What are the advantages and disadvantages of cloud gaming?

Cloud gaming, also known as cloud gaming, is gaining increasing prominence as an innovative alternative to traditional methods of playing on consoles and PCs.

It is a process that has several advantages and disadvantages, and that is precisely what we will focus on in this article. Is it worth it? Is it right for what you need? Check it out!

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Cloud Gaming

Cloud gaming arrived as a revolution in the gaming market, mainly bringing accessibility, practicality and a more sustainable way of enjoying great titles.

But not everything is rosy. It is still necessary to take into account some aspects that can interfere with this type of game and the general experience. That’s why we weigh the pros and cons of cloud gaming.

Regardless, what is expected is that with the advancement of technology, these barriers will end up being overcome and that the famous “cloud gaming” will become an increasingly viable and attractive alternative for players.

Advantages

• Hardware accessibility and savings

One of the biggest attractions of cloud gaming is the possibility of playing on any device that has an internet connection, such as smartphones, tablets or laptops, without the need for expensive equipment. This ends up facilitating and even democratizing access to games, allowing more people to enjoy high-quality experiences without having to invest in state-of-the-art consoles or PCs.

• Extensive library with no installation required

Many cloud gaming services offer access to vast game libraries, which allows players to try out a wide range of titles without having to pay extra for it. Furthermore, there is no need to download or download these games, which goes a long way in saving both time and storage space.

• Flexibility to play anywhere

With the ability to start a game on one device and continue on another, players can take their games anywhere. This ends up guaranteeing a welcome convenience, especially for those who travel frequently or have a more dynamic routine. ​

• Centralized updates

All game updates are performed on the server, so this eliminates the need for manual downloads or long waits to start playing.

Disadvantages

• Dependence on a good internet connection

Cloud gaming performance directly depends on the quality of the internet. Therefore, unstable or low-speed connections can cause lag, loss of graphic quality and even interruptions in the game. This can be a major hindrance in regions with limited infrastructure or when the speed is not very good.

• Latency and impact on gameplay

In games that require quick responses, such as shooters and fights, even a small delay can detract from the experience. This latency occurs because of the time needed to transmit commands and responses between the player’s device and the servers.

While cloud gaming reduces hardware costs, many services charge monthly fees that can add up over time. Additionally, changes to pricing policies or game availability may negatively impact the user experience.

• Access and control limitations

Unlike traditional games, where the player has a physical or digital copy of the title, cloud games depend on availability on services. Games can be removed from libraries at any time, and access is tied to active subscription. In other words, you never have a game that will always be yours.

Furthermore, in many cases, depending on the game, day and time, players still need to wait in line to gain access to the title. Although in some cases this may take less than 5 minutes, in others it may take more than 20 minutes.