Cloud games face challenges as Google prepares for launch

Urging people to immerse themselves in a high-resolution virtual sound world of extraordinary games, Google hopes that its cloud-based Stadia platform will captivate the world when it launches in November.

The US digital media giant unveiled the details of its nascent streaming video platform at this week's Gamescom show in Cologne in hopes of gaining a fiery hold among fierce gamers to outpace other existing gaming product vendors .

Gamescom, which is the largest event in the European video game industry, is an important window into the state of play in a growing market valued at $ 135 billion worldwide. last year, according to analysts, mobile platforms accounting for about half.

Stadia, whose details were unveiled publicly in June at the E3, the world's premier event for computer and video games, offers US users the opportunity to play their favorite game on various high-resolution platforms on different TV console or smartphone.

This suggests a revolution in video games.

"People have been talking about gambling for the last 10 years, we're in the third generation of actors, the signals are not green yet, but Google has the courage to try it." We have never been so close, "says Laurent. Michaud, director of studies at Idate.

Gamescom represents a chance for a hands-on experience. The brand's giant logo, as well as its hostess battalion on its booth help attract the curious while they compare the attractions relating to their rivals headed by the Sony Playstation and Microsoft's Xbox.

Sundar Pichai, general manager of Google, explained at E3 in Los Angeles that the idea was to "create a gaming platform for everyone" after an initial deployment in 14 countries using a Subscription template after an initial purchase of bundled material.

Some games will be free and others will require payment.

Despite all, the Gamescom testimonials after the opening on Monday suggest that the interest had not yet reached the heights of neighboring stands, Nintendo or Konami, the latter being the developer of the latest PES 2020 gambit of Pro Evolution Soccer.

"I find their concept interesting but I have doubts about their ability to guarantee good connectivity," commented Rishil Kuta, a 22-year-old visitor on his stand, who said he would remain "ready to pay" a bonus for a "stable". product.

Steven Mertes, 28, did not share this view. He said that he does not see himself ready to disconnect from his PC or close his console "which offers games of much better quality."

"I've always been used to playing on a computer, it's a lot more comfortable."

No matter how the cloud game cards fall, the race is launched to hook players, especially the hardcore ones, for next-generation gameplay.

Technical constraints

"The hardest players to convince will be the" hardcore players. "They may not be as numerous as the casual players, but they are the ones who matter.If they do not go on a platform, things could be difficult, "predicts Michaud.

The hardcore brigade tends to be willing to pay for the platform and content that it desires, but is often very attached to its favorite support environment, which it feels like. a console or a PC.

Beyond the conversion of players in Stadia, Google must tackle the various technical obstacles related to the development of cloud games.

While Stadia promises high-resolution 4K resolution at 60 frames per second with minimal lag, it remains to be seen how the platform can persuade gamers who do not have properly adapted displays as well as high-speed 4G or fiber connections optics to subscribe.

"We have a little doubt about the development of cloud gaming," said Wandrille Pruvot, CEO of Xtra Life, a cloud-based application manager for Apple. "The challenge will be especially technical, the better the resolution, the more the need for a quality Internet will be great.

"The games we're working on are simpler, more game-grade, and require less bandwidth for graphics," says Pruvot. "Do not forget that video games are not just big productions!"

The gamble for cloud games is therefore to offer independent titles, if not always very visible – a means for Google and rival producers to position themselves as a "Netflix of the game" by providing original content.

"This type of platform can free up the creative side of technical constraints," said Fanny Renard, Community Manager at independent independent game developer Goblinz.

"A form of Netflix could be a production aid for smaller independent studios, but that will raise the issue of compensation, which could be complicated."

Overall, however, just as consoles do not eliminate PC gaming, cloud gaming may offer an additional choice to video game enthusiasts.

"There will always be a place for the PC or the console," predicts Renard. "Players stay more comfortable with different platforms.What they want is to be able to choose which game and how to play."

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© 2019 AFP