Ever heard of cloud computing for gaming ? We explain what this technology is, how it works and what benefits it will create for today's web users. Gaming has become a leisure time for over 2.4 billion people worldwide , according to the Ericsson Mobility Report. Every year the number of players increases, and games become more accessible. If earlier it was possible to play Counter Strike only on a powerful computer, now large and productive games run even on weak processors thanks to cloud gaming technology. What is she like? What are the prospects? And how will cloud games be played in Ukraine? We answer all questions in turn. Cloud games are those that are processed in the cloud storage of companies and transferred to the user's device. This means that gamers do not need the latest generation z graphics card or powerful processor, but a high-quality connection with minimal latency. This is similar to how we watch movies through streaming services. Such technologies are not new. The first steps in cloud gaming were back in 2000, but it became widespread after 14 years. From 2014 to 2020, the world's largest companies - Google, PlayStation, Nvidia, Amazon and others - presented their streaming services for games. Such services have a greate number of advantages. One of the main ones is the reduction of requirements for devices and their unloading. If the game is played on a laptop, you are limited by its power. If you open a cloud game on it, you can set higher graphics settings and speed up the loading processes. All this is taken over by the data centers of the companies. At the same time, a new wide audience is opening up for the gaming business: every smartphone or laptop user will be able to play. Now, more often than not, you need a powerful device or a separate set-top box. Streaming games consume several times more data than a video stream of the same quality. The game needs faster video encoding to reduce signal transmission latency. The connection speed is also important - providers recommend at least 10 Mbps for cloud gaming on a smartphone. The more demand, the more the load on data centers increases. By 2023, the number of gamers will reach 3 billion, which will spend more than $ 200 billion on games, according to Newzoo research .Cloud games: how they work
Maximum quality with minimum effort
New technologies for new experiences
That is why it is necessary to introduce new technologies so that cloud games can develop and move to a new level, and users are satisfied. 5G networks are one of the necessary innovations for this, which would help with data transmission with minimal latency and high reliability.
But it's not just a quality internet connection. Edge computing technology (edge computing) plays a key role: the development of local infrastructure based on 5G is the key to rapid response signal.
In addition, the segmentation technology in 5G networks allows you to reserve dedicated resources for games with guaranteed parameters for subscribers. As networks evolve towards a cloud-based design with better flexibility in hosting and deploying network features, game loads can be distributed to maximize performance.
New technologies are also improving the user experience. For example, South Korean mobile subscribers are already using 5G to play games. The catalog of mobile operators contains not only simple games, but also support for VR devices and augmented reality (AR).
It's free for 5G premium plan subscribers. According to SK Telecom, 5G subscribers play 2.7 times more than 4G subscribers. At the same time, 55% of users play cloud games on their smartphones via Wi-fi, and 45% - via cellular communication.
Gaming in Global Platform
Gaming is also gaining momentum globally. In 2020, esports was recognized as an official sport. According to the latest data from Newzoo and Wargaming , Globally ranked top among the world's other major platforms.
The increase in the number of players is also facilitated by the spread of 4G and affordable Internet - broadband access in Ukraine is the cheapest in the world, according to Cable.co.uk.
However, the average download speed is not very high - so far it is about 30 Mbps , while in South Korea it is more than 100.
The Ukrainian gaming market is definitely promising. Hardly anyone could have imagined in the distant 90s that console games could turn into a serious business with quite significant winnings and turnovers.
Back in 2018, the profit of the sphere amounted to $ 179 million, and in 2019 - more than $ 200 million. The increase in demand for gaming can stimulate the technology market. For example, the need for a stable and fast connection will be more urgent. The country will require new solutions and technologies.
Level Up: Go to the next level
Simplifying the requirements for games will contribute to the emergence of a premium segment. This allows users to have a quality experience without the need for special and expensive hardware or PCs.
Cloud gaming is just the beginning. With the introduction of 5G, businesses will be able to create games that take into account where the user is playing and what is happening next to him in real time.
This is possible thanks to the full range of sensors on the mobile device, such as camera, light sensors, GPS, accelerometer and sound.
The gamer will be able to virtually be in a new gaming environment and get a completely new user experience.
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