Video games are becoming increasingly complex, both in terms of mechanics and graphics. They require better computer specifications to play correctly. It’s unlikely that you’ll be playing 2021 games on a PC that’s been around for a while, unless it’s been upgraded significantly. Cloud gaming is a method that allows you to play games online on any device provided there is a stable internet connection.
Cloud gaming servers process video games, rather than the hardware on your device. They do this by sending you compressed frames in response to input. The cloud-based server receives your input when you press the key. It then sends a new frame to you in response. It’s a simple idea however, it requires a significant amount of bandwidth to send those videos in real-time. Cloud gaming has been hampered due to this limitation, but recent advancements in edge computing and mobile networks have enabled it to take off.
This means that services such as Stadia and NVIDIA’s GeForce Now can stream games at near-native quality to devices with various levels of power. They also cut out the massive downloads and setup processes of installing a new game onto your device that is crucial for those with fluctuating network conditions. Cloud gaming isn’t yet an option. There are still many obstacles to overcome, such as the issue of bandwidth and latency.