Video games have become more complicated both in terms of graphics and mechanics in such a way that they require more sophisticated computer specifications to run properly. It’s likely that you won’t be capable of playing 2021 games on a system purchased in the early 2000s unless you upgrade the components of your computer. Cloud gaming is a technique that allows you to play video games on any device as long as there is a stable internet connection.
Essentially, a cloud gaming server manages the processing of a game’s video, instead of your device’s hardware by sending you compressed video frames in response to your input. The cloud-based server detects your input when you press a key. It will then send a new frame to you in response. It’s an easy concept however, it requires a significant amount of bandwidth to send those videos in real-time. Cloud gaming has been held back because of this, but recent advances in edge computing and cellular networks have allowed it to take off.
To achieve this, services like Stadia and NVIDIA’s GeForce Now are able to stream games with near-native quality on devices with different power. They also eliminate the massive downloads and setup processes of installing a brand new game on your device which is crucial for those with varying network conditions. Cloud gaming is not yet a reality. There are a lot of obstacles to overcome, such as problems with bandwidth and latency.