Cloud Gaming vs. Traditional Gaming: Pros and Cons

In 20 years, we have seen the world of gaming transform greatly. From tiny pixelated screens, we now see immersive virtual realities which are a part of everyday life. Perhaps the greatest recent change is in the area of cloud gaming, which has brought about much discussion among developers, gamers, and industry experts in equal measure. Also, which is a point of great debate, is the issue of traditional gaming, which still has its base in playing games on physical hardware like PC’s or consoles.

In this report, we will look at what the pros and cons of cloud gaming are to that of traditional gaming, which in turn will help you determine what will best fit your gaming requirements and lifestyle.

What is Cloud Gaming?

Cloud gaming, also a term for gaming on demand or game streaming, is a service which runs games on remote servers in data centers, and we stream it to your device. What you see is that the game is running on very powerful remote machines which may be far away from you, and you just interact with it via your screen.

Picture it this way: we have a Netflix for games. You don’t download or install anything; you just log in to our server, and the game streams live to your device so you can play — no need for expensive hardware.

What is Traditional Gaming?

For years, traditional gaming has been what we have known it to be; which is to say, that which you play has for a very long time been either a physical copy of a game which you purchase, which may be a disc or a cartridge, or a digital copy which you download or install onto your console or PC, and which you run from your own machine. All the graphics, computing power, and control functions take place in your device.

Pros and Cons of Cloud Gaming

Pros of Cloud Gaming

1. No need for expensive hardware.

In the case of cloud gaming, we see that which is put forth is that it does away with the need for high end gaming computers or consoles. Also, because the actual game is on remote servers which do the heavy lifting, low end hardware like laptops, tablets, or smartphones are able to play very demanding games without a problem.

This is an option for a larger range of people, and we see it as a solution to playing high end games at a lower cost.

2. Instant On and Convenience.

Cloud gaming does away with the need for you to download or install large game files, at times which may take hours and use up a lot of storage. You just pick out the game and hit play almost right away.

This is great for people that have little storage or which want to try out many games without the commitment of downloads.

3. Crossplay.

Through the internet, which is the game’s delivery method, you are able to play the same game on a variety of devices which may be a phone, tablet, smart TV, or PC, with the same experience. This also includes the ease in which gamers can switch between devices.

4. Always current.

Cloud games update in the background on our servers, so you don’t have to download or do manual updates. This also means you save time and that you are always playing the latest version.

Cons of Cloud Gaming

1. Reliance on Internet Connection.

Cloud gaming requires a fast, stable, and low latency internet connection. Out of that list, any which is not present will cause lag, freezings, or reduced graphics quality. In some areas, what you see is that it either frustrates the user or plays out to be unplayable, which is a result of poor or unreliable internet infrastructure.

2. Delay Problems.

Even at good internet speeds, cloud gaming still has input lag, which is the delay between your action and what you see in the game. For casual games that may not be an issue, but for competitive or fast paced games like shooters and fighting games, latency issues can really affect how you play.

3. Presently Incurred Costs and Subscriptions.

Many cloud gaming services which are on a subscription or pay per use model. What you pay over time may total more than the price of a physical game.

4. Game Collection Limitations.

Cloud based game platforms tend to have a smaller library and may not feature exclusive games like that of traditional platforms. Also, at times, license agreements do not allow for certain games to be streamed.

5. Data Use.

Game streaming is very data intensive; which in many cases is similar to that of HD video streaming, but we see it go even beyond that. This is a issue for people with data caps or small internet plans.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Traditional Gaming

Advantages of Traditional Gaming

1. Greater Control of Hardware and Performance.

Either get yourself a top of the range gaming PC, go for a console, or jump into the handheld device pool; which in turn presents you with better graphics, faster load times, and an improved overall experience in games which are very graphics intensive.

2. Offline Only.

Games may be played offline at any time and any place which is convenient to you; also, we don’t have to worry about internet speed or loss of connection. Also, it is great for when you are in between locations or have a poor internet connection.

3. Reduced Latency.

Since games run on the local machine, we see a reduction or elimination of input lag, which is a very important factor in competitive and precise gameplay.

4. Ownership and Re sale.

When you buy a physical version of a game or a digital copy, you own it forever (subject to DRM terms). You can pass it on, sell it back, or keep it as long as you like. In the case of cloud based games, should the service go out of business or remove a game, you are left without access to it.

5. Wider Game Lineup and Exclusives.

Traditional services tend to have a wider and more varied game library, which also includes many exclusive titles that are not found on cloud gaming platforms.

Cons of Traditional Gaming

1. High Price of Hardware.

To have the best experience with the latest games at the highest settings, gamers usually put out a large amount of money for top of the line consoles, or they build very powerful PCs which may cost thousands.

2. Long time in the download and install process.

Games today are of a very large size, in some cases over 100GB. Game installation and update processes take a long time and also fill up hard drive space.

3. Reduced Portability.

In the past, you were tied to your gaming devices. Consoles are not portable, and gaming PCs are large, which in turn made them not so mobile as compared to cloud gaming on a smart phone.

4. Maintenance and Care.

Classic gaming hardware is a pain to maintain, and as new games come out, you will end up overhauling the systems’ components at every turn, and that is very expensive and a great bother.

Which One is Better? It Depends

Between cloud gaming and old-school gaming, there is no definite choice, as they both have what it takes in different aspects and appeal to diverse groups of players.

When Cloud Gaming Makes Sense

• If you are going to spend a great deal on hardware.
• If you enjoy playing on multiple devices.
• If you have high speed and reliable internet.
• If you prefer to go in right away.
• If you like to play lots of games which don’t require install or download.

In which traditional gaming is the best option.

• If you want the best performance with great graphics.
• If you are in to competitive and fast paced games that require low latency.
• If you are in an area with poor connection or you want to go offline.
• If you wish to have a permanent collection of games and the largest game libraries.
• If you put in for hardware and maintenance.

The Future: A Mixed Reality of Games?

Gaming world is in a state of flux. Some are predicting that which is to come will see cloud and traditional gaming coexist and support each other. Players will see themselves using cloud gaming for the daily play or when they are on the go, which they will switch to traditional for that which requires high performance and dedication.

Cloud and local gaming in the same consoles and services, which in turn benefit the player, is a trend we see play out also.

Final Thoughts

Cloud gaming changes the game in terms of how we play, which is a great improvement in access and convenience of games ever seen before. It does bring forward its own set of issues, which mainly revolve around internet and performance.

In terms of high control, performance, and ownership, gaming is still the top choice for most players, which also includes those that value quality experience and competitive play.

In the end, what you decide is based on your personal tastes, way of which you live, and financial situation.

In all aspects of gaming, from the flexible cloud to the powerful traditional models, the world of games presents to us an exciting and wide range of choices.