Survey says: Cloud gaming a PC alternative, not replacement

August 6th, 2012

Last month, I asked you handsome devils to predict the future of cloud gaming, as it pertains to PC gaming in general. The poll was published in response to one cloud executive saying that local installs would soon be a thing of the past.

Here's how you voted:

1. 51% - It will be a viable alternative but not replacement for traditional PC gaming
2. 24% - It will flop—all hail local installs and no lag
3. 13% - It will dominate within 5 years
4. 11% - It will be a flash in the pan, like rhythm games
5. 1% - None of the above

As you can see, the majority view cloud gaming as an alternative way to play games, rather than a replacement for the preferred local game installs. 

The second group takes issue with cloud gaming performance, which is dependent on fiber-like connection speeds, geo redundancy, and compressed games to ensure as little jitters and lag as possible. 

The remaining 25% believe the service will dominate, be a flash in the pan, or something else entirely. What do you think of the poll results?

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