Online gaming has become extremely popular over the years, as more major video game producers and companies are creating entire online universes to embrace as many players as possible and add more features over time. To top it all off, the pandemic has increased the public’s interest in online gaming as one of the main activities people have enjoyed in an effort to reduce stress and simply have some fun. Just imagine the workload these servers have had to endure in order to support the surge of gamers and developers – which is precisely why so many games have failed to deliver.
In an attempt to eliminate performance issues as well as a load of other problems so common in the process of developing a high-quality multiplayer game, more companies are turning to cloud computing. This seamless process comes with certain adjustments, but it shows immense promise in helping gamers get a far better gaming experience, and it takes so much pressure off the game developers, too. Let’s see what cloud computing brings to the table for the entirety of the gaming industry.
Security improvements
Now that gamers can play a game via many different devices, including tablets, phones, their own computer rigs, the risk of a data breach is all the greater. Traditional data storage platforms and solutions can, under specific circumstances and with ongoing maintenance provide optimal security for players as well as the development team, but cloud computing is much better equipped for the task.
Since cloud providers offer industry-level security protection and continuously updated security protocols, gamers can rest assured that their data (when some of it needs to be stored) is safe and protected.
Easier scalability for multiplayer games
In the traditional game development scenario, the company making the game would be typically responsible for purchasing servers and all the accompanying hardware for storing the game and enabling multiplayer systems. Building this comprehensive infrastructure makes it extremely grueling for companies to create truly limitless multiplayer universes.
With cloud computing, game companies can finally focus on the development itself without wasting time or energy on developing entire infrastructures where the games can be played. Instead of risking overloading your limited server capacities, the cloud helps gamers join in seamlessly, as the cloud-based environment is far more scalable and can adapt quickly to the increase in the number of players.
Major cost reductions
In addition to energy and time, companies also prevent incredible financial losses and cut expenses at every turn with the help of the cloud. Instead of building gaming environments from scratch, which requires substantial investments, companies are now relying on existing, tried and tested cloud providers.
Especially for multiplayer games, more companies are embracing Google cloud gaming solutions, since their well-distributed servers paired with scalability make it a cost-effective option that ensures better performance. At the same time, developers can have their own secure testing environment, work on current games, and give players the chance to experience multiple games at the same time, delay-free. All that helps companies boost revenue and cut maintenance and production costs at the same time.
Elevated performance
While we’re on the subject, performance is the main reason gamers are grateful for the use of the cloud. Game streaming services are now gaining even more popularity, since players have started realizing just how much the entire experience has improved. No delays, maximum graphic performance, and many other performance-related perks help gamers enjoy the process without worrying about delays, especially in multiplayer games.
Device compatibility
Consoles are still in use for many gamers who like the look and feel of the classic approach, but with cloud computing and streaming services becoming more widely available – even some of the classic games are getting the necessary makeovers to be played on other devices.
That means that now more players, even those without consoles can try these games on their PCs, laptops, and even their phones. Plus, with streaming becoming available, gamers no longer have to worry primarily about their PC or laptop specifications. Streaming makes it possible for almost any device with various capabilities to leverage the cloud and get the best possible without overloading the device itself.
Real-time developer support
Gaming companies still need to think of the overall gaming experience from the user perspective, and that includes the ongoing support. On the other hand, game developers themselves sometimes need some assistance in managing the cloud environment, which is now more than possible with the right cloud computing solution at their disposal.
A cloud provider is able to optimize the performance of the servers and scale depending on your needs, but most of all, game developers can then provide immediate and real-time support and help to players who need it. Managed cloud solutions are helping gaming companies build up their own reputations and focus on user experience more than maintenance itself.
Preventing piracy
Still a prevailing issue in the gaming world, piracy is only possible when there is actual gaming software or data to steal. The old-school approach to building games that are sold as discs or as downloadable gaming packages makes it easy to make illegal copies and share the game, thus incurring great losses for the developers who have spent years building these games.
Streaming services via the cloud eliminate the need for downloading entire gaming systems, let alone the physical presence of a CD – which makes it impossible to pirate these games, protecting the intellectual property of gaming companies.
Both gamers and the companies creating these incredible games benefit from moving their infrastructure to the cloud. Although there will always be those who prefer the classic single-player approach and who will enjoy all the perks of their own home-based rigs without ever relying on the cloud, the games that are about to take over the industry call for a much more robust, multiplayer environment. To that end, the cloud will slowly become the go-to option for gaming companies to produce more cost-effective and player-friendly solutions in a single swoop.
