Amazon Web Services (AWS) has introduced GameLift Streams, a new service that allows game developers to stream their games directly to any device with a web browser. This technology enables players to enjoy high-quality gaming experiences without expensive hardware or lengthy downloads.
The new service supports streaming games at 1080p resolution and 60 frames per second, providing smooth gameplay across various devices including smartphones, tablets, PCs, and smart TVs. According to AWS, the games can be played on any device that supports WebRTC technology and modern browsers like Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari.
"With more than 750 million people playing games running on AWS every month, we have a long history of supporting the industry's game development," said Chris Lee, AWS head of immersive technology. "Amazon GameLift Streams can help the game industry transform billions of everyday devices around the world into gaming machines without rebuilding game code or managing your own infrastructure."
One of the key advantages of GameLift Streams is that developers don't need to modify their existing game code extensively or build their own streaming infrastructure. The service leverages AWS's global cloud network to deliver low-latency gameplay, making it possible to play resource-intensive games on devices that wouldn't normally support them.
GameLift Streams works with games running on Windows, Linux, and Proton runtimes, offering flexibility for developers using different operating systems. The service is currently available in several AWS regions, including US East (Ohio), US West (Oregon), Asia Pacific (Tokyo), and Europe (Frankfurt), with additional capacity in US East (Virginia) and Europe (Ireland).
Jackbox Games, known for casual games like "Quiplash" and "Fibbage," plans to use GameLift Streams to launch their own game-streaming service. Evan Jacover, Jackbox's technology chief, explained that while they had considered building their own streaming technology, they ultimately decided AWS's solution was more efficient.
The pricing model for GameLift Streams is based on the Nvidia graphics processing units that customers use and the storage needed for game data. Developers can choose from various GPU options to balance performance and cost, and the service allows them to scale their streaming capacity based on player demand, ensuring they only pay for what they need.
For game developers, this creates new opportunities to reach players who might not have access to high-end gaming hardware. Players benefit by gaining instant access to games without downloads or installations, making gaming more accessible across different devices.
The service also provides tools for monitoring active streams and usage through the AWS console, helping developers track performance and manage their streaming infrastructure efficiently across multiple regions worldwide.
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