I decided to make this topic as an informational post so that users can understand what is and isn't cloud gaming and how you can use it RIGHT NOW!
First let me talk a bit about my experience. I was an advocate of digital distribution models, I followed the vaporware Phantom Console for years and subscribed to GameTap, both digital subscription services with no physical media. I also enrolled in Onlive and have been using Sony's remote play since the PS3 days til now. For all intents and purposes the use of a thin client to connect to another device and use in a remote scenario is basis of cloud computing. "Cloud" really refers to nothing more than remote hosted hardware resources. The "cloud" could be your own home, a buddies house, or any number of remote resources. Generally to be considered a true "cloud" it would need to be accessible across the internet but others would state that simply using network based protocols would be enough to quality as "cloud" based.
Next let's define it: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cloud_gaming
Cloud gaming is an umbrella term used to describe a form of online game distribution. The most common methods of cloud gaming currently are video (or pixel) streaming and file streaming.
"Cloud gaming", also in some cases called "gaming on demand", is a type of online gaming that allows direct and on-demand video streaming of games onto computers, consoles and mobile devices, similar to video on demand, through the use of a thin client. The actual game is stored, executed, and rendered on the remote operator's or game company's server and the video results are streamed directly to a consumer's computers over the internet.[7] This allows access to games without the need of a console and largely makes the capability of the user's computer unimportant, as the server is the system that is running the processing needs.[16][17] The controls and button presses from the user are transmitted directly to the server, where they are recorded, and the server then sends back the game's response to the input controls. Companies that use this type of cloud gaming include NVIDIA (GeForce NOW), LOUDPLAY, Playkey, PlayGiga, CiiNOW, Ubitus.
Gaming on demand is a game service which takes advantage of a broadband connection, large server clusters, encryption and compression to stream game content to a subscriber's device. Users can play games without downloading or installing the actual game. Game content is not stored on the user's hard drive and game code execution occurs primarily at the server cluster, so the subscriber can use a less powerful computer to play the game than the game would normally require, since the server does all performance-intensive operations usually done by the end user's computer.[18][19] Most cloud gaming platforms are closed and proprietary; the first open-source cloud gaming platform was only released in April, 2013.[20]
P2Pcloudless gaming – a type of cloud gaming, where remote computers for game execution represented by community of individuals. Critical difference from cloud gaming is that game is executed on actual PC and it is streamed on one-to-one basis. The actual game is stored, executed, and rendered on the remote computer station and the video results are streamed directly to a consumer’s computer over the internet. P2P cloudless gaming allows closing latency gap: remote computer could be located within one internet provider. Network protocol in P2P cloud gaming smartly chooses the best fit between remote computer and consumer’s device.
Cloud gaming based on file streaming, also known as progressive downloading, deploys a thin client in which the actual game is run on the user's gaming device such as a mobile device, a PC or a console. A small part of a game, usually less than 5% of the total game size, is downloaded initially so that the gamer can start playing quickly. The remaining game content is downloaded to the end user's device while playing. This allows instant access to games with low bandwidth Internet connections without lag. The cloud is used for providing a scalable way of streaming the game content and big data analysis. Cloud gaming based on file streaming requires a device that has the hardware capabilities to operate the game. Often, downloaded game content is stored on the end user's device where it is cached. Companies that use this type of cloud gaming include Kalydo, Approxy and SpawnApps.[21]
Now that we have a working definition we can see a very specific type that has been used in consoles for decades: P2P cloudless gaming. This is the most common type that users will experience and preferably the best method to experience. Here are some notable consoles.
For use with PCs
Nvidia Shield Portable
Through Nvidia's GameStream suite, Shield Portable allows the streaming of games running on a desktop PC equipped with a GeForce GTX 650 or higher video card (formerly known as GeForce PC Streaming). The Android 4.4.2 update for Shield Portable adds Console Mode, which allows a Shield Portable to be connected to a TV at either 720p, 1080p or 4K resolution (either using a wireless connection or MicroHDMI) and controlled with a Bluetooth controller, and software for mapping on-screen control buttons to the device's hardware buttons for Android games which do not natively support them.[7][8]Nvidia Shield Portable: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shield_Portable
Alongside the exclusive games available through Nvidia's own TegraZone market and GeForce NOW game-streaming service, Shield Portable can also access the Google Play store, as with most other Android-based devices.[9][10]
Nintendo Wii U
Most people don't think of it as a cloud device, but it meets the technical definition. The Wireless connection is actually a custom Wifi configuration and the actual game runs remotely on the Wii U itself. While not internet capable it still is available for use.
Microsoft Xbox One: https://support.xbox.com/en-US/games/game-setup/how-to-use-game-streaming
Microsoft currently allows Windows 10 users to stream Xbox One games while on the same home network. Unfortunately, like the Wii U this is relegated to be designed for use with close proximity. There are VPNs you could use but that often results in a poorer experience. For those who would like to game on a iphone/ipad this is also OneCast.https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/onecast-xbox-game-streaming/id1398182637?mt=8
If you have an Xbox One and would like to stream I highly recommend it. Parred with a GamePass or games with Gold sub and you would have a fantastic experience in
Sony:
Disclaimer, here's the one I use and the simple reason is that I've been interested in cloud gaming since its inception even before the PS3 and so far Sony has been the main advocate of cloud gaming.
Many gamers don't realize that the PS3 and PSP remote play was supported over internet by a limited number of games. https://manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps3/current/remoteplay/remoteinternet.html
Many people are familiar with PS Now, something else I have been subscribed to for some time. But the strength of PS Now was only recently revealed with it's new download option. But before we get into that, let's talk about Remote Play and what support it. Remote Play is available on PC and Mac, Vita, PSTV, as well as select Android tablets and devices. https://remoteplay.dl.playstation.net/remoteplay/lang/en/index.html The is a PS4 remote play app for android however it has recently lost support. Conversely Apple users can download the R-Play app https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/r-play-remote-play-for-ps4/id1222889057?mt=8. The best part is that remote play is usable outside of your home network and any game you download, including ones from PS Now are playable via Remote Play.
Use case: I own a Vita , Iphone, Ipad, PSTV, and PS4.
I have my PS4 hooked to my 4KTV downstairs and hard wired to my router. Upstairs in my bedroom I have a PSTV connected via a powerline adapter and am able to play my PS4 games on my bedroom TV when the TV downstairs is in use. Further I can also opt to use either my Vita, iPhone, or iPad to game outside of my home via the internet. I can also browse and download games via PS Now or play games that are on disc inside my PS4. The best part, Remote Play is free and working right now. If you have a PS4 Pro you can even stream games up to 1080P. All for free!
So... guys. I wrote this to encourage to not fear cloud gaming but encourage you to try it out now and explore it!
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