Nancy BlakeIf you’re a gamer, you might have experienced the feeling of waiting patiently on your lunch break to play your new favourite game on your PlayStation or on your commute home. Cloud gaming makes this a reality, making gaming accessible anytime, anywhere. In 2023, the cloud gaming market was already valued at 5 billion USD, but with an unimaginable 46.9% CAGR, we’re looking at a 143.4 billion USD value in 2032. With so many advancements in technology, the gaming experience has slowly been redefined, and this is just another step towards a future where gaming becomes more accessible to all.
What Is Cloud Gaming?
The ‘cloud’ part of the term might give you a hint about what this type of gaming is all about. Just like storing your files in cloud storage, cloud gaming lets you access games from any compatible device, no matter where you are. Instead of needing to install a game on a console or PC, you can harness these remote servers and stream the game over the internet—no storage space, installation, or a dedicated console required.
That means being able to use an existing device you already have, including your TV and smartphone, to play all sorts of video games, rather than having to purchase a Sony or Nintendo console or venture into the world of PC building.
Why Is Cloud Gaming Becoming More Popular?
As of 2022, there were over five billion internet users in the world. Even though so many people have access to the internet, many don’t have the means to purchase expensive devices, so cloud gaming provides a unique opportunity for these people to enjoy video games without the barriers. But this isn’t the only reason for the surge in cloud gaming popularity. Let’s take a look at a few other factors driving the trend.
Smartphone-Driven Society
Although cloud gaming is possible on more than just smartphones, it’s most popular on them because of their portability. Billions of people own smartphones, and when you pair that with the statistic on internet users, we’ve got a massive potential audience. People use their phones for just about everything, from online shopping to ordering food to socializing and even gaming. With so many already accustomed to mobile gaming, this has built up a solid foundation for cloud gaming to thrive.
Especially since not all gamers necessarily dedicate that much time or investment into gaming, cloud gaming on smartphones caters to casual gamers looking for an extensive library of games and the chance to play with friends while on the go.
Evolving Consumer Behaviours
We no longer have to sit at our computers to access the internet or go to an arcade to play a game—we’re treated to the flexibility and the instantaneous nature of portable devices. This ‘instant gratification’ culture means people aren’t accustomed to waiting days for downloads to happen. With cloud gaming, they can immediately access the game they want with a few taps.
In the video game industry, we’ve also shifted from owning physical or even digital titles to opting for subscription-based services, including PlayStation Plus and Nintendo Switch Online. A subscription lets us access a wider range of games without having to fork out large amounts of money every time there’s a new release. Cloud gaming aligns with these new attitudes, giving consumers more for less and a convenience that can’t be matched.
What Are the Benefits of Cloud Gaming?
As cloud gaming is set to grow at a rapid pace, what benefits could we—and can already—see as these developments continue to unfold?
Accessibility and Community
A large part of the gaming industry involves promoting community, giving people a space to connect with others who are fans of similar genres and games. The accessibility of cloud gaming serves to enhance that sense of community by breaking down those traditional barriers and letting gamers stay connected at all times. They can simply pick up exactly where they left off in the game or play games in real time, as long as they have internet access.
Cost-Effectiveness and Exploration
If they’re looking to explore other titles, players can head onto the library of games on their chosen subscription platform and enjoy those new experiences without the extra commitment. It also encourages exploration among the gaming community, bringing awareness to indie games or worthwhile plays that people otherwise wouldn’t have noticed. It’s akin to how a slots calendar casino resource can guide players to the latest slot games, highlighting new options that could’ve been off the radar.
Cloud Gaming Services
Despite the novelty of cloud gaming, there are already a few cloud gaming services you can sign up for, including two from the biggest gaming brands in the world: Xbox and PlayStation.
PlayStation Plus Premium
To get access to the incredible library of PlayStation games, you’ll need to purchase PlayStation Plus Premium, the top-tier membership of Sony’s subscription service. Priced at 17.99 USD per month, 49.99 USD for three months, or 119.99 USD annually, this flat rate cost includes hundreds of games that refresh every month. The catch, however? The service is only available on Windows PCs or, of course, a PlayStation console.
Xbox Cloud Gaming
Xbox Cloud Gaming has two advantages over the PlayStation subscription: it’s compatible with more platforms and devices, and it costs just 14.99 USD per month. It follows the same model in that you can access hundreds of games with new titles every month.
Amazon Luna
If you’ve got an Amazon Prime subscription, you get free access to the platform on Mac, Windows, Amazon Fire TV, Android, and iOS. The library features over 100 games, and there’s even the opportunity to purchase a Luna+ subscription to access other brands like Ubisoft+.
