Cloud gaming is rapidly revolutionising the gaming industry. As Australia's internet speeds and infrastructure continue to improve, more and more gamers are making the shift from traditional console and PC gaming to cloud gaming platforms. One of the key players in this evolution is Internet Service Providers like Optus. In this article, we will explore the future of cloud gaming and discuss the crucial role ISPs will play.
For those that don't already know, Cloud gaming allows players to stream their favourite video games from remote servers directly to their devices. This technology eliminates the need for high-end hardware, as the heavy lifting is done on the server side, and gamers can play even the most demanding titles on devices like smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs.
One of the biggest advantages of cloud gaming is just how accessible it is. Gamers no longer have to invest in expensive gaming consoles or high-end PCs, and they can enjoy a vast library of games instantly, without the hassle of 100GB+ downloads or constant updates (I'm looking at you COD). This accessibility has and will continue to open up gaming to a much wider market.
While the concept of cloud gaming is promising, it heavily relies on a stable and high-speed internet connection, which we all know, isn't always something Australia can rely on. I myself have only recently upgraded my technology with Optus and gone from 12Mbps to 950Mbps+ now. Cloud gaming on 12Mbps is absolutely not viable so ISPs like Optus play a pivotal role if cloud gaming is to continue on its meteoric rise in popularity.
Cloud gaming demands a low latency internet connection, any delay in transmitting player inputs to the server can result in a frustrating gaming experience. As a result, ISP's need to continually invest in network infrastructure to minimise latency . I tried Xbox Cloud Streaming when it was first released back in 2020 and it was very lacklustre to say the least. The lag was horrendous due to my poor internet which resulted in it being completely unplayable. Thankfully these days, our infrastructure is much better and Cloud Streaming is finally a viable option for me at least.
I recently sat in on a PAX panel focused on the future of Cloud Gaming and got to have a chat with a representative from Optus afterwards and my takeaway from the whole thing was that Optus is already making strides in supporting cloud gaming. Their commitment to providing high-speed internet services puts them in the driver's seat to take on the cloud gaming market. They have the infrastructure and resources to shape the future of cloud gaming in Australia.
The ISP has been actively collaborating with cloud gaming platforms, such as Google Stadia, Microsoft's Project xCloud, and Nvidia GeForce NOW, to ensure a consistent and optimised gaming experience for its customers. These partnerships allow Optus to prioritise gaming traffic on its network, further reducing latency and ensuring a more enjoyable experience for its users.
The future of cloud gaming looks bright, with ISPs like Optus playing an integral role in its inception and expansion. As technology continues to evolve and internet infrastructure improves, cloud gaming is poised to become one of the biggest markets rather than the exception in the gaming industry. ISPs will be crucial in ensuring that gamers have a seamless and enjoyable experience, making high-speed internet and low-latency connections more critical than ever.
Based on the information provided during the PAX Panel, Optus is already making significant strides in supporting cloud gaming and shaping the landscape of gaming in Australia. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, the partnership between ISPs and cloud gaming platforms will be a defining factor in the success of this exciting technology. Gamers around the world can look forward to a future where they can enjoy their favourite titles with ease, regardless of their hardware, thanks to the combined efforts of ISPs like Optus and cloud gaming providers.
