Gaming has become one of the world’s most popular pastimes. From video games to board games, everyone can find something to their liking. Some people enjoy playing for hours on end, while others prefer to take occasional breaks. Even niche types of games like first-person shooters (FPS) have become very popular in the past few years.
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What is Cloud Gaming?
Cloud gaming is a recent innovation in the gaming industry. It refers to playing video games online without installing them on a personal device. Instead, the game is streamed over the internet to the player’s computer or mobile device. This makes cloud gaming a practical and inexpensive method for playing video games.
Advantages of Cloud Gaming
- Cloud gaming is a growing trend with numerous advantages for both players and developers.
- It let gamers play games on any device, independent of location or internet access.
- It also retains game data, allowing gamers to pick up where they left off even if their device is lost or stolen.
- Lastly, cloud gaming enables game producers to customize their games for numerous devices and platforms without creating several versions.
How to Improve the Visual Quality of Cloud-Based Gaming?
Cloud gaming can be fun, but it’s not always the best option when it comes to how it looks. Here are some strategies to improve the visual quality of your cloud gaming.
- Utilize high-resolution textures: While not required, employing high-resolution textures can enhance the visual quality of cloud gaming. This is particularly crucial if you are using a low-end computer or a service that restricts your graphics options.
- Utilize anti-aliasing: anti-aliasing can help to smooth jagged edges and make things appear more uniform. This is especially crucial if you are playing on a high-end computer or with a provider that offers advanced graphics settings.
- Choosing the appropriate graphics card is not required, but it might enhance the visual quality of your cloud gaming experience.
5 Best Cloud Gaming Service Providers 2023
GeForce NOW
Nvidia GeForce Now is a cloud gaming service that allows you to play games hosted on remote servers and streamed to one of the compatible devices, similar to cloud gaming with Xbox Game Pass, Shadow, or PlayStation Plus Premium. All controller (or mouse) codes are reversed, and you receive up to 4K, 120 fps video of your games in return.
It is powered by over 20 data centers located across the world, with you accessing the one nearest to you. And, depending on the membership package you select, games are run on the greatest Nvidia graphics cards available (RTX), so they will look their best regardless of the hardware specs on your end.
Unlike the majority of its competitors, GeForce Now does not sell games or provide access to its own handpicked library of titles. Instead, it connects to your accounts at digital game retailers like Steam and the Epic Games Store to allow you to play games you already own or plan to purchase from them in the future. Some publishers restrict the usage of titles through GeForce Now, so not all games are available, although there are still many.
GameStream
The first thing to mention is that Nvidia’s GameStream service is not a real cloud-based gaming service. To access your video games, it does not connect to a distant server.
However, if all you want to do is stream games from your PC in one room to your new 4K HDR TV in another, GameStream provides an excellent streaming experience. This is especially true if you utilize a wired internet connection. The problem is that everything must be Nvidia. Your primary gaming PC must have a contemporary GeForce GTX card, and your secondary devices, such as a tablet or television, must have SHIELD built-in or be connected to one of the standalone SHIELD streaming boxes/tubes.
It’s pretty simple to set up if you have all of this equipment. 4K gaming at 60 frames per second is enabled, as is High Dynamic Range (HDR) for enhanced picture and color clarity in highly bright or dark game scenarios. The stream never once stuttered for us.
Boosteroid
Boosteroid is a relatively young company in the field of cloud-based video games. It’s perfect for playing AAA games on your smartphone from afar, no matter how powerful or modest it is. Furthermore, there is no need of downloading and installing the game.
You may play directly in your browser on a desktop computer, but the Boosteroid app is required for mobile devices. If you prefer to use your smart TV, you may download a special app for that. The PC version of the software is also downloadable, however, it is optional.
Amazon Luna
The Amazon Luna is on its way to the top of the company and advertises it correctly, and it’s already a competitor during the early access period. It, like Vortex, provides a curated selection of games rather than access to a full cloud PC service. However, we have the impression that Amazon has more relationships with major game producers and game retailers than an independent like Vortex.
Because of a relationship with Ubisoft, its catalog already contains notable titles like Metro Exodus, the newer Resident Evils, GRID, and even the just launched Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. There are already over 500 games available. It also outperforms Vortex by supporting 4K at 60fps and 1080p at 60fps rates, but we’re not clear why it can’t raise the framerate at the lesser resolution. In any case, Amazon demands a solid 10Mbps connection, whether cable, Wi-Fi or 4G.
Paperspace
Paperspace’s video gaming service is an afterthought to its core business as a cloud computing platform. It seems to have escaped notice because of the lack of promotion around it. Surprising, because it has perhaps the finest set of features.
Your subscription gives you unrestricted use of dedicated virtual gaming gear located anywhere in the world. That opens the door to the possibility of downloading and playing games from any location with an internet connection, such as a local store or library, from the comfort of your own home. There are no limitations, and in theory, you may buy any PC game you want. It runs on Windows computers equipped with Nvidia graphics processing units, and its servers are situated in the United States and Europe for optimal coverage.
Options for purchasing gaming time include a flat monthly fee or a per-hour rate. Depending on how well you know your gaming habits, this may be both a good and a terrible thing. If you go out for two days straight and have an hourly plan, you may wind up paying for three days. However, occasional players might reap the rewards.
Cloud Gaming FAQs
Does cloud gaming use your hardware?
The latest trend in gaming is, cloud gaming utilizes the internet to deliver games to your device. Because the game is being supplied via the internet, you do not need to worry about your gear. There is no evidence to support the claim that this style of game will exhaust all gear. In reality, cloud gaming can use less energy than traditional games because it requires less graphics processing power and memory.
How do you play Steam Cloud games?
To start playing a game in Steam Cloud mode, first, make sure that the game is installed on your computer. Then, open Steam and click on the Games menu. Under “Cloud,” select “Steam Cloud.” Next, choose the game you want to play. The game will now be downloaded and stored in your Steam Cloud account. Whenever you next log into Steam or start up the game, it will begin running from your current location instead of from the Downloads folder on your computer. So whether you’re at work or home, all of your games are right there waiting for you!
How do I use cloud games on my Macbook?
If you’re a Mac user, you’re in for a treat. Not only can you play many of your favorite PC games on your computer, but Macs also come equipped with great cloud gaming services that let you play some of the most popular titles online. Here’s how to get started:
1. Make sure your Mac is up-to-date and has the latest software installed.
2. Go to the App Store and download Steam or GOG Galaxy if you want to use their respective cloud gaming platforms.
3. Once installed, open the respective app and sign in with your credentials (if you haven’t already).
4. Find the game you want to play and click its icon. You’ll be given a list of options, including playing online with friends or joining a public game that’s already in progress.
Is Minecraft on any cloud gaming service?
Minecraft is one of the most popular video games of all time, with over 125 million users. The game can be played on many different platforms, but it is particularly popular on PC and console. However, Minecraft may soon be available for cloud gaming, as several cloud gaming services are starting to offer it. This would make Minecraft much more accessible to a wider audience and could lead to even more players downloading the game.
Conclusion
What cloud gaming means for the future of gaming is still up in the air, but it is clear that there are many possibilities when it comes to this new and disruptive medium. With advancements in technology and an ever-growing appetite for streaming and online gaming, it is clear that cloud gaming will only continue to grow in popularity.
