AWS has launched Amazon GameLift Streams, a new managed service that enables developers to stream games directly to WebRTC-enabled browsers at up to 1080p and 60fps. This provides near-instant gameplay for AAA, AA, and indie titles without downloads.
GameLift Streams simplifies game streaming by allowing developers to upload games built with various 3D engines to AWS, provision streaming capacity across six AWS regions (US East (Ohio), US West (Oregon), Asia Pacific (Tokyo),and Europe (Frankfurt), with additional capacity in US East (N. Virginia) and Europe (Ireland)), and immediately begin streaming. This eliminates the need for extensive code modifications and supports Windows, Linux, and Proton runtimes.
(Source: AWS News Blog Post on Amazon GameLift Streams)
The service opens opportunities for direct-to-player distribution, instant-play demos, secure playtesting, and expanded monetization. In an AWS press release, Chris Lee, general manager and head of Immersive Technology at AWS, stated:
Amazon GameLift Streams can help the game industry transform billions of everyday devices worldwide into gaming machines without rebuilding game code or managing your own infrastructure.
Developers can use the Amazon GameLift Streams SDK to integrate streaming with existing services and scale capacity based on demand.
Key features include:
- High-Fidelity Streaming: Supports up to 1080p resolution and 60 frames per second.
- Broad Device Compatibility: Accessible on PCs, phones, tablets, smart TVs, and any device with a WebRTC-enabled browser.
- Simplified Deployment: Upload games to AWS and start streaming with minimal code modifications.
- Scalable Infrastructure: Dynamically scale streaming capacity to match player demand.
- Direct-to-Player Distribution: Create new distribution channels and engage players directly.
- Instant-Play Demos: Offer playable demos on websites, ads, and live streams.
- Accelerated Playtesting: Stream game builds to testers for faster feedback and reduced security risks.
- Virtual World Streaming: Enables streaming of immersive virtual worlds built around game universes.
- Runtime Support: Supports Windows, Linux, and Proton-based games.
Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc., Jackbox Games, Ludeo, and Xsolla are early adopters. Ludeo reported a fivefold increase in engagement with GameLift Streams demos.
However, pricing concerns were raised on Reddit, with one user stating, "How's anyone going to afford this? The pricing is extremely high unless you somehow expect to roll your own game streaming service. Better not be too generous with free trials."
Amazon GameLift Streams is a new capability of Amazon GameLift, including Amazon GameLift Servers, used by industry leaders like Ubisoft, Zynga, WB Games, and Meta.
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