14 DAY TRIAL // Cloud computing can represent an important long-term boost for the Xbox One and the PlayStation 4, but both Microsoft and Sony need to make sure that they use the new technology right, according to Geoffrey Zatkin, the president of EEDAR.
He tells GamesIndustry.biz that the increase in game sizes for next-gen experiences means that gamers need to have easy access to their titles, even if they are not installed on their hard drive at all times.
He explains, “I think the cloud is going to be a really good solution but something to remember is that means you can't do offline play for that. We're very bullish on the cloud, but you still have 20 percent of America that has no internet access. That is a percent of the market.”
Microsoft has been especially vocal about the way its Azure cloud architecture can be used to improve the experience that gamers have with titles like Titanfall or Forza 5.
It has also been used to enhance the social aspects of the two platforms, and more features are promised by both Sony and Microsoft.
It will be interesting to see how the use of server-based tech increases as both the PlayStation 4 and the Xbox One mature.