Did you know that the number of cloud gamers is predicted to rise to more than 499 million by 2029?
This figure shows that gaming is no longer restricted to traditional methods. You can now play games with people from all over the world, without leaving your home.
For instance, you can even play card games like Rummy with players from Spain, Romania, and other places by logging into the platform on the relevant app. These apps are powered by cloud gaming platforms. But what exactly are they?
Let’s explore them in greater detail below.
What Is a Cloud-Native Gaming Platform?
Cloud native gaming platforms are basically digital platforms that operate entirely via cloud servers. These platforms use the cloud network to “host” the game and stream it live to the user’s device.
In other words, you do not need to download the software physically to run it on your device. Some popular ones are:
- NVIDIA GeForce NOW
- Xbox Cloud Gaming (xCloud)
- Google Stadia
- Amazon Luna
- Tencent and NetEase
What Are Some Features of Cloud Native Platforms?
Apart from that, these platforms have some other features, such as:
- Scalability
Cloud native gaming platforms can be modified to include more microservices or operations within their infrastructure.
This is possible because of the virtual machines that they operate on. These machines are not restricted by physical parameters and can be scaled up or down depending on need.
- Real-time data processing.
Most, if not all, of the application data is stored on off-site servers in the case of cloud-native gaming platforms. So you don’t need to have a good setup on your computer or laptop to play or process these games.
That’s because the cloud servers process the data for you and relay your inputs in between the platforms. So if you press a key to perform a certain action on your console or PC, the action is relayed to the servers, and the corresponding video frame is sent to your PC.
- Robust microservices architecture
These platforms often combine multiple micro or small services or operations into a unified interface. Some examples are in-game transactions, chats, and other services. Gamers can seamlessly switch between these services, as per their needs.
For example, when you’re using a Rummy app, you can chat with other players during a match in between moves, without disrupting your gameplay.
But with that being said, how exactly are cloud-native gaming platforms different from conventional gaming platforms? Let’s explore these differences below.
How Are Cloud-Native Platforms Different From Traditional Gaming Platforms?
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Cloud Native Platforms |
Conventional Gaming Platforms |
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Features |
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Updates |
Can be updated seamlessly due to virtual machines, without a major time lag. |
Need time to update these platforms manually. Process takes more time than usual as the RAM of the device (console/PC) is used. |
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Scalability |
The platform interface can be scaled or increased in size as per your requirements and needs. |
You can only upgrade the device to the extent that the hardware can support the upgrades. In other words, the ROM and RAM play a significant role. |
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Multiplayer Features |
Offer many multiplayer features such as:
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Your multiplayer experience will be impacted by the local LAN connection.
So you can experience:
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Cost |
You do not need to spend a significant amount of money to enjoy a cloud game, as you can pay a small amount to a subscription-based service which lets you play high-end games easily. |
You often have to invest significant amounts of money to buy the games you want to play, as well as the hardware required to support them. |
How Do Cloud-Native Gaming Platforms Impact Multiplayer and Social Gaming?
Unlike traditional platforms, you can enjoy playing in real time with your fellow gamers due to the real-time data processing features. So you can improve your gameplay by:
- Chatting with them
- Planning raids or missions
- Exchanging tips as relevant
If you’re playing something like Clash Royale, or Rummy, then you will enjoy a fair matchmaking process. In other words, you will face opponents who are close to your skill level. Additionally, you can check out the competition with the help of global leaderboards.
You can also stream these games easily on platforms like Twitch and Discord for your followers due to their multi-channel integrations.
What Enhancements Do Players Experience With Cloud-Native Gaming Platforms?
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Cloud Native Platforms |
Conventional Gaming Platforms |
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Matchmaking Speed |
Doesn’t take much time due to the network integration capabilities.
For example, you will be matched quickly when you play a match on a Rummy app. |
Takes some time due to the differences in the hardware of the players involved. |
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Game Updates |
The games auto-update due to the cloud network sync. |
You have to update the games manually. |
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Cost |
It doesn't cost a lot, due to the subscription-based nature of the cloud platform.
You also don’t have to invest in high-end devices.
If you’re playing standalone cloud games like Rummy, then you’ll need a basic to mid-range Android device. |
You often have to pay individually for each game that you play, since you have to purchase them from a digital store like Steam.
Apart from that, you also have to pay for the devices or consoles. |
What Challenges Can You Face on Cloud-Native Gaming Platforms?
Now, as you’re aware, nothing is without its challenges. That’s why you should be aware of the following challenges that you can face with cloud-native gaming platforms:
- Latency issues
In case you live in an area with poor bandwidth, you can face latency issues. Latency refers to a laggy experience. So while you might try to get your character to do something, it will respond late.
- Subscription fatigue
Since not all games will be available on a single platform, you might have to subscribe to multiple platforms to play what you want. So it might get tiring for you to keep signing in whenever you want to play.
- Dependence on stable internet
You’ll also need a stable internet connection to play these games, since the cloud servers will use the internet data packets to relay information between themselves and your device.
The Future: What’s Next for Players
With the rising advances in technology, you can certainly expect a much more immersive experience going ahead.
You can expect AI-supported personalization, wherein the game will respond to your choices and create a world or environment based on that.
Some other things you can expect are an expansive virtual world, build your choices wherein players can “live lives”, by adapting to your choices, and eating virtual food, shopping for virtual clothes and so on.
Some platforms might also integrate Virtual or Augmented Reality into their games for an immersive experience. In other words, you can play Rummy with international players with the help of a VR headset.
As all these things imply, the future of cloud-native gaming platforms is quite exciting. So, why not give it a try and see whether it works for you? Happy gaming!
