes, also the disadvantages of this solution.

Cloud Gaming

We now know the term Cloud or its Italianization "cloud" by heart. This term indicates that the data is stored on an online storage system that is not part of your device or network.

The same concept also applies when we receive information from dedicated operators who carry out this activity online.

System that we know and use every day, because it is the basis of video proposals such as those of Prime Video, Netflix and Dazn.

In the case of Cloud Gaming , the games are run on powerful dedicated servers, allowing the player to run them without the need for a super-performance terminal.

The audio and video generated by the game are then transmitted via the internet line to the user's device.

The user's signals start in the opposite direction, i.e. the game actions that are carried out via the joystick or dedicated controls.

Therefore, a high-speed Internet connection is a fundamental requirement.

Connection that must be fast, constant and fluid in both directions to avoid annoying lag that would make the game unpleasant if not frustrating.

Cloud Gaming

Cloud Gaming Requirements

As already indicated, the most important if not only requirement for Cloud Gaming is a stable internet connection with high bandwidth.

The more complex and detailed the game, the greater the speed required, so it is not possible to determine what connection speed is necessary regardless. In general, however, we can consider that at least a connection is needed that guarantees a bandwidth of no less than 75 Mbit/s.

Once this important prerequisite has been overcome, what will be needed next is adequate hardware, which can however also be a simple personal computer, a laptop or in many cases even a Mini PC. As already indicated, the game processing takes place on a dedicated server, so a dedicated gaming computer is not necessary.

Cloud Gaming also works on the most established gaming consoles, allowing owners to alternate between offline gaming and cloud gaming. To top it off, Cloud Gaming also works on many Android devices, such as smartphones, tablets or portable gaming consoles.

An example of a well-known and renowned portable gaming console is the Steam Deck, the hardware user interface of the Cloud Gaming services of the Steam project.

The advantages of Cloud Gaming

We have already listed some of the advantages of Cloud Gaming , but here they are specifically indicated:

There is no need for dedicated and complicated hardware

The prerequisites for playing in Cloud Gaming mode are very simple. It is therefore not necessary to purchase complicated computer gaming solutions, nor to periodically update the hardware. It is then subjected to much less stress, therefore there is a notable saving also with regards to the part relating to the power supply of the device and that of the cooling of the various components.

No saving problems

By playing in the cloud you will no longer need to have large amounts of space available on your hard drive. So goodbye to forced deletions to make room for new games and new saves.

Saving in the cloud will allow you to keep your progress saved, with the further plus of synchronizing it between the various devices.

You can play anywhere, not just in front of the TV or PC screen

The immediate and continuous synchronization of saves and the ability to access from many devices allows playability in any place and time.

You can play right away

No annoying waiting to download and install games or updates. Everything is done remotely, leaving the player only the positive and fun part of the game.

The disadvantages of this solution

Obviously Cloud Gaming not only has advantages but also some disadvantages. Let's see them:

Online gaming is totally dependent on your internet connection

In the absence of connection, or with a slow connection, the gaming experience becomes very problematic or even non-existent. A slow connection will take away any positive aspects of cloud gaming .

The games are not yours

Unlike the disc you buy in the store, the online game may not stick around forever. The offer is very wide, but if the provider decides to remove a game or not renew its license it won't be possible to do much about it.

Many operators and very different offers

There are many providers who offer this service. This fragmentation leads to a large subdivision of offers, which are often not immediately comparable. Furthermore, some providers may have exclusives and therefore some games, even highly requested ones, may not be available on other platforms.

Little customization

The gaming experience is simple and standard, but what is an advantage for normal users may not be an advantage for those who like to set special configurations to games, controls and other parameters.

The system does not seem mature yet

This is a still evolving market with unstable operators, who could decide to overturn or close their project with little or no notice.

Cloud Gaming

Cloud Gaming's proposals

There are many proposals on the market, from the aforementioned Steam to Google's offer called Google Stadia. We also find the "standard" game providers such as Microsoft and its Game Pass, Sony's offer or that of GeForce Now.

And for the future?

The potential of Cloud Gaming is very interesting and attractive, but underlying it is the need for a fast and stable Internet connection. Two requirements that often, at least on the entire Italian soil, are not so certain and guaranteed.

However, progress could bring better coverage to our country too, and then all the study and development underway in the United States and in Asian countries will prove profitable and interesting for us too

The conditions for doing so are all there, we just have to wait.