EA has launched the Cloud Gaming Technical Trial, a testing period that will give players the chance to test the company's upcoming cloud technology.
These trials, which will ensure EA games are ready to be streamed and played on any device, highlights the importance that EA places on the future of cloud gaming.
EA Sees Cloud Gaming In The Future
In a new blog post published on Medium, EA chief technology officer Ken Moss explained that the move is done to ensure that the company's games are ready for a future in cloud gaming.
The testing includes four HD games: FIFA 19, Titanfall 2, Need for Speed Rivals, and Unravel. During this period, EA will collect feedback on the service's performance and quality across different network conditions. For the players to enjoy a premium gaming experience, it's important that the visuals, audio, and accuracy are seamless.
"Over the last decade, latency and jitter have made cloud gaming a non-starter for any serious gamer," Moss said in the blog post. "But now that the global cloud infrastructure is finally reaching ubiquity, EA is working on leveraging AWS and the public cloud so that we can deploy as close to the players as possible, even in the face of unstable networks and changes in bandwidth. This player test will help us to better understand how our games perform across real-life scenarios."
He pointed out that one of the most exciting features of cloud gaming is that players would be able to play HD games interactively in a variety of devices, whether it's on a laptop, tablet, or smart TV. It would even be possible to continue a game on the smartphone when they're on the go.
Players who are involved in the cloud gaming trial can engage with the live PC environment in Origin. After the trial period, they will be able to test out their cross progression on the PC.
According to Moss, the company wants to be where the players are.
"We fully believe in more choices for our players, and connecting them to a world of play across more platforms and geographies," he said.
After all, he added, it's not a question of "if" but "when" cloud gaming is coming. At this point, EA is making sure that its games and services are ready for the future.
Players are invited to sign up for the chance to join the EA Cloud Gaming Technical Trial.
Google, Microsoft Also Working On Cloud-Based Gaming Services
EA isn't the only company that's gearing up for cloud gaming. By November, Google will launch Stadia, a game streaming service that will allow players to access their games console and PC games on any Chrome web browser, Chromecast Ultra TV dongle, or Pixel 3 smartphone. It will cost $130 for the hardware starter kit, which will come with a three-month premium service and a $10 monthly fee afterward.
There will be at least 31 games available on the service, including games by Ubisoft, Square Enix, Bethesda, and other developers.
Microsoft will also be testing their game streaming technology Project xCloud in Korea on October. SK Telecom will serve as the company's operating partner in Korea, supporting the service with its 5G network for a more seamless, immersive experience.
