Can Streaming PC Games Enhance Your Gaming Experience Indefinitely?
Gaming has come a long way since the days of Pac-Man and Space Invaders. Today, we have gaming laptops, desktops, consoles, and now, even streaming services. Streaming PC games is the latest trend among avid gamers who want to keep up with the latest games at an affordable price.
While streaming services have slowly carved a niche in the gaming world, it begs the question, “Can streaming PC games enhance your gaming experience indefinitely?” In this blog post, we will answer this question, and we will also discover how streaming games work and if it is a viable option in the long run.
What is Game Streaming?
Game Streaming or Cloud Gaming is a process of playing a video game on a remote server rather than on your local device. The game is streamed to your device over the internet, and all the rendering is done by the server, which then sends the video feed back to your device. Therefore, instead of the game running on your device, it runs on a remote server.
Game streaming is also different from game downloads. When you download a game, you need to store it locally on your device for it to run. On the other hand, game streaming enables you to bypass the storage issue. You only need a stable internet connection with high speeds to stream the games.
How Does Game Streaming Work?
Game streaming can be broken down into two main components: the client and the server. The client, in this case, represents the device that you use to play the game, whether it is a PC, laptop, or mobile phone. The server is where the game runs and has all the processing power.
When you start a game, the client sends the input commands to the server in real-time via the internet. The server processes the commands and sends back the game’s video output to your device over the internet. Therefore, the device you are using to play the game does not require the processing power that running a game locally demands.
Game streaming services such as GeForce Now, Google Stadia, PlayStation Now, and xCloud use this technology to enable players to play games on a variety of devices. All these services require a stable internet connection, and some come with an optional subscription fee.
Advantages of Game Streaming
1. Affordability
Game streaming services are an affordable way of keeping up-to-date with your desired games. For instance, a new PlayStation 5 console costs around $499, and games cost about $70 each. Game streaming services such as PlayStation Now will only cost you about $9.99 a month. It gives you access to a vast library of PS4 and PS3 games.
2. Accessible on Various Devices
Game streaming enables players to play games on multiple devices. If you own a PlayStation, you know that you cannot play your games from your smartphone. However, with game streaming, you can play the same game on your phone or tablet. You will require an app and a stable internet connection, and voila! You can play your favorite games whenever and wherever.
3. No Hardware Investment
If you are not tech-savvy or do not have the budget to invest in pricey gaming rigs, game streaming does not require a powerful device. Since you use the server’s processing power, you do not need to purchase a high-end PC or gaming laptop. You could opt to use a low-end device, and the game streaming service will work just fine.
Drawbacks of Game Streaming
1. Requires Stable Internet Connection
The primary drawback of game streaming is that it requires a stable internet connection to work. If you have an unstable or slow internet connection, it will not be possible to stream games. Moreover, game streaming needs a high-speed connection that could put off people living in areas with limited or no access to high-speed internet.
2. Potential Latency
Game streaming technology is excellent, but it has a downside. Because your device is communicating with the server over the internet, there will be some lag time, also known as latency. This issue can be critical, especially in competitive games where latency can result in input lag or stutters. Input lag ruins the gaming experience, and some people avoid game streaming because of it.
3. Limited Game Options
Game streaming services can save you money, but they come with a limited selection of games. This issue is because game publishers decide what games will be available on their platform. Some games might never be available on a streaming platform or could be available after a few months of release.
Indefinitely Enhancing the Gaming Experience
Game streaming can enhance your gaming experience if all the requirements are met. For instance, if you have unlimited internet access, you can stream games seamlessly without lag or blurry graphics. Moreover, because you can access games on various devices, you can play on the go or from the comfort of your couch.
Furthermore, game streaming enables you to keep up to date with the newest games without breaking the bank. You do not have to upgrade your current device, buy a gaming console or gaming laptop, nor wait for a sale. You can subscribe to a game streaming service and have access to games instantly.
Game streaming also enables you to play old games on new devices seamlessly. For instance, if you own a Nintendo Switch, you can play games from older consoles such as Nintendo 64 using emulator software.
In conclusion, game streaming can enhance your gaming experience significantly if all the requirements are met. It is affordable, accessible on multiple devices, and eliminates the need for an expensive gaming rig. Game streaming services have their downsides, but they are minor compared to the advantages. Always check your internet connection before using these services to avoid latency or blurry graphics.
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