Develop the Future of Gaming with Cloud Computing Skills

Cloud gaming is the approach to streaming video games and computer games through remote servers which are a part of cloud data centers. Gamers do not have to download or install the game on their computer or console. They can log in with their account and leverage the streaming service. This cloud service requires high bandwidth and a reliable internet connection to send and receive information to and from the cloud to the recipient device. 

Some of the front runners of cloud-based gaming and streaming are Amazon Luna, Google Stadia, GeForce Now, Xbox Cloud Gaming, etc. Cloud gaming also helps game development companies and gaming industries leverage the cloud computing features like the pay-as-you-go model, subscription-based game access, processing power Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) and Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), security, compatibility, lower cost, on-demand games, etc. 

Learn more from Pluralsight's Networking in Google Cloud course.

Through cloud gaming, individuals and gamers can gain professional experience. Gaming companies are also shifting towards Gaming as a Service (GaaS) and on-demand game streaming model to increase the worth and accessibility of the cloud gaming market. According to NewZoo (a prominent game market analytics and research firm), the cloud gaming market will make a revenue of $1.4 Billion by 2022 (Q4) and $5 Billion by 2023. 

The game development industry is taking game streaming and GaaS to the next level with the help of the cloud. They are discovering cloud as a suitable and flexible alternative for game streaming. 

Leveraging the potential of the cloud will give these companies added benefits to render a high-resolution gaming experience and offer services at a low cost. Here is a list of benefits game rendering and development companies can enjoy if they leverage cloud technologies:

Ease of Compatibility 

Since the cloud entails processing and scalability potential, gamers can play high-profile games on lower-end hardware specifications and devices. Cloud eliminates the barrier of high-end graphics rendering capacity, processing power, and memory storage. If the gamer or the end-user has uninterruptible internet connectivity, cloud gaming offers a superior gaming experience. Thus it is the best solution for game streaming companies and gamers. Learn more about cloud technology from Coursera's Cloud Computing Basics (Cloud 101).

Better Gaming Experience at a Low Cost

Another significant benefit of cloud technology is its low operational costs; even for high-profile games. With cloud gaming, gamers do not have to upgrade their hardware to match game requirements and compatibility demand. This became a significant reason for the game development industry to leverage the cloud for streaming games having different computation levels and graphics requirements. Gamers and end-users do not have to buy additional hardware or upgrade their existing systems. This reduces the overall cost of the gaming experience.

Subscription-Based Cloud Gaming

According to gaming trends, subscription-based video gaming services will attract a more considerable market because there are not many hardware requirements, as the entire game can run on the cloud. Also, gamers can play their favorite games based on the subscription (monthly or yearly basis like Netflix). Since customers (gamers) are well accustomed to this cloud-subscription approach to business, marketing this new gaming model will not be difficult at all. 

Platform-Independent Gaming Experience

Almost all non-mobile video games remain restricted to specific systems and consoles like Windows, iOS, and PlayStations. For Linux, Chrome OS, and other users, gaining the utmost gaming experience through different operating systems and platforms often becomes challenging. 

But GaaS, powered by the cloud, enables the gaming experience to be more platform-independent. Cloud gaming allows customers to use PCs, smartphones, tablets, etc., that are running Linux, Android, Chrome OS, or any other operating systems to play games that were earlier limited to Windows devices.

Security of Users and Games

Games hosted on cloud servers are way more secure as cloud providers and the organizations both can oversee the security. Additionally, companies do not have to make separate game files and executables to sell in the market. This reduces the chances for game piracy. 

This is why the game development industry finds cloud gaming a powerful means to render gaming services online. Also, the users' data both in transit and at rest remains highly secure with the robust encryption standard. All user data, gaming experience, points, and other digital assets, remain stored in the cloud. So, gamers do not have to worry about accumulating their credentials and data locally. It eliminates data theft and the chance of hacking. To learn about cloud security, tap Coursera's course on Security Best Practices in Google Cloud.

No Hardware Update, Software Update, Game Update, or Patching Locally

Ask cloud gamers who use platforms like GeForce Now, Luna, Stadia, etc., why they love the cloud gaming experience? They will reply that it is because they no longer have to upgrade their hardware, game-supporting software, or any patch or component update. 

Unlike PCs or gaming consoles where gamers have to install or upgrade support software like DirectX or game updates with new levels, cloud games run on cloud-based server farms. Therefore, the game company undertakes all the necessary updates for their customers. Once the update goes live, all the gamers subscribed to that particular game get the update. 

All the above reasons poise cloud gaming as the future of the gaming industry. Learn more about cloud technology from One Education's course on Cloud Computing/CompTIA Cloud.

Increasing Popularity of Online Casinos 

Virtual casino games have already started working on the cloud. It has already become a prime example of how cloud gaming will bring a revolution to a wide array of markets. These casinos are already using cryptocurrencies instead of dollars and other currencies.

VR and AR Game Streaming

Game development companies are also planning to host their VR and AR games on the cloud. The customer will only need to buy VR, AR glasses, and headsets to play such video games.

Metaverse Gaming 

In the future, gamers will buy different Non-Fungible Token (NFT)-based game related items in their metaverse world. Metaverse will yield a makeover to the games, making them look even more realistic. Such large metaverse games will be hosted on the cloud and rendered smoothly by leveraging cloud storage, security, and extensive processing (GPU/TPU).