The cloud itself is a global network of servers that hosts infrastructure and software, which can be accessed via the internet. Whilst this is often associated with business-centric concepts such as cloud computing, cloud-hosted telephony, and cloud storage, the cloud has increasingly been embraced by modern entertainment solutions, such as cloud-based video streaming.
With this in mind, let's take a look at how the rise of cloud technology might impact the gaming industry in the future.
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What is cloud gaming?
Put simply, cloud gaming is the ability to play games remotely through the cloud. In other words, games are hosted in remote servers, before being streamed to the player's device through an internet connection on demand. For this reason, cloud gaming might also be referred to as gaming on demand or game streaming.
The main benefit of cloud gaming is convenience – it eliminates the need to purchase expensive hardware or install games. For example, bingo lovers no longer need to head to their local bingo hall or purchase a physical bingo game.
Moreover, the remarkable advancements in cloud technology have not only revolutionized the gaming industry but also various other sectors, like eDiscovery, where data retrieval and analysis have been streamlined through cloud-based solutions.
With the advent of cloud computing, eDiscovery processes have become significantly more efficient, enabling legal professionals to access and analyze vast amounts of data quickly and securely. This synergy between cloud technology and eDiscovery exemplifies how the cloud's versatility continues to shape and enhance various aspects of our digital landscape.
Instead, players simply need to make and verify an account on a cloud-based bingo site, such as https://bingo.paddypower.com/, then, players can select from various bingo games or rooms – some of which are live games with other players, such as the Crystal, Gold, or Silver Rooms, and Deal or No Deal Bingo. These games can then be played online using any laptop, PC, tablet, or smartphone, without the need to purchase any hardware or spend time downloading game software.
The same goes for those who play video games. If a new version of your favorite video game is released, you can simply play it over the internet without having to go out and physically purchase and install the game. When browsing, you can also see which games are suitable for your existing gaming console, smartphone, or computer software update, only purchasing the on-demand games that are playable on the device in question, reducing the need to regularly update hardware.
Demand for cloud gaming
In 2017, global cloud gaming user penetration only amounted to 0.5% reach, only rising to a meager 0.8% by 2020. By today, it is expected to have reached 3.8% of the global population. This trend is expected to continue over the next few years, with 6.2% of the global population using cloud gaming by 2027. You can view the complete statistics here: https://www.statista.com/forecasts. The significant rise in popularity is likely as cloud gaming benefits both game platforms and gamers alike.
For platforms, cloud gaming allows instantaneous launches of new games, making them available immediately to play via the cloud, boosting overall reach. In addition, if there is any need to solve any bugs or roll out any updates, this can be enacted remotely and automatically, reducing the risk of player dissatisfaction. That said, as the fairly new concept increases in popularity, it is likely that cloud gaming will begin to be a more competitive environment.
The increased demand for cloud gaming also mirrors the shift in consumption, with today's consumers expecting instant and constant gratification. According to a report by Forbes (which you can find here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescommunicationscouncil), 54% of consumers cited speed and convenience as the most important element of a purchasing experience. With games available instantly, without the need to wait for tricky installation, cloud gaming has the potential to achieve just that.