It may come as a shock to you, but the cloud serves other purposes besides being a simple 
storage solution for businesses. Netflix, the digital streaming company originally founded in 1997, for example, has created an extremely powerful platform for a monumental amount of programming, both syndicated and original.
Music can also now be streamed like a radio station, giving you the option to play only the songs you want through unique applications like Spotify and Pandora.
Next generation consoles, like PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, being released later this year, will have the ability to download games, music and movies straight to the device—no physical disks needed. How is this possible? How is technology moving toward what we only thought was possible in science fiction novels?
The potential of the cloud to deliver deeper, richer environments and is measurable in real-time. In fact, we are living in the possibility right now.
While there is no doubt that consoles like the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One will play a central role in the gaming industry over the coming years, it really is the cloud that is going to make the biggest difference—the concept of digital gaming and improved downloadable content can no longer be ignored.
The ultimate goal for cloud gaming and entertainment has been an always-online streaming service where the consumer no longer requires any physical hardware to play the games and listen to the music they love. We still have a long road to go, but gamers do currently have the capability to purchase and download products directly to their entertainment system.
Microsoft has realized the power of cloud computing in the gaming industry. As such, they have instituted Windows Azure, a customized cloud-computing platform. Recently, Microsoft came out to claim that their cloud network has expanded to 300,000 difference servers for their cloud-based computing systems in North America alone!
The concept of gaming within the cloud originally debuted around 2009. Many executives in the industry were wary of its potential for long-term success, but Unity CEO David Helgason saw its inherent power. But, Helgason warns, “I’m not sure if that makes me smart or not, because it hasn’t really taken off, at least in its full form, where the game is all run on a server.” So, the cloud still needs to evolve to fully meet the needs of consumers, but it is certainly on the path to get there.
There are many situations in which gaming in the cloud makes a great deal of sense. According to Helgason, “People who are not self-identified gamers on devices that are not really game-capable, like a low-end smart TV or a TV with a set-top box, could be good targets.” These are the people who don’t want to spend the extra money to get specialized game devices, but still want to play to their favorite games.
Especially with the release of next-generation consoles right around the corner, Microsoft and Sony will continue to play the competition game. Sure, this may be hectic and stressful for the executives of the companies, but gamers will benefit as the power of cloud technology can only improve through regular competition.
Companies like Cloud Union, based in China, are providing cloud gaming solutions for a variety of platforms: desktops, laptops and even mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.
Cloud Union has been very successful; in fact, they proclaim that they have pushed cloud gaming services to over 400 million broadband users in China alone. “If these companies can place servers close enough to people, in local networks, they can offer something really fast, with low latency,” says Helgason.
When asked to discuss what kind of gaming will benefit from the use of cloud technology in the future, Helgason responds, “There are things that excite me that are less tactical in nature, that are around user experience.”
For example, Helgason would love to live in a world where devices could know the players personally and these devices could remember your specific preferences— not only on just one game, but also between games and devices. Overall, setting up and installing games would become much easier—something that makes gamers, both novices and experts alike very happy.
At Atlantic.Net, we are giant supporters of the cloud and the technologies behind the cloud that power such compelling entertainment solutions. If you are interested in learning more about how the cloud can help your gaming and entertainment experiences, give us a call today.