Streaming has become one of the most popular ways to consume entertainment, whether that’s television, films or music. As streaming has continued to become more prominent and as the technology has grown, the opportunity for streaming games has become more available, allowing users to play video games and more across the internet.
How Does It Work?
Streaming games work just like streaming other content; a stream of data (Your song, television show, game or film) is sent from a server to an electronic device (Your computer, console, smartphone or television) which is then decoded and displayed to you for viewing.
Streaming games, normally referred to as Cloud Gaming, works in the same way. The game runs on remote servers and is streamed to the user’s device, allowing them to play the game over the internet. When players push buttons or controls from their device, the information is transmitted to the server where their actions are recorded and sent back to the user.
Since games are much more resource-heavy than films, television shows and music, they require strong internet connections than what is needed for other media. Weak internet connections can cause visual issues as well as lag and other problems, which can make gaming frustrating. But what games can you stream?
Online Casino Games
Casino games are some of the most streamed games in the UK. All casino games are streamed from a developer’s private server, not with the online casino. When a user plays a casino game at a UK gambling site or sister site, the user makes their bet. This information is then sent to the server of the game provider which communicates with the casino’s server to confirm your bet. A random number and round outcome is generated by the game provider and the information is sent to the casino server and then back to you where you watch the outcome of your bet.
Live casinos games are also popular forms of game streaming. These games feature real-life dealers who are streamed directly to you from their studio location. The dealers play out games like at a brick-and-mortar casino but everything is recorded and streamed to various players around the world who can interact with each other and the dealer via chat rooms. Some popular live casino games include slots, roulette, blackjack, and poker.
Video Games
People are now able to stream video games over the internet now too through various services. Sony’s PlayStation Now service allows users to stream PS2, PS3, and PS4 video games for a subscription fee. Microsoft is currently working on its Project xCloud which will reportedly allow users to stream games similarly to PlayStation Now.
Most recently, Google launched its Stadia service which allows users to stream games through Google Chrome, the Chromecast and other devices. The service supports gameplay at 4K resolution and 60 frames-per-second (fps) but the service, much like other video game streaming services, has been criticised for visual problems and severe lag.
The video games available for streaming varies depending on the service, but most services now allow users to stream modern-day games such as Assassin’s Creed, Red Dead Redemption and more. The content available is endless and will continue to grow as more games are developed and released.
The Future?
Streaming is big, and it’s expected to continue growing. Analysts are predicting that cloud gaming and streaming will experience exponential growth within the coming years, particularly since Microsoft and Sony PlayStation are set to launch their next-generation consoles Holiday 2020 which will bring a much-needed boost in power for cloud gaming. Meanwhile, casino game developers have been experimenting with streaming technology to create new and exciting experiences such as live slots. It’s likely that game developers will continue this trend and release some groundbreaking new games within the coming years.
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