For many businesses, having all of their computing services within ‘the cloud’ has already become the accepted IT solution due to its speed and efficiency. Cloud computing is a solution which allows data to be stored and delivered securely from a server housed at a different location, which for businesses means they do not have to worry about storing all of it at their main business location while still ensuring they have quick, easy and safe access to it. Thus it is not surprising that it has been adopted by the corporate world, but now people are seriously discussing cloud gaming as the future, so what does it offer for gamers?
Well, when it comes to gaming, the cloud operates in much the same way as it does with business data files. The games files, video and audio, are streamed via a server located remotely, which then performs the necessary processing, before returning the now compressed files to the device that the gamer is using to play on. One of the major advantages that cloud gaming offers users is the potential to get access to games instantly and without the need for them to actually be downloaded in app form onto devices such as mobile phones or tablets. This could significantly increase the appeal of mobile gaming options such as the poker games offered by companies like Ladbrokes at their mobile sites. Imagine that you can play online games or even casino games on your mobile device. Just you need to use the high speed internet connection.
However, although there are clear advantages to the notion of remote cloud gaming, there can be downsides too. For those who are not located in big cities, with a wide variety of internet providers available, there could be issues relating to the reliability of the internet service and the amount of bandwidth available from your provider. There may also be some resistance from gamers who are attracted to collecting the physical artifacts – such as consoles, booklets and Special Editions of games – that would be rendered obsolete by cloud gaming.
