Cloud gaming is an innovative, accessible way to play games without expensive hardware — but how does cloud gaming work? It’s pretty simple; you just need a reliable internet connection and a subscription to a cloud gaming provider. You can even access a global library by using a VPN to connect to other service locations — learn more in our guide to the 10 best VPN providers.
While local gameplay will still be king for years to come, it’s easy to see why the cloud gaming experience is so enticing as a cost-effective alternative to traditional gaming. In this article, we’ll take a look at the inner workings of cloud gaming technology and discuss some of the top services.
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08/22/2024 Facts checked
Article rewritten with new information and an easier-to-read format.
What Is Cloud Gaming?
Cloud gaming is a way to play video games via cloud streaming services like PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass. Cloud games aren’t stored on your console, PC or mobile device. Instead, they are streamed to you over the internet, saving local storage space.
With cloud streaming, you don’t have to buy games or wait for them to download, so you can play AAA games in minutes if you have a fast internet connection. You can learn more in our guide to internet speeds.
How Does Cloud Gaming Work?
Cloud gaming works similarly to streaming services, but instead of choosing a TV show or movie from the library, you select a video game to play. Rather than running locally on your device, the game is streamed over the internet from remote servers. You use your controller or keyboard to send inputs to the server, and the server responds to your commands.
Cloud Gaming on PC vs on Phone (iOS & Android)
Cloud gaming works in a similar way on PCs and phones, but you’ll notice some key differences when it comes to performance, connectivity and user experience. The table below lists the most common differences.
| Features: | PC Gaming | Mobile Gaming |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware | Powerful hardware, high-resolution display | Limited resources, smaller display |
| Performance | Better decoding hardware and reliable internet connections enable smoother playback and higher resolution | Limited decoding hardware and less stable internet connections can cause lower-resolution video quality |
| Network Connectivity | Uses faster and more stable connections such as ethernet | Uses portable 4G/5G connections that can be less stable |
| User Experience | More immersive and detailed experience with options to customize the user interface (like HUD and accessibility settings) | Completely portable experience with a streamlined user interface for touchscreen gaming |
| Compatibility | Robust PC support from most cloud gaming platforms | Limitations arise due to app store restrictions |
| Battery Life | Generally not an issue, except for gaming laptops | Critical factor as cloud gaming is resource-heavy on mobile battery life |
Best Cloud Gaming Services: Examples
Here are a few leading cloud gaming services that offer a great selection of games and powerful hardware. If you want to learn more, take a look at our roundup of the best cloud gaming services.
NVIDIA GeForce NOW
GeForce NOW is the top service for PC gamers, with powerful hardware that provides high-resolution gaming and up to 240fps. The service supports more than 1,500 PC games, but there’s a catch — you can play only games that you already own on accounts like Epic, GOG or Steam, and subscriptions come with a one, six or eight-hour session limit depending on the plan.
Xbox Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass is the best multi-platform service. It lets you access Xbox cloud gaming on Xbox One, Series X or Series S consoles, iPhones and Android phones, Windows PCs, Samsung smart TVs and Meta Quest headsets. However, you’re limited to 1080p resolution and 60fps.
PlayStation Plus
PlayStation Plus is ideal for PlayStation 4 and 5 gamers, as well as Windows PC users. This service lets you stream as many as 400 classic and new games. Additionally, the games stream in up to 4K resolution at 60fps.
Does Cloud Gaming Require a Good PC?
No, cloud gaming does not require a high-end or “good” PC, as all of the processing and graphics rendering happens remotely on external servers. You can start playing your favorite games with less processing power — all you need is a fast, reliable internet connection. Check out our guide on how to speed up your internet connection if yours is a little slow.
Is Cloud Gaming Safe?
Yes, cloud gaming is safe as long as you protect your online privacy and ensure that security is tight. Make sure your gaming account password is strong, regularly update your account, review your privacy settings and enable two-factor authentication. Also, check to see if your platform has additional security features — for example, PlayStation provides suspicious login alerts.
Final Thoughts
Cloud gaming isn’t quite set to replace traditional gaming, but it’s certainly impacting the gaming world. Allowing players to game remotely and access top releases on demand makes it a popular and affordable choice for many. However, it’s going to take a while for cloud gaming technology to match the quality of local play on PC and consoles.
What has your experience with cloud gaming been like? Have you tried platforms like Xbox Cloud Gaming or PlayStation Plus? Do you think cloud gaming will overtake traditional gaming in the future? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, and as always, thank you for reading.
FAQ: How Cloud Gaming Works
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Cloud gaming works by running games remotely on powerful servers and streaming the gameplay to your device over the internet.
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A major downside to cloud gaming is its dependence on internet speed. This means you could face lags and stuttering on a slower connection. Network congestion and high latency can prevent gameplay altogether, and users with limited internet plans or network data caps could encounter significant restrictions.
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You need reliably fast internet speeds (at least 10 Mbps), a compatible gaming device such as a gaming console, PC or smartphone, and a cloud gaming service subscription like NVIDIA GeForce NOW or PlayStation Plus.
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Cloud gaming uses remote servers in data centers. These servers host and run the games, streaming them over the internet to your PC, phone, game console or other device.
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