Tag: cloud gaming

  • Streamline Game Development with Amazon GameLift Streams

    Streamline Game Development with Amazon GameLift Streams

    Key Takeaways

    1. Amazon has launched GameLift Streams to help game developers combat piracy and reduce large game installation issues.
    2. Game streaming enables players to enjoy high-demand games on low-spec devices without long download times.
    3. Developers can upload various game types to GameLift, allowing for easy global streaming without code changes.
    4. GameLift Streams supports up to 1080p at 60 fps and operates on NVIDIA T4 or A10G Tensor GPUs, with cost based on usage hours.
    5. The service is available in specific AWS Regions, with lower latency for players closer to the data centers.

    Amazon has introduced its new GameLift Streams game streaming service aimed at game developers. This service helps to combat piracy, removes the difficulties associated with large game installations, and allows players to enjoy high-demand games on low-spec devices.

    Challenges with Game Downloads

    Many gamers have to endure long waits for big downloads before they can start playing modern titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, which is over 100 GB in size. The increasing system requirements mean that players often have to invest in costly, high-performance graphics cards.

    The Advantages of Game Streaming

    Game streaming addresses these issues by transferring the demands to the cloud hosting provider, meaning gamers only need a basic computer or a smart TV to play. Notable cloud gaming services include Valve Steam, Nvidia GeForce Now, PlayStation Now, and Xbox Game Pass.

    Developer Benefits with GameLift

    Developers can now upload Windows games, Windows games configured for Proton (Valve Steam), and Linux titles to GameLift servers. After completing the basic server setup, these games can be streamed globally to players using any WebRTC-compatible web browser, supporting resolutions up to 1080p at 60 fps, without the need for code changes, making it easier for developers.

    The games operate on NVIDIA T4 or A10G Tensor GPUs. Developers are billed based on usage hours and total storage utilized. According to Amazon’s estimates, hosting around 2,000 users playing a lightweight game for half an hour daily could result in a monthly cost of about $20k.

    Availability of GameLift Streams

    GameLift Streams is currently available in AWS Regions such as US East (Ohio), US West (Oregon), Asia Pacific (Tokyo), and Europe (Frankfurt). Players located closer to these data centers will see reduced latency, while those farther away may experience higher latency that could be considered unacceptable.

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  • Nvidia GeForce Now Cloud Gaming Subscriptions Sold Out Due to Demand

    Nvidia GeForce Now Cloud Gaming Subscriptions Sold Out Due to Demand

    With the upcoming launch of the RTX 50 series on January 30th, retailers are anticipating a huge surge in interest for the new GPUs. Currently, various Nvidia GeForce Now cloud gaming plans have become unavailable for purchase. As the number of complaints increased, the German tech site ComputerBase was the first to highlight these shortages. Eventually, Nvidia’s customer support provided a response, confirming that the service is experiencing unprecedented demand.

    Accessing a Vast Library of Games

    Nvidia’s cloud gaming service enables players to access a broad selection of games remotely, similar to what competitors provide. However, Nvidia is particular about the type of devices gamers will utilize. The service includes multiple tiers, such as a free plan, a Performance tier that supports 1440p resolution, and an Ultimate tier that offers 4K gaming at 240 fps. Many subscribers discover that GeForce Now gives them a gaming experience akin to having an expensive RTX graphics card at home. Players frequently encounter lengthy wait times, even before some subscriptions completely ran out.

    Current Availability and Options

    On the US GeForce Now website, both the one-month Free and Performance plans are currently listed as unavailable. The only option left is the Ultimate tier featuring the RTX 4080 GPU. Day passes, which allow users a chance to try out Nvidia’s cloud gaming without a long-term commitment, are also sold out. However, for those who can commit for six months, all tiers except the Free plan remain available for order.

    Recent Changes and Future Prospects

    In November, Nvidia declared a new 100-hour monthly limit for GeForce Now, along with a one-year grace period for existing users. This announcement caught many subscribers off guard, particularly given the high cost of the Ultimate tier. Nevertheless, these changes have not alleviated the shortages gamers are facing today. With the RTX 5080 and RTX 5090 expected to be in short supply, the demand for a more affordable gaming solution is unlikely to decrease in the near future. Nvidia is striving to enhance server capacity, but it’s uncertain how long it will take to replenish the additional tiers.

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    Nvidia GeForce Now Cloud Gaming Subscriptions Sold Out Due to Demand

     

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