The gaming market is estimated at $140 billion. The market expands every year, with new companies finding their niche and established players evolving as well. One of the most actively developing trends in gaming is cloud gaming, where no powerful PC or next-gen console is needed to launch new titles.
According to analytics agency IHS Markit, last year gaming services offering "cloud" games . By 2023, analysts predict growth to $2.5 billion. Each year, the number of companies involved in the development of cloud gaming increases. Currently, 5-6 major players are known in the market, the most recent being Google Corporation. What do they offer?
Google Stadia
Since we've mentioned the corporation, let's start with it, even though it's a newcomer in the cloud gaming space. On March 19, the company announced its new digital gaming platform called Stadia. Additionally, it introduced a new controller. Developers added a button that allows players to start streaming gameplay on YouTube with one click.
To attract gamers, the company offered them Doom Eternal, developed by iD Software. Players will be able to enjoy it in 4K resolution. Assassin's Creed: Odyssey is also available.
The corporation promised that every gamer would receive a cloud "machine" with a performance of at least 10 teraflops — one and a half times more powerful than the Xbox One X. As for the connection (the first question that worries anyone wanting to try cloud gaming), the demonstration of Assassin's Creed Odyssey was conducted over WiFi, with a response time of 166 ms. This latency is not compatible with comfortable gaming, and is completely unacceptable for multiplayer; however, this is still an early technical demonstration. The maximum resolution is 4K at 60 fps.
Stadia operates using Linux OS and the Vulkan API. The service is fully compatible with popular game engines like Unreal Engine 4, Unity, and Havok, as well as many software tools for game development.
How much does it cost? It is still unclear, but it is unlikely that Google will price its service significantly higher than similar products offered by competitors. It can be assumed that the subscription cost will be around $20-30 per month.
Distinctive Features. The company stated that its service is cross-platform (works on any popular OS on hardware platforms such as tablets, PCs, phones, etc.). Additionally, the company offered its own controller.
PlayStation Now (formerly Gaikai)
Unlike Google, this service can be considered a veteran of the gaming world. The company was founded in 2008 and was acquired by the Japanese company Sony in 2012 for $380 million. In 2014, the corporation rebranded the service and slightly changed its capabilities. The service was launched in the winter of 2014 and was initially available to players in the USA, later expanding to players from other countries.
The service allows users to play a large number of games directly in the "cloud" using PS3, PS4, PS Vita, and other gaming consoles. Later, the service also became available for personal computer users. The requirements for PCs are as follows:
- OS: Windows 8.1 or Windows 10;
- Processor: Intel Core i3 with a clock speed of 3.5 GHz or AMD A10 with a clock speed of 3.8 GHz or higher;
- Free hard disk space: at least 300 MB;
- RAM: 2 GB or more.
The service's library currently contains over 600 games. Regarding bandwidth, it is not recommended to have a throughput lower than 20 Mbps for optimal gaming. In this case, lag and occasional disconnections from the game may occur.
It is best to use the Dualshock 4 controller, as progressing through some games (most console exclusives) can be challenging without it.
How much does it cost? Sony offers a three-month subscription priced at $44.99 for all three months. A monthly subscription is also available, but it will be 25% more expensive, meaning that for three months you will have to pay not $44.99, but $56.
Distinctive Features. The entire service is tied to Sony's console games. As mentioned earlier, it is better to use a PS4 controller for gaming.
Vortex
Not the most famous service, distinguished by the ability to play directly in the browser (although Google Stadia seems to promise similar functionality, but at the time of writing this article, it was impossible to verify). If desired, players can use not only a PC but also a smart TV, laptop, or even a phone. The service's catalog features over 100 games. The internet speed requirements are roughly the same as other services—at least 20 Mbps is recommended, though more is better.
How much does it cost? For $9.99 per month, players receive 100 hours of gameplay. This means that one hour of play costs gamers 9 cents.
Distinctive Features. You can play in Chrome browser, in the Windows 10 app, and on devices running Android. The gaming service is universal.
Playkey
A well-known domestic project that has been written about multiple times on Habr. The core of the service is Nvidia Grid, although in 2018 there was information about the use of desktop graphics cards like the GeForce 1060Ti in Playkey. The company has been operating since 2012, but the service was opened to players at the end of 2014. Currently, over 250 games are connected, and it also supports platforms like Steam, Origin, and Epic Store. This means you can launch any game that you have on your account on any of these platforms, even if the game itself is not available in the Playkey catalog.
According to the service, players from 15 countries use the cloud gaming platform every day. To maintain the gaming environment, there are over 100 servers. The servers are located in Frankfurt and Moscow.
The company has partnered with 15 leading game publishers, including Ubisoft, Bandai, and Wargaming. Previously, the project managed to attract $2.8 million from a European venture fund.
The service is actively developing; now, in addition to purely gaming services, it offers its own cloud-optimized servers. These can be used by other companies—for instance, to create their own gaming service. Such servers can be utilized by developers and publishers of games, digital stores, and media outlets, providing them the opportunity to showcase a new game they are writing about—all who are interested or might be interested in launching games in the cloud.
How much does it cost? The price starts at 1290 rubles for 70 hours of gameplay. The most advanced plan is unlimited, costing 2290 rubles (~$35) per month without restrictions. At the time of writing, there were rumors of a change in the business model and a potential end to subscriptions. Previously, the service experimented with selling gaming time packages based on 60-80 rubles (~$1) per hour of play. This model may become the primary one.
Distinctive Features. The company operates on both B2C (business-to-consumer) and B2B (business-to-business) models. Users can not only play in the cloud but also create their own cloud infrastructure. In addition to a game catalog, the service supports entire platforms, including Steam, Origin, and Epic Store. Any game available on these platforms can be launched.
Parsec Cloud Gaming
A relatively new service that has partnered with Equinix. The partners optimize the gaming hardware and software to ensure that the service environment operates as efficiently as possible. It is worth noting that Parsec supports integrations with Amazon Web Services, and the company also collaborates with Paperspace, a developer of optimized GPU-based virtual machines.
Parsec has its own Cloud Marketplace, which not only allows you to rent a virtual server but also to dynamically turn it on and off. You will need to configure everything yourself, but the advantage is that it can be used not only for gaming but also for software needed for work, such as video rendering.
The advantage of the service is that it is not tied to hosting. To start gaming, you only need to find a GPU server that fits your budget. There are such servers available in Russia, . This way, the ping will be minimal.
How much does it cost? Parsec has quite a complicated pricing structure, which often sparks heated discussions on Reddit and other platforms. It's best to check the website for current prices.
Distinctive Features. To get started, you need to order the assembly of a gaming machine "on the other side". Then, you can set up games and start playing. Additionally, the server can be used for various purposes, including mining (which used to be profitable), not just gaming. The service offers its solutions not only to casual gamers but also to other companies.
Drova
A relatively young company whose developers have implemented the ability not only to play in the cloud but also to rent out their machines to other players. Of course, this rental is virtual. It is essentially about P2P gaming.
For the service itself, the choice of a rental scheme for gaming computers is beneficial. Primarily because it is scalable. The main task of the service is not to purchase gaming machines but to gradually increase the community by attracting new users through social media, gaming tournaments, and other events.
The cost of playing is around 50 rubles per hour. Thus, if a gamer plays not continuously but, say, occasionally, they can enjoy a lot for a relatively small amount of money (1,000 rubles).
How much does it cost? 50 rubles per hour.
Distinctive Features. The company effectively rents gaming resources from its clients who wish to earn from their PCs. Another feature is gaining access to the entire physical machine, rather than just a share of 'cloud time.'
Shadow
The service is similar to most of those described above. However, it is just as effective and fulfills its purpose — allowing play of modern games on older PCs and laptops. Its cost is $35 per month, with unlimited subscription, so the gamer can play at any time without restrictions. Essentially, Shadow is like Parsec — by paying for a subscription, the gamer gains access to a dedicated server where any application can be run. But, of course, most subscribers launch games.
You can play on a desktop computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone.
How much does it cost? $35 per month with no limitations.
Distinctive Features. The service is universal; you can play on almost any platform, as long as the internet connection is fast enough.
LoudPlay
A Russian gaming server that rents out servers with new graphics cards. Rental prices start from 30 rubles per hour. The developers claim that with a network connection speed of 10 Mbps or higher, games at 1080p run at 60 fps. Players have access to any games from Steam, Battlenet, Epic Games, Uplay, Origin, and other sources.
How much does it cost? From 30 rubles per hour of gaming.
Distinctive Features. The company is currently collaborating with Huawei Cloud, gradually transitioning its services to this platform. As far as can be understood, this is being done to improve performance and enhance game streaming quality.
Geforce Now
The service started operating in 2016. All computations are performed on NVIDIA servers equipped with NVIDIA Tesla P40 accelerators. Like in other services, a robust internet connection with a bandwidth of at least 10 Mbps is necessary for comfortable gaming with Geforce Now, although more is better. Initially, the service was only available to Nvidia Shield device users, but now it is accessible to owners of Windows or Mac systems. The service operates in beta mode, to connect, and wait for approval.
Games can only be played if they are in the user's library on Steam, Uplay, or Battle.net, or if they are available for free on these services. While Geforce Now is in beta, it is free for users. Streaming is conducted in Full HD (1920×1080) resolution at 60 frames per second.
How much does it cost? Currently (during the testing period), the service is free.
Distinctive Features. Geforce Now operates in beta, and waiting for application approval can take a few weeks. The gameplay is processed on powerful NVIDIA Tesla P40 servers.
Currently, the relevant services include those listed above. Yes, there are others, but most operate in demo mode, allowing gamers or developers to perform a limited number of tasks. There are even blockchain-based solutions, but most of them are not even in alpha—they exist only as concepts.
Source: habr.com
