History of Cloud Gaming

Learn the evolution of cloud gaming. It may be part of contemporary technology, but it has quite a long history.?

The development of cloud gaming has been fueled by the human propensity to improve the area of gaming and modifications in technology. It is a tale about tracing its development and solidifying technology improvements at scale.

In the tech industry, cloud gaming has revolutionized the gaming industry, to the extent that it is now the most preferred method of gaming among recreation lovers. Over the years we fancied large game boxes, consoles, and inserting discs to play games, now we're weighing in on playing all games remotely from the cloud.?

Cloud gaming users have also increased impressively with over 23 million users as of the 2021 market report conducted by Newszoo. While this figure seems promising, cloud gaming did not start appearing from 2019, it can be traced as far back as 2000.?

What follows is an analysis of the origin of cloud gaming, its reasonably rapid growth as a connecting and marketable force, and the change it has brought to the technology world. It further describes the timeline of cloud gaming and the stories behind its development. It is an outline of a history of Game-as-a-service, namely online gaming.?

What is Cloud Gaming in Simple Terms??

Simply put, cloud gaming involves playing games from remote internet servers without a physical game aid like discs. It is also known as gaming on demand, even though the awareness is not fully global like traditional games, it has changed the way video game enthusiasts approach gaming.?

The “cloud” factor in cloud gaming is not the physical cloud but “online”, it is game storage in the cloud. Instead of downloading and playing video games on your external devices, you can play and save them online. With game-on-demand, you cannot run low on the external device storage. With any compatible hardware, you can stream a game from anywhere, access different game types, the last stage you stopped, easily share your screen, etc. All these are safely done online through a secure server that stores your files safely.??

It's Like Streaming Your Favourite TV Show

To play cloud games, you need high-speed internet (that is stable) from a server. You also need streaming technology as the engine processing transmits on a powerful server.?

The necessary components needed for your video game to function lives in a data center. The data center that facilitates online gaming is full of servers very far away from the gamer.?

How is a Cloud Game Different from a Downloadable Game?

Cloud games are streamed from servers, they are not like the normal video game software we download. In some cases, a small download may be required (usually at the point of launch), but there is no need for the full software download into an electronic gadget.?

Furthermore, cloud games don't perform well without stable internet, it is not like regular video games which can run offline after a successful download. It needs stable high-speed internet to keep it connected and running on remote servers.?

How Much Internet Speed Is Required?

The general internet speed one needs to stream cloud games differ as the video resolutions are not the same. However, the higher the video resolution, the higher the internet speed you'll require. For instance, to stream 720p resolution videos, you need an average of 15 megabits per second, while multiplayer gaming requires more.????

If you want to know if your internet speed is sufficient to handle cloud games, you can test your streaming connection briefly before purchasing it. Depending on the game, if your experience is satisfactory, you can go ahead and purchase full access to continue playing.??

Another determinant of the speed of internet connection is the network provider around the gamer. A successful speed test does not fully guarantee a regular speedy internet in the future. But, you can reduce latency and manually improve your network speed by optimizing the internet on your gaming device.

Although if you are close to a good server, the number of people trying to access a particular game the same may affect the internet speed. Fortunately, gaming companies are making progress in addressing these issues. There are special routers that give gamers access over other traffic, there are also servers that are installed in strategic areas to give gamers easy access to play no matter the traffic.?

Cloud Gaming Technology and How it Works?

The internet bandwidth and the capacity of your server determine the streaming service of your cloud game. Every online game is a product of a company, it is made available to users on a subscription basis. You need to connect your device to a remote server in the cloud, the server facilitates your inputs in real-time

They are cloud games that can work with 7-10 Mbps but the result will be relatively low.??Your distance from the nearest server is also a determining factor. To play a cloud game, simply log into the app site and select a title, you'll get more options when using an input device.?

With cloud gaming, once the internet is accessible to many people and stable, game playing becomes easy, interesting, and fast.?

Each time you pick a device to play a cloud game, you can pick up from the last point you paused, as long as you saved it before signing out.?

Here's how it works

When you sign in to any gaming platform, you gain access to play video games and save your progress till you are ready to play again. The process of this technology is done over a live-streamed connection.?

It functions by operating games through a virtual machine. While you are playing it, a video stream is compressed to make it compatible with your device, then transmitted through browsers, apps, and other related software. The gamer’s input while playing is then sent to the server. The server processes the data and transmits them back into reality.?

Works Like a Cloud Storage?

Some cloud game services support browser gaming, meaning you have to log in through a browser into the game site to get started. Some use a dedicated client, which will be discussed later in the article.?

Once you?log into a game site, depending on how the game company service works, the experience you may have includes:?

●??????The ability to stream your game live.

●??????Access former paused games.

●??????Easily share your progress with others.?

●??????Engage with other players.

The Improvement of Virtualization Technology has Helped Online Gaming?

Before the use of virtualization technology in gaming, the early cloud gaming companies used proprietary technology. The success was relatively low as streamed games were lagging, and gamers had low-quality content to stream.?

This?was a result of the limited proprietary technology early game companies had. While there were several attempts to launch new streaming services, the servers available then were reasonably low.?

During the initial cloud gaming attempts, services had very few data centers to aid faster and wider transmission. For instance, a service provider with one or two data centers has very limited locations for the game users to play. Few data centers also increased lagging while streaming a game.?

In recent times, competitive games have led to a better gaming experience for players. The real-time data sent to your screen while playing is a combination of the server’s communication and the interaction around your character.?

Game companies now have enormous server farms distributed globally(with few exceptions to some locations) to facilitate a better gaming experience for players.?

Since the invention of virtualization technology, cloud gaming companies have improved. However, all gaming platforms are not the same, while some work with the interaction around your character, some use client-server architecture. This process is the same as game-on-demand but the servers bear more of the operation needs.?

There are different elements to make cloud gaming interesting, it ranges from the background server that makes it easy for video game streaming, to the client that aids the graphics and send-input display.?

Different platforms have their game clients that enable users to stream games online. For instance, Google chrome can serve as a game client for Google games. Once a user has access to a game client, the only requirement will be a stable internet connection for streaming.?

Most games feature high-definition graphics (when sending or receiving data), the internet support must be fast enough to handle it.?

The Technologies and its Benefits

Cloud gaming is not just a platform for entertainment, many players are making profits from live streaming on social networks, developers and publishers are benefiting too.?

Advantages to Players

The technology of cloud gaming has led to the easy access of high-quality games to anyone willing to try them out. Before now, it took a lot financially to buy a full gaming PC or game console. There was also a need to properly maintain and keep the running software to date.??

Players also have access to the same hardware and operation, as long as they subscribe to the game. This is a plus for healthy competition among game companies and reduces the cost of future development.?

When a game is device-agnostic, many users subscribe to have access to it with different devices as long as it is compatible as stated by company requirements.?

Presently, all you need to do is to subscribe to a gaming platform, and you can gain access to high-quality content and stream them online through a screen. While some services will need you to purchase different games separately, cloud gaming is far better than traditional gaming as the cost of an online game subscription is cheaper than buying a new PC dedicated for gaming purposes.

There is no need for forwarding or backward compatibility, a system upgrade to keep up with the evolution of games. For mobile players, storage capacity can no longer hold you back as you don't need to install apps.

Before the invention of cloud gaming, players had to install games above 40GB before they could play. It's a turn-off for mobile devices, a huge app can leave you with a lagging phone.?

Considering the time and space it takes to download and install a game, cloud gaming is the way to go. Simply sign in and get started.?

Advantages to Developers/Publishers?

From the developers' point of view, the potential of piracy is eliminated as there will be no need for real-time downloading (which is usually where contents are hijacked for negative purposes).??When streaming access is provided, all royalties go to the necessary quarters.?

Architectural differences don't matter in cloud gaming, developers no longer need to create compatible games for Windows, Mac OS, and Linux differently. The development of most cloud games is once, and it can be streamed on any device.?

All in all, the technology of cloud gaming has benefitted the gaming community. Players can now easily engage with other players, there is also room for those who like to relax and watch others play.

Additionally, players can stream a video game live on social media, users can join an active game from anywhere and engage with others.?

Is Cloud Gaming Safe??

Absolutely, yes. As long as you subscribe to a reputable cloud game service.?

When you send information (playing a game), the server hosts and stores your data. It provides it when you sign in to play again. Your login information and data are protected behind encryption to avoid unwanted access to your subscription.?

Most?cloud game services are usually clear about their requirements to help serve you better.?

How to Access Cloud Gaming

You need to create an account with a game service to have access to the game. Some will require you to subscribe to enjoy the full gaming package.?

When you subscribe, depending on the type of game, you can connect a compatible controller and start streaming. A game platform can feature over 700 games on demand.

You can save your progress and continue playing on any compatible device anytime, anywhere.?

Infrastructure/Devices

Even though it is an online game, you need hardware to send your inputs to the server and stream its content, it functions the same way a remote desktop would.?

Cloud gaming does not support all devices, especially old TVs, phones, and tablets that may not stream some games.?

At the rate of technological advancements, a good smartphone or PC suffices.?

Each game service requires devices. Lately, most cloud games are capable of streaming in 4K, on smartphones, smart TVs, Windows 7 and later PCs, Android game controllers that switch phones to game consoles, etc.?

Latest devices make it easy to experiment with first-party games with full touch screen controls, including customizing layout.?

Additional accessories include Bluetooth game controllers, stadia controllers, etc. These are optional.?

Due to the need for high-quality streaming, the aforementioned component (speedy and stable internet connection) cannot be overstated.

Latency is also a major factor in cloud gaming as input and effect can affect the game process. To support higher resolutions and quality experience, the provider's dedicated hardware must be in the latest version.?

Enormous data centers and server farms need to be adequately provided to enhance the gaming experience.?

History of Cloud Gaming

Cloud gaming seems to have gained popularity in 2019/2020, but there have been initial trials and innovations.?

Below is a chronological timeline that showcases its evolution and revolution.

2000?- Finnish Cloud Gaming Producer G-Cluster made the First Attempt to Produce Cloud Games

A startup founded in 2000 first demonstrated cloud gaming technology at E3. Its major aim was to provide gaming services without the need to buy costly devices to play it.?

In 2000, upon its invention, its target was to provide the most deployed gaming platform. While it later had a huge platform for gamers, its earliest attempt in 2000 had a limited outreach.?

In the early stages, G-cluster used IPTV set-up boxes for their service, targeting players who already have gaming consoles. Cloud gaming technology has gradually improved since its inception, and G-cluster has been a great brand in the gaming industry. Its first commercial rollout since its invention was in 2005.?

2005 - German Game and Software Developers, Crytek, Explored an Original First-person Shooter Video Game

The Yerli brothers Avni, Cevat, and Faruk are the founders of Crytek, under which they explored Crysis for cloud gaming in 2005.?

The research to develop Crysis towards cloud gaming stopped in early 2007 due to the economic studies they had earlier done.

It was not viable as the doubts concerning the economics of scale were present. Cevat Yerli made a statement and mentioned that in 2005, Crysis wouldn't have scaled as a cloud game due to the high cost of bandwidth then.?

2007?- Scalability Concerns After 2005 Research Halted Crytek’s Cloud Gaming Initiative?

In 2007, Crytek’s game “Crysis” became better on PCs.?

It won the PC game of the year award in 2007. However, scaling it to become a cloud game was halted after economic research.?

Crytek released “Crysis” in 2007. Despite its success due to the amazing visuals and creative gameplay, it’s a move to scale it to an on-demand game that was stopped the same year.?

It discovered the high cost of running cloud gaming will be high, including a limited outreach due to the insufficient Internet connection.?

2010 - Cloud Gaming Service, OnLive, Released the First Games-on-demand Service

It was available for Mac and PC browsers and was streamed through OnLive's Micro console.?

OnLive demoed their first commercial on-demand game at E3 before their official launch on June 17th, 2010. The game release was successful featuring over 20 titles including Mass Effect, Assassin's Creed, etc.?

After a successful launch, the games were available to players without the need for software or app download. During its first launch, players were subscribing for free for the first year, this was in partnership with AT&T.?

2011 - Gaikai Launched a Cloud-Based Gaming System

In 2011, Gaikai kept to its promise to market games to players on-demand, without the need for them to download and install them into their computers. The new game launch came with a demo that allowed players to test it before they purchase it.

It featured games like Dead Space 2 from Electronic Arts and The Sims 3, It can be embedded on a Facebook page where gamers can share the links for better engagement. The game’s quality was good, although the setting was limited, especially the display options.?

2012 - Sony Buys Gaikai’s Cloud Gaming Service for $380M

In June 2011, Sony acquired Gaikai for $380M to help improve the cloud gaming technology. This acquisition helped Sony gain dominance in-game streaming services.?

Before the acquisition, Gaikai had effortlessly created video game streaming compared to Sony’s effort at inventing cloud gaming. It made Sony’s existing hardware games benefit from streaming functions.?

The combination of joint efforts, especially Sony’s existing game knowledge, was to help Sony to provide unparalleled cloud gaming service to its players.?

Additionally, Sony’s PlayStation fanbase was also a contributory factor that was promising to grow the virtual gamers’ numbers. But all this excitement about cloud gaming did not materialize.

2013 - Nvidia Appeared to Have Tested Game Streaming Once More?

In December 2013, Nvidia launched the limited beta of Nvidia Grid but made it exclusive for the Shield. As at the time of launch, players could only experience better streaming when they are close to the company’s data center in San Jose, California.?

One of the requirements was a wireless router and a steady internet connection. The picture resolution and experience were better than the previous two attempts. It featured a responsive control and better experience compared to the existing android games that were available then.?

After its launch, things gradually improved, gamers got satisfactory experience streaming the Grid miles away from Nvidia headquarters.

2014 - Sony Announced the PlayStation Now, a Game Streaming Service Available on Televisions, Smartphones, and Tablets

Using Gaikai’s cloud technology, Sony launched its games into a cloud gaming system in North America. During its launch, it showcased a demo of one of its games without a console on sight, which intrigued its fans. In the same year, it launched a closed beta version of the program to provide a better user experience. All these were yet to be made accessible.??

The full service was designed to allow players to subscribe and explore a range of titles. There were also options for players to rent games and play within a limited time frame.??

2015 - Sony Made the Streaming Version of PlayStation Open to the Public and Acquired Onlive

?After the previous year’s announcement and public testing, Sony made the PlayStation available for streaming as a cloud game. It also added a meter that made it easy for users to their storage space and deletes unwanted files. This feature made the gaming experience faster and accessible.

Players were able to stream PlayStation live over Twitch and Youtube, which created more engagement.?

In the same year, Onlive shut down its game streaming services and sold its cloud gaming assets to Sony. Even though it disrupted the gaming industry, it helped improve the delivery of quality game streaming to just about any computing device.?

2017

1. Nvidia’s GRID Service Targeted Towards Cloud Gaming is Being Tested to Allow Users Link Their Existing Steam Libraries for Content

Nvidia’s GRID is part of the graphics processing unit produced by them to aid the cloud gaming experience. It was launched way back in 2008, it included video encoding that can go into a compatible device.?

In 2017, Nvidia improved its operation, so users can link their existing steam libraries for content. At the same time reduce the input of the latency of on-demand gaming. It made this service open for user testing to know areas that need improvement.??

2. Blade Introduced High-End Cloud Gaming PC Configuration Called Shadow

Blade is a French cloud gaming startup that aims to give users control over a computer device in the cloud. They made computers virtual, according to Emmanuel, the Cofounder and President of Blade, "they aim to change the ways people use computers and encourage virtual operation”.

Rather than constantly trying to deliver content for gaming, Blade wants to replace players' gaming PC or consoles.

Using Shadow, smartphones, and other related gadgets users can have full access to a virtual Windows machine.?

2018?

1. Electronic Arts Announced “Project Atlas” After Acquiring GameFly Cloud Gaming Division?

In 2018, Electronic Arts came up with its new gaming platform, Project Atlas. Bringing in the expertise of GameFly, they aimed to innovate and expand the technology of cloud gaming.?

Project Atlas is a platform that was set to stream Electronic Art's latest video games. Its design is meant to function in any smart device with a stable internet connection.?

According to Electronic Arts, the service will facilitate game development by providing a centralized platform for developers.

After the final acquisition of GameFly in May 2018, EA has strategically focused on the advancement of on-demand gaming technologies.?

2. Google and Microsoft Team up to Announce Project Stream and Project xCloud.?

Project Stream and Project xCloud is a combined state-of-the-art Cloud gaming initiative that offers players the freedom to stream games online using any device. Like earlier attempts, it aimed to prevent gamers from being locked on a particular gaming device.?

Project xCloud’s theme: “Gaming With You at the Center'' was to scale the gaming experience of the fan base. Its public trials were set to begin in 2019.??

During its announcement, it focused on delivering a high-quality gaming experience to existing Xbox players and reaching new players by delivering consistent speed.?

2019

1. Google Launched a Cloud Gaming Service Stadia

Stadia was the earlier project Stream service which was improved and launched in November 2019. During the launch, the available games were limited to 22 titles including Cyberpunk 2077 and Baldur’s Gate III. However, they rolled out more games later.

The games that came with stadia had limited features, especially the inability to work on other services. Google later provided cross-save support that allowed players to share their progression between Xbox, Stadia, and Computers.?

As of 2019, during its launch, Stadia was capable of streaming video games to players up to 4K resolution at 60fps. Including support for high-dynamic-range (HDR) through Google's numerous data centers.?

2. Sony and Microsoft Collaborate to develop Future Cloud Gaming Solutions

Kenichiro Yoshida, President, and CEO, Sony Corporation, and Satya Nadella, CEO of, Microsoft announced on May 16, 2019, that both companies will team up to enhance the on-demand gaming experience of players.?

This partnership puts PlayStation Now on Microsoft’s Azure and helped both companies explore a joint expansion of cloud gaming technology.?

The azure datacenter was to be the solution for Sony's content streaming services to better user experience.?

3. Tencent and NetEase Tests Mobile Cloud Gaming Technology in Browsers??

Tech giants Tencent and NetEase began testing on-demand gaming in mobile devices in China. It went Live in November same year, without the need for downloading or installation. It worked well on mobile browsers in Androids.?

It required a 4G network connection, featuring a collection of 38 mobile games that can be accessed through a dedicated cloud gaming app.?

Popular titles like Tencent’s “Honour of Kings” and Bilibili’s “Fate/Grand Order” were reportedly featured. When it went live, PC games were not supported and graphics quality was dependent on the available internet connection.?

4. Facebook Acquired PlayGiga- A Madrid-Based Cloud Gaming Startup

PlayGiga?was a Madrid-based game streaming startup offering cloud gaming services to mobile carriers across Spain, Chile, and Argentina.?

While operating, it had plans to launch in the Middle East later, it's gaming technology was top-notch that it had partnerships and delivered over 300 video streaming games.?

Facebook reportedly acquired it for $78 million to enhance its gaming-as-a-service platform. Through the added expert services of PlayGiga, it wants to develop its live streaming service in gaming.

2020

1. Sony’s PlayStation Now Amassed Over 2.2 Million Subscribers

In 2020, Sony announced that its cloud gaming subscription service has surpassed 2.2 million subscribers since its launch.?

Sony's PlayStation provides a growing selection of first and third-party titles for subscribed players to access without download or app installation.?

Since then, its pricing strategy has been favorable to players, including an expanded available catalog of AAA games for players to choose from.?

2. Microsoft’s Project xCloud Replaced with Xbox Game Streaming Service

Microsoft’s development and moves towards enhancing its cloud gaming technology are on the rise. The Xbox cloud gaming that replaced its earlier project xCloud was launched in 2020 with the integration of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.?

The Game Pass Ultimate subscribers service enables players to stream over 100 games without installation or download. Gamers simply sign in with any compatible device and get started.?

Xbox cloud gaming makes it easier for players to engage with friends and family while gaming. They can also gain access to a common library through dozens of multiplayer games.?

3. As Cloud Gaming Gains More Popularity, Apple Introduces Rules to Prevent Game Streaming Services From Marketing Through its IOS Store

These new rules from Apple are a clear indication that cloud gaming has gained popularity and needs to be regulated on its platform for a better business model.?

While these rules halted the launch of xCloud and Stadia in the App Store, they still thrived with other platforms.?

Apple wants game streaming services to have their store page with rightful metadata provided by developers. It wants to be able to review all game streaming services including its updates before users can access them on the App Store.??

4. Amazon Announced the Launch of Luna

In 2020, Amazon announced the launch of Luna, a game streaming service similar to Google Stadia. Before its official launch, it gave an invitation to access a few selected players for testing.

Luna offers a growing library of games, including some popular ones from “Assassin’s Creed”.?

Luna’s game streaming services differ from other popular cloud games. It offers dedicated channels for publishers and specific categories, Ubisoft was the first to launch this feature.?

5. Facebook Introduces its Cloud Gaming Service?

Facebook launches cloud gaming service, Incorporated with its social media platform. Facebook’s game streaming service is not the same as Microsoft‘s Cloud or Google's Stadia.?

It is made available for mobile users on Android and the web. Apple's terms and conditions halted its launch on the App Store, but the web users and Android device owners can stream different games on their social platform.?

6. Deutsche Telekom launched MagentaGaming, a Game Streaming Platform?

MagentaGaming is Powered by Start-up Firm, RemoteMyApp. It provides flexible game streaming technology and gaming content.??

It works as an over-the-top (OTT) media service in Germany. After the official release, it was then built to accommodate a large number of subscribers who will have access to its amazing gaming experience.?

The Present

2021

1. Verizon Announced its Game Streaming Service Launch

While speaking at the Electronic Entertainment Expo in 2021, Verizon announced the launching of its Cloud Gaming Service in the US.?

Its pitch to gamers was mostly on the benefits of 5G network technology. Since 5G is a major internet game player when it comes to speed, Verizon wants to drive it into its new cloud game technology.?

2. Apple Rules Presents Roadblock to Cloud Gaming on App Store

Game streaming platforms now presents its services to iOS user through the web. Apple rules still prevent third-party game developers from leading users away from its App Store platform

Most developers now offer their game streaming services through a web app in the IOS Store. While this is similar to bypassing Apple's stringent rules, it's not totally a violation.?

Presently gamers can access game streaming through a Progressive Web App (PWA).

3. Amazon’s Luna, Set to go Live to the Public.

Luna is Amazon’s attempt to compete in the thriving game streaming market. It is set to launch on the Luna+ streaming platform to make it easy for gamers to subscribe separately to games they are interested in.?

Amazon's services are offered on different channels and are not covered under one subscription price.?

It is presently available for users to request an invitation for early access. All that is needed is a high-speed internet connection, compatible game controller, and supported devices like Windows PC, Mac, Fire TV, Fire Tablet, Chromebook, iPhone, iPad, or supported Android phone.

The Future

Over time, cloud gaming has evolved into a great game video streaming service. It will reach over 24 million subscribers after 2021.?

Just like other forms of streaming services, cloud gaming technology is changing at a quick pace. This makes it significant for you to keep up with the latest cloud gaming trends.???

2023

5G Network Has Enormous Potential to Revolutionize Cloud Gaming Market

Due to the amount of speed 5G technology is bringing, cloud gaming will witness a multitude of subscription titles with an extensive reach.

The technological transformation will lead to entertaining gaming experiences.

It can bring tremendous amounts of speed to engaging multiplayer game streaming.?

The mass market for online gamers will be worth more with a high increase in mobile players.?

2030?

The ‘Thematic Research – Cloud Gaming’ Conducted by GlobalData Estimate Global Cloud Gaming Market to Worth $30bn

Even though cloud game streaming is still at its early stage of progress, the prominence is set to be on the increase.?

Non Gamers are gradually picking interest and tech giants like Sony, Google, Microsoft, Tencent, Amazon, Facebook, etc are working to intensify the gaming experience for their subscribers.?

Telcos are not left out, Deutsche Telekom, China Mobile, Verizon, AT&T, Vodafone, etc have formed partnerships with various game publishers to deliver flawless game streaming.??

Final Thoughts

Over time, cloud gaming companies are becoming intensely competitive, some have expanded their scalability to match the prices. With time, some may not keep up due to low-quality gaming experience, some will scale higher.?

On a final note, cloud gaming has come to stay, it has come a long way in its ability to stream games online. We learned about the innovative minds that started it, improved it, and shook up the game industry. With this history in mind, one can only imagine the cloud game technologies that are yet to come.?

If you want to combine this history and the latest technology to meet your gamification needs, feel free to?contact me. The upside of our gamification services can meet and facilitate workloads and information in the gaming industry. With the implementation of our gaming knowledge, you can stop worrying about the latest game technology and focus on your business needs.?