Cloud Computing, Server-side Rendering... and Video-games

A Brief History of Computing Mainframes and dumb terminals The rise of “micro-computing” and the personal computer Fat clients vs thin clients – the move back to the old days – for business apps Games typically the exception to this trend, server-side calculations mainly for persistent titles like MMOs

PC Gaming – Driving Innovation in Hardware design Game development goes hand in hand with innovations in display technology, driving force behind graphics chipset manufacturing 3D-accelerated graphics become a standard feature – not all created equal “System killers” constantly push the limits of existing technology

Streaming to the Rescue? Cloud Gaming lowers barriers of entry Streaming via broadband internet Allows cutting edge titles to run on clunkers, smaller specialized devices Currently several competing services in development – Gaikai looks most intriging at the moment

Features of Gaikai Allows embedding of full games in webpages – could radically alter current concept of demos for the better Integrates into Twitter – in a useful way Ditto for personal blogs Brings full-fledged modern games to non- traditional platforms It's free!! Or at least there is no fee to use it.

Could spell the downfall of productive society though... We're clearly doomed!

How does it work? Servers in 300 data-centers across the country; deals in place for 900 more Restricts access based on quality of service – 5 to 10 milliseconds of lag is the benchmark User's device behaves like a dumb terminal, streaming video and sending input signals

Why this is really cool Just about everyone has a computer Broadband is becoming equally ubiquitous No need to wrangle with custom gaming hardware, understand drivers, or any of the “traditional” barriers of entry for PC gaming Netbooks could actually play games (that don't suck)

Drawbacks/potential pitfalls Service dependent on net connection never failing – offline mode not in the cards Games as service reduces conception of ownership, access to purchased titles hinges on continued success of service Reliable broadband service isn't (yet) universal Unclear how profitability would be achieved

Conclusions Game streaming services like Gaikai are intriguing technologies that stands to offer unique benefits, even for those with no need for a server-based solution. Even beyond the “games for everyone (with broadband) aspect, this could revolutionize demos and the notion of “try before you buy”.