Latest News
How is streaming taking the video games industry to the next level?
Reading Time: 4 minutes
2019 is looking to be an interesting year for gaming streaming development. There are a lot of power players looking ahead to the future – reports surfacing about Microsoft’s xCloud streaming service, AMD bringing game streaming to phones with Radeon Adrenalin, and Google’s Project Stream (which is giving away copies of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey simply for testing the service).
What will streaming do for the industry?
There are numerous advantages of cloud-based game streaming over traditional installation methods. For starters, games have grown massively in size – AAA titles are hovering between 50 – 80 GB lately, just for initial installation.
Updates can increase that, or when huge game files need to be replaced, patch downloads can be the size of entire games from just a few years ago. Bethesda, for example, released a 47GB patch for Fallout 76.
Game streaming also addresses imbalance in the hardware market. Running the latest AAA titles at their full graphical glory can often require extremely powerful computers, which can exceed $1,000 easily for high-end hardware. Bitcoin mining sent GPU prices through the roof as miners bought up some of the best cards, creating unavailability in the market – thankfully, the market has recovered a bit from that particular fiasco.
In any case, game streaming allows gamers to save considerable hard drive space, not waste time downloading humongous game files and patches, and perhaps most importantly, it allows budget gamers to stream titles in the best graphics configuration possible.
Google’s Stream platform, for example, is reportedly able to stream Assassin’s Creed Odyssey at 60FPS in 1080p resolution, which is quite impressive.
Cross-platform compatibility in the works?
While we’re speculating, it’s also entirely possible that cloud-streaming will bridge the gap between console and PC gamers, allowing for cross-platform compatibility. It seems logical that if the cloud-services are delivering games through some kind of browser client, instead of a native desktop client, console users will be able to point their browsers to the cloud service.
That is pure speculation, of course, and will be highly dependent on the console developers. Currently, Google Stream is being developed for the Chrome browser, which is definitely not available on Sony’s PS4, and Microsoft’s Xbox One uses a version of the Edge browser. So, we probably won’t see cross-platform gaming over the cloud right out of the gate, but it’s certainly a possibility if certain agreements are made.
If game streaming clients are developed to work regardless of the browser being used, it could be feasible, similar to the browser game industry. In fact, numerous HTML5 games are already compatible with console browsers, and some of those games even have gamepad support. You could theoretically point your console browser to Tanki or Fireboy and Watergirl, or some other multiplayer browser game, alongside PC users.
How will streaming impact the gamers?
What does this bode for the consumers, and not just the industry? For starters, it might affect the hardware market, as less people will need to purchase high-end gaming machines. Of course, the cloud companies will still need to invest in extremely high-end server hardware – although Google has reportedly built theirs in-house, in connection to the Yeti project (reportedly a streaming-based console).
Cloud-based game streaming could also help the current problem of so many DRM-based services. Currently there exists Steam, EA’s Origin, Ubisoft’s UPlay, Battle.net, and others. While its doubtful that the DRM platforms will go away, at least gamers won’t have a handful of client platforms installed on their computers.
One current drawback is that the cloud-based providers are having difficulty finding a fair balance in subscription prices. Gamers are notorious for impulse-purchasing games, especially during Steam sales. It’s a popular joke that gamers spend more time purchasing games in Steam than playing the games. Thus, offering subscriptions to access particular titles may not be the best route.
Its possible that the cloud-based providers could allow downloading games (after purchase) to your account, and then have you pay a subscription for the cloud service itself – of course, this ramps the cost of gaming up a bit, even with the savings on hardware. Gamers would be paying a monthly service to stream games they’ve already purchased – which of course, is very similar to how subscription-based MMORPGs used to operate.
In any case, video game streaming is going to be a potentially immensely lucrative market, as evidence by the huge interest from companies like Google and Microsoft. 2019 is going to be the year that significant headway into making it a reality, so we’ll be keeping our eyes peeled for development.
Written by: Katie Greene, who is a professional game developer with 5 years of experience in this field. VR obsessed and captured by an AI future.
Source: Latest News on European Gaming Media Network
This is a Syndicated News piece. Photo credits or photo sources can be found on the source article: How is streaming taking the video games industry to the next level?
Playson, the accomplished digital entertainment supplier, is embarking on a mouthwatering adventure in 25 Cookies: Hit the Bonus™, with delectable Bonus Games, lavish multipliers, jackpots and the Hit the Bonus series’ largest-ever 5×5 game field.
A wholesome festive backdrop sets the scene for the engaging Bonus Game, which can be triggered by landing five symbols on the middle row, with a stocking’s worth of rewards ready to unwrap. The Sticky Bonus symbol can appear randomly on the reels during the Main Game and remains until the Bonus Game is triggered.
At the start of each Bonus Game, three re-spins are granted, with each new icon resetting the number of spins to three. This continues until all cells are filled or the player runs out of respins. The Bonus Game is further enhanced by the Multiplier feature, with up to 10 sticky Multipliers able to land on each spin when triggered randomly. Any further multipliers that land on the same cells will increase the multiplier value.
The Extra Bonus Game can be randomly triggered if any Bonus, Sticky Bonus or Jackpot symbols land on the middle row during the Main Game, adding further symbols in quantity enough or more to activate it.
Mystery symbols transform from gifts into Bonus, Jackpot or Boost symbols at random, while the Mystery Jackpot symbols transform into Mini, Minor or Major Jackpot symbols. The Boost symbol is active across both the Bonus Game and Extra Bonus Game, collecting all Bonus, Sticky Bonus and Jackpot symbol values from the reels and adding them to the value. If Multipliers are present, they are applied to the value of the Bonus and Sticky Bonus symbols before collection.
Three gingerbread jackpots can also be earned in the Bonus Game or Extra Bonus Game, when green, blue and purple gingerbread icons land on the reels at random. The corresponding jackpots include Mini Jackpots (10 bets), Minor Jackpots (20 bets) and Major Jackpots (50 bets). If all 25 cells are filled, a Grand Jackpot of x1,000 is awarded.
The Buy Bonus features offer three levels of Bonus Game for different bet amounts. For 50 Bets, players can buy the Bonus Game, while 100 Bets purchases the Extra Bonus Game and 300 the Super Bonus Game.
Vsevolod Lapin, Deputy CEO at Playson, said: “25 Cookies: Hit the Bonus™ is a delightful seasonal addition to our Hit the Bonus series, rounding off the year with an expanded 5×5 field that offers more chances to discover thrilling bonus opportunities.
“This is set to be a tasty treat for players this festive season, with twists and turns in the form of multipliers, a trio of Bonus Games and intriguing modifiers.”
The post Indulge in sweet wins with Playson’s 25 Cookies: Hit the Bonus™ appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Amusnet has unveiled a great seasonal addition to its Online Casino portfolio, Coin Gobbler – Christmas Edition. It features one of the company’s most likeable characters and a new theme that brings joy and a Christmasy mood.
Once again, the distinguished gentleman Oscar and his favourite pet – the golden piggy – are here. This time, they are set within a fun and colourful Christmas theme to put everyone in the right mood for the upcoming winter holiday season while guiding players through the game and helping them gather the precious Bonus coins. Again, the game features a cluster pay method and a 6×6 layout complemented by high-quality graphics and cheerful sound effects.
Apart from the fruity symbols and the combinations they form on the reels, players should also watch for the Golden Coin, which is the Free Spins symbol, and will help them boost their winnings. All Golden Coins are collected in their piggy bank, and the more coins players collect, the higher level they reach and the more Free Spins they get. The most impatient players can also use the Buy Bonus feature to try out the Free Spins as quickly as possible without collecting the necessary number of coins.
Cluster
A unique type of online slot game that eliminates traditional paylines and features cluster pay mechanics, where a minimum number of matching symbols must appear adjacent to each other horizontally or vertically to form a cluster and secure a win.
Progressive Free Spins
The Free Spins have a round progression feature. Besides the slot screen is a Progression bar with five levels – 2×2, 3×3, 4×4, 5×5 and 6×6. Each level indicates the size of the Wild symbol once reached. All Bonus Coin symbols landing anywhere on the reels are collected until the end of the round, with a new level reached for every 4 Bonus Coin symbols collected.
Buy Bonus
When the “Buy Bonus” button is activated, the player is enabled to buy Free Spins.
Gamble
Play the game and multiply your winning through the Gamble feature!
Jackpot Cards
Once the Jackpot Cards bonus game is triggered, impressive Jackpots are revealed!
The post Amusnet Releases Coin Gobbler – Christmas Edition appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Betsson Group’s Customer Service team has been shortlisted for the “Best Customer Experience” at this year’s prestigious CX Exchange Awards 2024.
Melissa Zalbeigi, Director of Customer Service Operations at Betsson Group, said: “We are honoured and excited to be nominated for this award. It’s a privilege to be recognised alongside industry leaders and to compete against such esteemed companies. This nomination is a testament to our team’s dedication to providing exceptional customer service.”
The post Betsson’s Customer Service Team Nominated for Award at the CX Exchange Awards 2024 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Indulge in sweet wins with Playson’s 25 Cookies: Hit the Bonus™
Amusnet Releases Coin Gobbler – Christmas Edition
Betsson’s Customer Service Team Nominated for Award at the CX Exchange Awards 2024
Marcus Boyle to Step Down as Chair of Gambling Commission
Virgin Bet Sponsors “A Grand Isn’t Grand” Campaign to Help Refund Fans Their Season Ticket Price
UAE’s First Regulated Lottery Draw Launches
Stakelogic Lands a Big Win in Italy with Netwin Deal
QTech Games opens new Tech Hub in Malaga, Spain
Infront Partners with Genius Sports to Provide LFP Media with World-leading Tracking Technology
Bede Wins Skills Developer Award at Dynamites 2024
-
Latest News3 months agoBlueOcean Gaming Wins Best Aggregator 2024 Award at SiGMA East Europe Awards
-
Latest News3 months agoEGT’s bestseller Bell Link with another great success: Its bells are now ringing in the Czech market
-
Latest News3 months ago
BOS/The Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling commissions Advisense to strengthen efforts against money laundering
-
Latest News2 months ago
MIRACL partners with Continent 8 to offer its single-step passwordless MFA solution to simplify the login experience
-
Latest News3 months ago
Applications invited to become safer gambling charity for 2025 editions of ICE, iGB Affiliate and iGB L!VE
-
Latest News2 months agoACR Poker’s OSS XL Exceeds Guarantee With Over $46 Million In Prize Pools
-
Latest News2 months agoMatch of LeGGends: Double Down. Highlights of the show match between NAVI and Team Vitality
-
Latest News2 months ago
FBMDS and FBM Foundation host solidarity keepy-uppy initiative at G2E Las Vegas 2024
You must be logged in to post a comment Login