Top 7 Cloud Gaming Services

What Is Cloud Gaming?

Cloud gaming is an online gaming service that allows you to play video games through remote servers. Using cloud gaming means you don't need to download the actual game to your local device; instead, it is streamed directly to your device, and the game remains remotely hosted by a cloud infrastructure. This technology eliminates the need to purchase powerful computers or expensive gaming consoles. It is sometimes referred to as gaming on demand or gaming as a service.

Furthermore, utilizing cloud gaming services means having seamless access to your games and stored data regardless of your location, as all information is saved in the cloud. As long as you are connected to a stable internet connection, you have flexible access to play your games using virtually any device, such as a laptop, smartphone, or tablet. This accessibility has revolutionized the gaming industry by breaking down traditional hardware barriers and making high-quality gaming experiences available to a broader audience.

Cloud Gaming Services vs. Game Servers

These two terms are often used interchangeably, but they represent different concepts. Let's clarify: the concept behind game servers differs from cloud gaming services. Game servers are used to host online multiplayer video games and facilitate a reliable, stable, and fast connection to your favorite online games.

The main advantage of game servers is their suitability for hosting games with improved reliability and performance. They provide dedicated resources for multiplayer experiences, ensuring low latency and consistent gameplay for all connected players.

Cloud gaming services, however, eliminate the need for your console or PC entirely. Just as you don't download movies or TV shows through Netflix, cloud games don't download files to your device. Instead, you connect directly to a remote server, and the content you consume is processed off your device. Consequently, gaming services offer effective content streaming with all the heavy computational work handled by powerful remote servers.

On the surface, it brings the concept of on-demand to gaming, which reduces loads on your local disks and hardware requirements. On the other hand, you have seamless access to a wider range of games on your mobile devices without worrying about storage space or processing power.

The 7 Best Cloud Gaming Services

It's safe to say that cloud gaming is growing rapidly, with several companies offering these innovative services. In recent years, Amazon introduced a cloud gaming service called Luna, while Microsoft has expanded its Xbox Cloud Gaming services to compete in this emerging market.

Ultimately, these services offer improved loading times and support, larger streaming device compatibility, and much more. Let's explore 7 different cloud gaming services and each of their distinctive features.

1. Google Stadia

Google Stadia is a cloud gaming service that allows you to play your favorite video games on your devices without the need for a gaming console or powerful computer. Additionally, since rendering is performed on Google's servers before being streamed to your device, you can play high-quality games regardless of your computer's specifications. This means even users with older or less powerful devices can enjoy the latest AAA titles with stunning graphics.

It is available in 22 different countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, and many other European regions. Overall, Google Stadia now supports over 200 games, including famous titles like Darksiders Genesis, Time on Frog Island, Borderlands 3, Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2, The Great War, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Cyberpunk 2077, and many others.

Regarding pricing, Google Stadia has two tiers: Free and Pro. The free plan allows you to skip the lengthy registration process and get immediate access to play 60 minutes of the full game at no cost. However, with this Free package, you can only play a few games, such as Infinite, Recharged, Shades of Horror Playable, Calico, etc.

The Pro package offers more features, including 4K resolution, 60fps, HDR, and 5.1 surround support with connections of 35Mbps or higher. Similarly, like Netflix, Stadia Pro allows you to add your favorite free games to your collection with an active subscription. The platform also allows you to purchase third-party games not listed in the package at a discounted price, giving you flexibility in building your gaming library.

In general, regarding latency, your internet connection speed determines the quality of streams. Google suggests at least 10Mbps to achieve 720p resolution at 60fps and stereo sound. Additionally, to get 1080p video, 60fps, and HDR, you'll need at least 20Mbps. 4K resolution will cost you around 35 Mbps for optimal performance.

2. NVIDIA GeForce Now

NVIDIA GeForce Now is another cloud gaming service that offers seamless access to play games hosted on its remote servers. You can access GeForce Now through iOS Safari, using your iPhone or iPad, and on any Android device with more than 2GB of RAM, much like Google Stadia, Shadow, and PlayStation Now.

Unlike other cloud gaming services (Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or Sony PlayStation), GeForce Now does not provide a collection of games. Additionally, you cannot purchase games like you can with Google Stadia or Amazon Luna. Instead, it offers more of a complete cloud gaming service like Shadow and allows you to connect with your online accounts from Epic Games Store, Steam, or Uplay to play or purchase your favorite games through those online stores. This approach gives you the freedom to leverage your existing game libraries.

It's also important to note that the platform supports thousands of games, including popular ones like Destiny 2, Apex Legends, Fortnite, Dauntless, Warframe, and World of Tanks. You can link almost any game from supported DRM platforms, making it one of the most flexible cloud gaming solutions available.

NVIDIA GeForce Now has three subscription structures: Free, Priority, and RTX 3080. The free plan offers standard access to all supported games with 60-minute gaming sessions. Additionally, since paying members are prioritized, using this free plan you may have to queue and wait, depending on traffic volume. Priority members can play up to six hours per session, and RTX 3080 subscribers get eight-hour sessions with higher graphic resolution and enhanced performance.

GeForce Now recommends at least a 15Mbps connection for 720p at 60fps, about 25Mbps for 1080p at 60fps, and a 35Mbps connection for 1440p at 120fps for the RTX 3080 plan. Additionally, the service suggests latency below 40ms for the best gaming experience.

3. Shadow

Shadow is a Windows PC in the cloud accessible remotely. The platform supports Windows, Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, tvOS, and Linux. Shadow is among the most renowned cloud gaming services, with its "high-performance gaming, accessible to everyone" philosophy.

Unlike GeForce, which is connected to digital rights services, using Shadow means opting for a high-end PC that you can access remotely. Consequently, it supports any game that would normally run on a Windows 10 computer. So, you can literally download and play any game of your choice as long as it doesn't use discs. This gives you complete freedom and control over your gaming experience, similar to owning a powerful gaming PC.

However, regarding pricing, Shadow is somewhat expensive compared to other services. Since there is no separate plan, Shadow has what is called Power Upgrade, which allows you to upgrade your base subscription for enhanced performance and capabilities.

The platform recommends at least 15 Mbps with any type of internet connection, including cable, DSL, fiber, and even mobile 4G LTE. For an optimal experience, you can opt for Ethernet or a 5GHz Wi-Fi network to minimize latency and maximize streaming quality.

4. Sony PlayStation Now

PlayStation Now is Sony's cloud gaming service that offers access to hundreds of PS4 and PS3 games to play online with your PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PS4 Pro, and sometimes a PC. It's important to note that PlayStation Now and PlayStation Plus have been merged and are no longer available as separate subscriptions.

PlayStation Now offers three subscriptions: Premium, Essentials, and Extras. Typically, these packages differ in terms of monthly games, online multiplayer, game sharing, cloud storage, and much more. Additionally, opting for one of these plans means you don't need to have games installed locally on your console, saving valuable storage space.

Currently, PlayStation Now offers more than 700 games, which include many PS3 titles and triple-A games for PlayStation 4, including God of War, Grand Theft Auto 5, Uncharted 4: A Thief's End, and recent titles like Assassin's Creed Valhalla and much more. This extensive library ensures that players have access to both classic favorites and modern blockbusters.

PlayStation Now recommends a minimum of 5Mbps for basic streaming. Sony also suggests that a seamless connection can be achieved through a wired connection rather than regular wireless, which helps reduce latency and improve overall gaming performance.

5. Amazon Luna

Luna is Amazon's cloud gaming service, which offers easy access to play interesting games on your devices. These devices include Windows PC, Mac, Fire TV, Fire tablets, Chromebook, iPhone, iPad, Android phones, and some Samsung Smart TVs. With the Luna Controller, you don't need to configure a device from scratch; you can connect directly to the cloud. Luna also supports third-party products, supporting controllers like Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and mouse + keyboard for maximum flexibility.

Similar to PlayStation Now, Luna offers various features, including Luna Couch, which allows you to play local multiplayer games with friends available across the country. To use this service, you need an Amazon account and must live in a region where Luna is supported.

Additionally, Luna adds some social interaction to its product by integrating Twitch, which allows you to interact with friends and share your gameplay with a broader community of gamers.

Regarding pricing, your subscription determines the quality of your gameplay. Currently, you can subscribe to channels: Luna+, Family channel, Retro channel, Prime gaming, Ubisoft+, and Jackbox games. Prime gaming is free, with a rotating selection of games among members. Luna+ costs $9.99 after a 7-day free trial with access to more than 100 games.

Other channels, such as a $5.99 monthly Family channel and a $4.99 Retro channel, offer family-style and classic-retro games respectively. A Ubisoft subscription, which costs $17.99 per month, gives you access to all Ubisoft games, including new releases.

Luna supports a balanced mix of different game genres with popular games like Control, Resident Evil 7, Dirt 5, Far Cry 4, Sonic Mania Plus, and Devil May Cry 5. Amazon suggests a minimum connection speed of 10 Mbps or a 5 GHz wireless or wired network to enjoy these games with minimal latency.

6. Xbox Cloud Gaming

Microsoft Xbox Game Pass Ultimate essentially combines Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass on PC to ensure users access to a collection of over 100 high-quality games that users can play with millions of players on Xbox consoles through their personal devices.

You can install games on your Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC like Doom Eternal, Forza Horizon 5, and Gears 5, which can be played through your Xbox console. You can also explore free-to-play games like Warframe and other extras, including subscriptions to Discord Nitro and Spotify, adding significant value to your subscription.

In terms of internet connection, 5G gives you a lag-free experience with the lowest possible latency. However, the platform recommends at least an internet speed of 10 Mbps for smooth streaming and responsive gameplay.

7. Playkey

Playkey is a cloud service that hosts over 200 modern games with enhanced graphics. It is often considered to have the largest catalog among cloud gaming services, offering an impressive variety of titles across different genres.

Playkey essentially differentiates itself from its competitors by supporting a decentralized cloud gaming ecosystem on a blockchain. It allows users to rent their hardware to gamers, thus improving the quality of game performance. This innovative approach also attracts many crypto enthusiasts who appreciate the blockchain integration.

Users can stream hundreds of games thanks to its connection with major companies like Ubisoft, Bethesda, and WarGaming. Additionally, since this gaming service supports blockchain technology, it offers users access to their farming servers with Playkey Token, its native token. So, if you're a crypto enthusiast and a gamer, you might want to consider Playkey as it combines both interests.

The platform supports various AAA titles like Grand Theft Auto V, The Witcher 3, Mafia III, Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, Bioshock: Infinite, and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, with the game list updated monthly to include new releases and popular titles.

Which Cloud Gaming Service Should You Choose?

There are several cloud gaming services you can choose from, each with its own advantages and unique features. You should examine the details written above to make an informed decision based on your specific needs, budget, and gaming preferences. One thing you cannot avoid is a good internet connection. All the best cloud gaming services require a good internet connection to have a solid experience, as streaming quality directly depends on your network stability and speed.

Cloud gaming will have a much larger presence in the future as technology continues to evolve. The video game industry is exploding in popularity, and cloud gaming makes entertainment more accessible to people worldwide, regardless of their hardware capabilities or geographic location. This democratization of gaming represents a significant shift in how we consume interactive entertainment.

FAQ

What is cloud gaming service and how does it differ from traditional gaming?

Cloud gaming is internet-based gaming requiring no high-end hardware. Unlike traditional games, it needs no downloads, consumes minimal local storage, and enables instant play across devices through streaming technology.

What are the best cloud gaming platforms currently available?

Top cloud gaming platforms include Tencent's START Cloud Gaming and Microsoft's Xbox Cloud Gaming. These platforms deliver seamless cross-device gaming experiences without downloads, offering instant access to popular titles and optimal performance for Web3 gaming enthusiasts.

What are the network speed requirements for cloud gaming?

Cloud gaming typically requires a minimum of 10Mbps internet speed for smooth gameplay. Higher bandwidth reduces latency and improves performance. For optimal experience, 25Mbps or above is recommended.

How to resolve latency issues in cloud gaming?

Optimize your network connection with a stable, high-speed internet and updated router. Use low-latency optimized browsers or applications like Nexus Browser or OneCast. Position closer to gaming servers and minimize background bandwidth usage for smoother performance.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of cloud gaming compared to local gaming?

Cloud gaming eliminates local storage requirements and device performance constraints, enabling instant access on any device. However, it depends heavily on network quality and latency. Local gaming offers full control and offline play but requires substantial storage and high-performance hardware investment.

What devices are needed to play cloud gaming?

Cloud gaming requires at least 10 Mbps network bandwidth, low latency below 30 ms, and jitter below 16 ms. You can play on smartphones, computers, or TVs as display terminals. Any device with a screen and stable internet connection works.

How do mainstream cloud gaming services compare in terms of pricing and game library?

Mainstream cloud gaming services vary significantly in pricing and game selection. Haimacloud offers the most competitive hourly rate at approximately 0.66 yuan per hour for RTX4070 configurations, with access to over 500TB of instant-play games. Other platforms range from 1.4-7.2 yuan per hour. Haimacloud provides the most comprehensive game library and best overall value proposition among current cloud gaming platforms.