Latest PC Games Streaming News: A Comprehensive Guide
As gaming evolves and progresses, so do the ways in which we access our favorite games. In recent years, the term ‘streaming’ has become increasingly prominent in the world of gaming and digital media; PC gaming streaming allows gamers to access and play their games without the need for downloading them first. Here, we’ll look at the latest news and developments in this innovative streaming technology and explore the different options available for PC gamers.
What is PC Game Streaming?
PC game streaming is nothing new; in fact, it’s been around since 2001 when Sony launched the first game-streaming network, named G-cluster. This system allowed gamers to connect to a network of gaming servers, download and play the latest games. Over the years, streaming technology has developed and become faster, better and more accessible to players around the world.
Essentially, streaming services offer gamers a way to access video games and play them on any given device – such as a computer, tablet or even a smartphone. There are a variety of companies that offer streaming services, with the most popular being Steam, PlayStation Now, and Xbox Game Pass.
Steam
Steam is the largest and most popular online game store in the world. It was launched back in 2003 and has since become the go-to platform for PC gamers due to its vast library of games and regular discounts on titles.
In May 2017, Valve – the company behind Steam – unveiled its Steam Link hardware device; this device allowed gamers to stream their Steam library over a home network, directly to their TV. It was a popular move, and one that allowed gamers to access their library in ways previously not possible.
Additionally, in 2018, Valve launched the Steam Link app for iOS and Android, which extended the reach of their streaming service and made it even easier for gamers to access their library.
PlayStation Now
PlayStation Now is Sony’s go-to streaming service. It was first made available in Europe and North America back in 2017, and has since grown in popularity. The service allows gamers to access a library of older PlayStation titles, as well as recently released games, via their console or a subscription on a monthly- or yearly-basis.
On top of being able to stream games, PlayStation Now also allows gamers to rent individual titles; this is beneficial for those who do not want to commit to a full-year subscription but still want to access the latest games.
Xbox Game Pass
Microsoft’s major gaming platform, Xbox, launched its own streaming service back in June 2017. It’s called Xbox Game Pass, and it is a subscription-based program that allows gamers to access a library of over 100 titles. Games on the service are generally older titles, but new releases are occasionally added to the library. The service also allows for early access to select titles, thereby increasing its value and appeal.
Benefits of PC Game Streaming
Aside from increased accessibility, there are several other benefits that come with streaming PC games. For one, it greatly reduces the amount of space needed to store games on your hard drive. This is ideal for PC gamers who are strapped for storage or simply don’t want to commit to an entire gaming library.
Also, depending on the service you opt for, the prices tend to be quite competitive. For instance, Steam Link offers an unlimited streaming plan that allows gamers to access their entire Steam library for a fairly low monthly fee. Similarly, Xbox Game Pass offers a monthly plan at a great price.
Furthermore, streaming also allows gamers to access games regardless of their location. As long as there is an internet connection, gamers can access their libraries and start playing right away. This means that gamers can access their library when they’re on holiday or at a friend’s house, and don’t have to worry about needing to have their own hardware with them.
Conclusion
PC game streaming is an exciting and innovative way to access your games and play them without needing to physically own them. Services like Steam, PlayStation Now, and Xbox Game Pass offer gamers a variety of options at competitive prices, enabling them to access their favorite games no matter where they are. Furthermore, streaming provides access to games without taking up the space of downloading them, thus providing players with a much more streamlined way to play.
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