Cloud Gaming

Last week, we spoke about the business applications of cloud computing, this week we will see how the cloud is changing the world of video gaming.

Cloud gaming is the new big trend in video games.

Cloud gaming refers to a game that resides on a company server rather than on the gamer’s computer or device. The gamer enters the game by installing a client program that can access the server where the games are running. The main advantage of cloud gaming is that the company can upgrade the games without having to worry as much about the capabilities of users’ computers.

The idea of cloud gaming was first introduced by G-cluster on Electronic Entertainment Expo, E3. Initially, the idea was to offer cloud gaming service over WiFi to handheld devices. In the 2009 Game Developers conference, OnLive demonstrated cloud gaming by streaming the game Crysis over the Internet from a remote server. It officially turned on its service in the US on June 17, 2010, at an initial monthly service fee of $4.95 but later canceled this subscription fee. A year later, Gaikai, which allows game publishers and others to embed free streaming game trials on their web sites, launched its open beta with games from Electronic Arts including Dead Space 2, Mass Effect 2, and Sims 3. Gaikai’s main strength was that it allowed its games to be embedded directly inside websites, on Facebook, or on mobile devices.  The company grew in popularity over the years until Sony eventually bought it in July 2012 for US$ 380 million. This acquisition allowed Sony to use the cloud gaming technology for the PS4, the company’s newest console introduced about two weeks ago.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/click_online/8085937.stm

http://cloud-gaming-the-new-gen-gaming-trend.blogspot.ca/

http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/cloud-gaming/