You want to play demanding games without buying a pricey console or PC, so you’re asking: what is cloud gaming? It means games run in a provider’s data center and stream to your device over the internet.
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| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Rough bandwidth guideline | Above 75 Mbps |
| Resolution at major providers | 1080p (Full HD) |
| Stadia Pro top tier for some titles | 4K at up to 60 frames per second |
| Game access model | Licensed for a limited period, not bought for long-term use |
| Offline single-player | Usually not possible when streaming |
| Date of the guide’s last update | September 2021 |
These figures come from IONOS’s cloud gaming guide, last updated in September 2021. Services, resolutions and catalogs change, so check the provider’s own pages before you rely on them.
How cloud gaming works
Cloud gaming is a sub-category of cloud computing. The game runs on powerful servers in a provider’s data center, so you don’t need powerful hardware of your own.
The provider sends audio and video to you as a stream, much like a movie or series. Your mouse, keyboard or gamepad inputs travel the reverse route over your broadband line, and the server reacts to them.
That round trip is why connection quality matters so much. If you want to understand the delay between pressing a button and seeing the result, see our guide on how to reduce input lag.
What you need to get started
The most important requirement is a stable internet connection with high bandwidth. The data needed depends on the game, but as a rough guideline, IONOS suggests a rate above 75 Mbps.
You also need a device that can display the stream. Supported devices include:
- A PC or laptop
- A game console, such as the PlayStation 4 for Sony’s PS Now service
- Android smartphones and tablets
Providers usually specify which supported devices they work with, so check the list before you subscribe.
Advantages of streaming games
The biggest draw is that you skip the hardware upgrade cycle. You don’t need a high-end gaming PC or a modern console, which can save money on retrofitting components or buying a new computer.
Consoles last a long time within a generation, but eventually the hardware is replaced. The PlayStation 4 is one example, with a lifespan of 2013-2020. With a good connection, the provider usually handles system requirements, driver updates and compatibility issues for you.
Other benefits IONOS lists include:
- Storage: you don’t need to free up disk space, because storage is up to the provider.
- Saved progress: game progress can be viewed on any device once you log in with your account.
- Time saved: the provider installs and updates games, so you skip downloads, especially for larger titles.
- Location independence: with a stable connection, you can play without carrying a PC or console.
Your own device also runs less strained, so it tends to run cooler and need less cooling.
Disadvantages and limits
The main drawback is dependence on your connection. On slow connections, slow data transfer can result in stutters, lower resolution and heavily offset rendered inputs.
Ownership works differently too. Games aren’t bought for long-term use but are licensed for a limited period, so there is no guarantee a title stays in a provider’s catalog.
Single-player content can be played offline when you install a game yourself, which is usually not possible when streaming it from the cloud.
Picture quality and control
As of IONOS’s September 2021 update, all major providers offered 1080p, which is Full HD. If your screen supports higher quality, the picture is usually downscaled. If you plan to pair a stream with a new display, read how to choose a gaming monitor first.
In that same update, Google Stadia was the exception, supporting 4K at up to 60 frames per second for some titles, but only on the Stadia Pro plan. Players who like to tweak settings or install modifications may also feel restricted, because the provider limits the graphics output. PC gamers may miss certain freedoms as well, such as setting up their own servers.
Providers and how they differ
IONOS’s September 2021 overview named four major services:
- Project xCloud / Xbox Cloud Gaming
- Google Stadia
- PS Now
- GeForce Now
The offering varies widely between them. In that guide, Microsoft’s Game Pass was described as containing a large number of current games, while Sony’s offer was relatively small but included a series of older exclusive titles.
Because these details date from September 2021, treat them as a snapshot. Providers expand and change their offerings regularly, so look at each service’s current catalog and supported devices.
Is cloud gaming right for you?
Cloud gaming suits you if you want convenience over control. It works best when you have a fast, stable connection and want to play across several devices without installs.
It suits you less if you want permanent access to your library, offline play or top-spec graphics. IONOS described the technology as comparatively young and not yet a fully-fledged alternative for video gamers, again as of its September 2021 update.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a powerful PC or console for cloud gaming?
Show answer
No. Performance-intensive games run on the provider’s servers, so players do not require their own powerful hardware.
How fast should my connection be?
Show answer
As a rough guideline, IONOS suggests a bandwidth above 75 Mbps. The exact need depends on the individual game.
Can I play offline?
Show answer
Usually not. Offline play of single-player content is possible with installed games, but it is usually not possible when streaming via the cloud.
Will I own the games I stream?
Show answer
Not necessarily. Games on these services are licensed for a limited period, so there is no guarantee that a title will remain in the catalog.
