Cloud gaming… Is not going to take off… Until latency is unnoticeable by users.
Even turn-based and other game types that don’t require twitch reactions aren’t going to be enjoyable with input latency that is obvious to the user.
I sincerely believe that cloud gaming engines are going to have to be developed, such that the entire video frames aren’t being pulled from the cloud, and peripheral input is a first class citizen on fast networks like PON and 5G.
A native Xbox Series X test running at 60Hz gets an 85ms average - from a trigger pull to the first flash of gunfire. Xbox is far off a native PC result, which comes in at just 49ms. And the big surprise is that GeForce Now using the PC app beats a local Xbox Series X in latency, coming in at 81.7ms - while a Shield test is comparable to Xbox at 86ms.
https://www.eurogamer.net/digitalfoundry-2022-geforce-now-rt...
It will never cease to amaze me how consistently far behind HN’s user base is on this topic, the average 20 something service worker will watch a movie like Dune on an illegal streaming site through their cracked phone screen in 720p, but we’re actually entertaining the idea non-PC native latency is a requirement for playing video games without spending >$500-$3k.
The market for these services is slightly larger and more diverse than the folks currently running 4K@144hz setups.
You will see the same bias when talking about game development, it is all about FOSS and portable APIs over here, when driking bears at GDC(E) it is all about IP, publisher deals, raw platform features, and who cares about the portability versus getting that deal that puts one on the spotlight.
The communities couldn't be further appart in culture.
Doesn't matter how good the graphics or pricing is, if there's a delay between inputs you've certainly ruled out almost every multiplayer game and most single player games.