The way we access and interact with our data is changing. Cloud technology allows users to stream games, videos, and other content from a provider’s servers directly to their machine. This bypasses device requirements and long download times, giving users a quicker and more convenient experience.
These sweeping changes are affecting every industry, and online casinos are no exception. But what does this new technology mean for the future of gaming?
Nina Olsenberg, our expert here on the gambling industry in Norway, tells us all about this innovation. Keep reading to learn more about this new technology and how it may impact a Norsk casino.
What is Cloud Gaming?
Cloud-based games are a growing sector of the industry, expected to more than double in value over the next five years. But what is this new technology, and how does cloud gaming work?
An easy way to understand is by looking at a more standard cloud-based technology. Netflix, a service used daily by more than 80,000 users in Norway, operates on a similar principle. Rather than downloading each movie or show you want to watch to your device, Netflix hosts this data on its servers. Through this access, your device acts as a mirror for the content hosted on Netflix’s servers.
Cloud gaming takes this approach and applies it to interactive entertainment. Old games relied on users’ devices, having the technical specifications required to run the program. It also put the burden of installing the software on the user, creating a delay between purchasing and playing.
A cloud video game offers a more streamlined experience. Any compatible device can access the game on the provider’s servers and start playing immediately.
Cloud Gaming and Online Casinos
This new way of playing does bring some challenges. While a movie is an individual experience that is the same for every viewer, games are interactive experiences. Every change the player makes to the game must be communicated to the server hosting the game.
For multiplayer games that require split-second reactions, the latency caused by this constant exchange of data can be a challenge in delivering a quality experience.
However, cloud gaming is well suited for online casinos. For one, the less restrictive hardware requirements for a casino cloud video game mean almost any device is compatible. Casino games also don’t require the same real-time server updates other multiplayer games do. Any minor latencies in communicating with the cloud server are unlikely to affect the player’s experience.
The constant connectivity of cloud technology gives casinos new options to offer players. For example, cloud servers use data to keep sports betting odds and offers updated in real-time. This allows casinos to keep players up to date on their latest offers with a seamless connection.
What Does the Future Hold?
Although the technology is new, all signs indicate that cloud gaming is the future. Research shows that 80% of gamers who don’t currently play cloud-based games will play their first cloud video game within the next year. But what do these changes mean for the future of gaming?
Cloud technology allows casinos to give their players more options. Live-updated odds will enhance Norway’s most popular form of gambling: betting on football and horse racing. Other games can also use this capability, sending players up-to-the-minute offers from providers.
Along with these new features, cloud technology solves existing problems with casino gaming. Cloud servers can scale up or down depending on the demand at that moment, decreasing slowdowns on the player’s end even at the busiest times.
Casinos will be better equipped to backup, store, and retrieve data from the cloud to prevent data loss. This also increases customer security. The cloud encrypts any personal or financial information they provide.
Conclusion
Cloud technology is a quickly growing sector of the entertainment industry. It does face hurdles with connectivity and upload speeds for certain games. However, these issues don’t apply when it comes to casino gaming.
Cloud gaming allows providers to offer live services to players and also provides a more convenient and secure experience. With all these new changes and capabilities, the future of gaming is sure to be an exciting one.
