Cloud Gaming Explained: From Streaming Technology to Advertising Business Models

Cloud gaming runs games on data center servers. Rendered visuals are compressed into a video stream and sent to players over the internet, while their input signals are sent back in the opposite direction. This overcomes two major barriers: expensive local hardware and lengthy downloads. Nvidia GeForce NOW requires 15 Mbps for 720p, 25 Mbps for 1080p at 60fps, and 45 Mbps for 4K at 120fps. Microsoft Xbox Cloud Gaming supports up to 1440p, with bandwidth capped at 30 Mbps.