Cloud Gaming Platforms


Stadia

This is a game streaming service that will be offered by Google in its attempt to be the market leader in this area of expertise. Naturally, because “Google” is associated with it, most are already considering it one of the absolute best.

Having a Stadia account will, in layman’s terms, be like having a console, only invisible, and accessible from any location on any device. When it launches in November 2019, you’ll be able to utilise your computers (if equipped with chrome) as well as some phones and even an HDMI compatible ultra-dongle that plugs into your tv. Essentially, Stadia is like Netflix, only instead of movies and series it will stream games. Brilliantly, you can start a game on one device, and pick up on another exactly where you left off.

There are different Stadia subscriptions, but as with any subscription the more you play, the more you get. Packages start at $9.99 a month with access to only a few games, but with the option of buying others, or, you can sign up for additional subscriptions. So, when considering that it is like Netflix, this only applies to the delivery of the games, the streaming, and not the “library” or amount of games accessible. Paying a subscription for Stadia means you are paying for the method of delivery. Some of the games Microsoft plans to include on Stadia are titles such as Metro: Exodus, Destiny 2 and Wolfenstein: Youngblood.

xCloud

Microsoft too has its game streaming service; they have called it xCloud. Guess that is a nod to the Xbox in the Cloud? By the sounds of it, it will work very similarly to Stadia. Free trials will start in October 2019, a little sooner than Google, and this may very well work to their advantage. Another bonus to using a streaming service is that it will no longer be necessary to update your hardware ever so often Microsoft is not letting the cat out of the bag when it comes to games and pricing, but it has hinted that all the current Xbox ONE games will be available.

What are the Benefits of a datacentre console?

Both options, owning your console or paying for a streaming service, have pros and cons. It all depends on where you usually play your games, if you only play at home, on the television, then stick to your console. However, this is not optimal for those who travel and still want to play.

Streaming benefits

  • you can play on any device
  • no need to carry your tower, laptop, or console around
  • no need to download your games, but if you do, the download speeds are super-fast
  • harder for cheaters to cheat
  • Steaming downfalls
  • people with less than perfect internet connection will struggle
  • unbelievably expensive servers that inevitably the gamer will pay for
  • Depending on the distance between the server and your house, lagging may be a frustrating issue. You do not physically or virtually own the games so that they can disappear whenever.